On the Inside The Ring show, Max Kellerman pointed out a common concern for fighters returning from similar procedures.
“Usually guys are not the same after back surgery,” Kellerman said.
That concern becomes more specific with Bivol, whose style relies heavily on footwork, spacing and constant in-and-out movement. Michael Coppinger highlighted that dependency while assessing the deal.
“That’s true, especially a guy in Bivol, who really uses that movement. He comes in like fencing in and out. He’s got to be at his,” Coppinger said, before noting that Eifert represents a credible test despite limited top-level experience.
The February 2025 rematch with Beterbiev was a career-defining victory for Bivol, but it clearly took a toll. Even though Bivol won the majority decision to go uncontested, that 12th round was a car crash. Taking that kind of fire at 34, then immediately going into major surgery for a 10-year-old injury often causes a “physical cliff.”
When a fighter relies on rhythm and jerk reflexes, like Bivol’s “screen” style, the margin for error is slim. If he has lost even 5% of his lateral speed, he becomes hittable.
Eifert’s best win came against former champion Jean Pascal in 2023, although Pascal was 40 at the time. Still, the mandatory post puts Bivol in a situation where he has to perform immediately after a surgery-related layoff.
“There are no good options when you have a bad back,” Kellerman added. “You have to look better against Eifert. Get rid of that rust to see how he can move around.”
Dmitry is expected to follow up a third fight with Artur Beterbiev or a fight with David Benavidez later this year, making his condition against Eifert an important early indicator.
Bivol won 24 of 25 fights by controlling distance and pace, and that style leaves little margin if his movement is compromised.
