“I Want Beterbiev or Bivol Next”: David Benavidez Outlines His 2026 Plan After His Title Defense Against Anthony Yarde in Saudi Arabia

David Benavidez says he wants to fight Artur Beterbiev or Dmitry Bivol next after he defends his WBC light heavyweight title against Anthony Yarde on November 22, 2025, at the ANB Arena in Riyadh.

Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) couldn’t get the fight that he wanted against Canelo Alvarez. He’s not interested in moving down to 168 to face Terence Crawford for his four belts, and the feeling is mutual on his part.

Benavidez Sets His Sights on Beterbiev

“What else is there for me left? In my opinion, a fight with Beterbiev or Bivol is next,” said David Benavidez to Fight Hub TV. “The fights that I want are Beterbiev and Bivol just because I want to challenge myself. I want to be the best without a doubt.”

Artur Beterbiev would probably be Benavidez’s best bet for a fight, given that Bivol already vacated his WBA title when he was ordered to defend against him. That move showed that Bivol didn’t fancy the fight against him.

One problem that could get in the way of Benavidez fighting Artur is his frequent injuries. He’s 41 on January 26, 2026, and it’s starting to become a problem for him to get hurt while training.

Zurdo Ramirez Becomes Plan B

“If I can’t get that, then my plan is to get a fight against Zurdo Ramirez at cruiserweight. I’ve been held back because these other fighters don’t want to give me an opportunity, because they know what’s going to happen,” said Benavidez.

‘The Mexican Monster’ Benavidez added that he doesn’t see anyone else out there for Gilberto Ramirez to fight besides himself. He says that he’s a bigger name than IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, and he’s right. U.S fans are far more familiar with Benavidez than they are with the Australian Opetaia.

Ultimately, it may come down to whether Turki Alalshikh is willing to offer Zurdo Ramirez a higher salary to fight Benavidez rather than Opetaia.

Jai made it clear recently in an interview that he wants to become the undisputed champion at cruiserweight by defeating Zurdo Ramirez and Badou Jack. It shouldn’t matter to Opetaia whether he fights Ramirez or Benavidez for the belts, but perhaps it does.