Max Kellerman Says David Benavidez Is Too Big For Bivol

Bivol recently returned from a 15-month layoff and back surgery with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Michael Eifert. While discussing what could come next for both fighters, Max Kellerman argued that Benavidez may have already moved beyond the light heavyweight division.

“I got to be honest about Benavidez right now. I think he’s too big for those guys [Bivol and Beterbiev]. I think Benavidez got to look at Jai Opetaia,” Kellerman said on InsideRingShow.

Kellerman later expanded on that view, suggesting Benavidez has become a natural cruiserweight after his move up in weight.

“Benavidez is a 200-pounder,” Kellerman said.

The panel debated whether Bivol’s elite boxing ability could still offset Benavidez’s physical advantages. Mike Coppinger pointed to Bivol’s distance control and defensive skills, while Kellerman maintained that Benavidez’s size, youth, and punch output would present a different type of challenge.

Benavidez’s stock has climbed rapidly since his victory over Ramirez. Questions surrounded how his power and pressure would carry to cruiserweight, but many of those doubts disappeared after he stopped the former unified champion in six rounds.

For Kellerman, the more compelling discussion may no longer involve Bivol at all.

Rather than focusing on a return to 175 pounds, he suggested Benavidez should begin targeting the biggest names at cruiserweight, with Opetaia standing out as the fight that makes the most sense.