A third fight between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev is reportedly being discussed, with Russia now mentioned as a possible host for the trilogy. The matchup would complete one of the biggest modern light heavyweight rivalries, especially after Beterbiev won the first fight and Bivol answered back with a majority decision victory in February 2025.
According to the reports being circulated, both fighters could be offered around $20 million each, with Russian sources pushing to stage the fight in Russia.
The possible trilogy also matters for David Benavidez. His team has been targeting Bivol as the main option, with Beterbiev viewed as another major light heavyweight route if Bivol is unavailable. But if Bivol and Beterbiev move toward a third fight, Benavidez may be forced to look elsewhere.
Sean Zittel summed up Benavidez’s situation by saying: “Their number one and two options are Bivol for the title and then Beterbiev if they can't get Bivol. But if they're fighting each other, then you move on to cruiserweight for the WBC belt.”
That backup route already has shape, with the WBC ordering Benavidez as mandatory challenger for cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian. For now, though, the biggest story at 175lbs is clear: Bivol-Beterbiev III may be back in play, and Russia could be the stage if talks move forward.
Image Credit: BBC