In a sport where rivalries often fizzle before they conclude, the Dmitry Bivol–Artur Beterbiev saga is refusing to go quietly into the night. One win each. Two gripping 12-round chess matches. And an entire light-heavyweight division hanging in the balance. Their last encounter in February gave us a fleeting glimpse of clarity. Bivol walked away with all four belts, but that was short-lived. Thanks to WBC politics and a reshuffling of gold, the undisputed didn’t last long. David Benavidez now holds the green strap, but ask around, and most will still point to the Tokmak technician as the rightful king at 175 lbs.

But where promoters and sanctioning bodies stalled, a new figure has burst through the negotiating fog: IBA President Umar Kremlev. Known for steering the amateur ship at the International Boxing Association, Kremlev is now elbowing into professional waters, bringing not just ambition, but apparent logistical firepower. Reports suggest he’s already locked horns with Russian officials to bring the trilogy fight to home soil for both fighters.

And now? He’s making it very public. On July 24, Kremlev lit up Instagram and Twitter with a not-so-subtle message, declaring in full: “Are you waiting for a fight in Russia? Will it take place? Who will win? All conditions have been created, we are waiting for the boxers’ agreement!” That quote—shared by @SourceofBoxing—dropped alongside a teaser image of Bivol vs. Beterbiev 3, stamped with the word “Russia” and icy visuals of both men ready for war.

Meanwhile, the man with thunder in his fists—21 wins, 20 of them brutal finishes—hasn’t taken the loss lightly. Artur Beterbiev, the Dagestani destroyer, has been vocal about wanting the trilogy. According to a July 25 report by journalist Oscar Pick, the 40-year-old veteran has continued to push for the fight, “urging his light-heavyweight rival to sign on the dotted line.”

So while contracts aren’t inked yet, the infrastructure appears to be there. Kremlev’s message isn’t just a whisper—it’s a callout. 

Dmitry Bivol says Khabib Nurmagomedov would dominate him in a street fight.

In an interview posted on the yuka_mma YouTube Channel, Dmitry Bivol—WBA light heavyweight boxing champion—shared his thoughts on a fantasy scenario: a street fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov. While Bivol is no stranger to combat, he didn’t hesitate to tip his hat to the former UFC lightweight king. “To be honest, MMA is closer to a street fight. No point in hiding it,” he said with a laugh. His humility struck a chord with fans across both sports.

The Russian tactician went on to highlight the fundamental difference in combat mechanics. Boxing, with its precision footwork and head movement, thrives in a regulated ring. But out in the chaos of a “no-rules” scenario, Bivol acknowledged that wrestling reigns supreme—and Nurmagomedov’s brand of smothering grappling would likely neutralize any punch he could throw. It was a rare admission from a world champion striker, but one grounded in reality.

Social media response to Bivol’s humble admission was swift and spirited. One Redditor commented: “This is his time… Don’t treat him like some lightweight can beat him easily,” referencing Khabib’s composure in retirement—and Bivol acknowledged the clear grappling gap.

Of course, both men have carved out legacies in their own right. Bivol is riding high after avenging his lone career loss against Artur Beterbiev in February 2025, winning a razor-thin majority decision to capture undisputed status in Riyadh. Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov remains undefeated at 29-0, having retired from active MMA competition in 2020. He now focuses on coaching his protégé, Islam Makhachev, and has hinted at stepping away from the sport once his circle of students retires.