Boxing Champion Dmitry Bivol Delivers Reality Check on Potential Islam Makhachev Fight

Unified light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol has downplayed prospects of a crossover boxing match against UFC champion Islam Makhachev. Bivol stated during a press conference that he intends to focus entirely on building his boxing legacy against fellow boxers for the next few years. While Makhachev recently confirmed holding preliminary boxing discussions with Turki Alalshikh, Bivol insisted he has no immediate interest in participating in crossover spectacles.

Bivol is next scheduled to defend his unified WBA, IBF, WBO, and Ring light heavyweight titles against Callum Smith on December 12 in Yekaterinburg, Russia. Meanwhile, the report notes other MMA champions, such as Sean Strickland, are exploring boxing ventures amid ongoing UFC contract negotiations.