David Benavidez being lined up to face KO artist ‘beast’ this year

David Benavidez has been linked with a major opportunity, which could materialise later this year if Turki Alalshikh convinces both sides to reach an agreement.

‘The Mexican Monster’ comes off a star-making performance, dethroning Gilberto Ramirez earlier this month to become a three-division world champion.

He did so via a sixth-round stoppage at 200lbs, where, despite it being his first assignment at the weight, he managed to claim the WBO and WBA titles.

Since then, Benavidez has doubled down on his desire to face Dmitry Bivol, who must first defeat IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert on Saturday.

Should he emerge triumphant, as most expect him to, then Bivol would likely be open to an undisputed showdown with Benavidez, who still holds the WBC light-heavyweight title.

Alternatively, though, Benavidez could remain at cruiserweight and collide with Jai Opetaia, who comes off a dominant points victory over Brandon Glanton in March.

This happened to be the Australian’s first fight under Dana White’s promotional banner, which ultimately saw him claim the inaugural Zuffa belt after being stripped of his IBF world title.

Regardless of his championship status, however, Opetaia is widely considered the top dog at 200lbs, where it appears as though he is in talks for a Benavidez clash.

Taking to social media, the 30-year-old’s manager, Tasman Fighters, posted a picture of Opetaia and Alalshikh, including the headline: ‘Turki to make Opetaia vs Benavidez’.

Turki to unleash the #BEAST in 2026 👀 pic.twitter.com/FIoUnSgBk1

— Tasman Fighters (@tasmanfighters) May 25, 2026

In contrast, however, the father and trainer of ‘The Mexican Monster’ has suggested that Opetaia’s team is not returning his calls.