Dmitry Bivol achieved redemption early Sunday morning at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by overcoming Artur Beterbiev with a majority decision, clinching the undisputed light heavyweight championship. This highly anticipated rematch came 133 days after Beterbiev narrowly defeated Bivol in October.

The fight delivered thrilling action reminiscent of their first encounter, showcasing the dynamic between Bivol’s strategic finesse and Beterbiev’s knockout power.

Judges scored the contest 116-112 and 115-113 in favor of Bivol, while one judge scored it a draw at 114-114.

Reflecting on his win, Bivol remarked that he felt less pressure this time compared to their initial bout. He stated, “I didn’t feel the pressure as much this time. I just wanted to focus from the first round all the way through the 12th.” He further expressed, “I was more determined this time. I pushed myself harder, felt more confident, and really wanted this victory.”

After the two fighters spent 36 minutes in their initial matchup, each was well-acquainted with the other’s style. Bivol, now at 24 wins with 12 knockouts, made an early strategic shift by placing himself directly in front of Beterbiev, deviating from his usual movement-oriented approach. This adjustment paid off as Bivol delivered sharp jabs, effectively neutralizing Beterbiev’s powerful punches.

Despite Bivol’s early success, Beterbiev, at 40 years old, pressed on aggressively, forcing Bivol to maintain a relentless pace. Bivol found openings to connect with combinations, some getting through Beterbiev’s defense, although Beterbiev’s body shots began taking a toll on Bivol. In the fifth round, Beterbiev ramped up his attack, delivering powerful punches to Bivol’s body and head.

In the seventh round, Bivol regained his footing and began landing effective combinations behind his jab. A well-placed left hook in the eighth round caused Beterbiev to pause and reconsider his attacks. As Bivol sensed his opponent’s fatigue, he capitalized by landing clean punches in the center of the ring.

Bivol mentioned, “It was challenging to keep him away for the first four rounds. Then I noticed he was getting tired. I was also fatigued, but I had to be smarter and throw more clean punches, and I succeeded.”

As the fight progressed into the championship rounds, Bivol appeared rejuvenated, while Beterbiev sought to shift the fight’s momentum. However, Bivol’s technique and precision effectively thwarted Beterbiev’s advances.

Unlike their first clash, Bivol maintained a firmer grip on the match, working diligently to secure the win. In the final moments, Beterbiev landed a right hand that startled Bivol and caused a cut over his left eye. Nevertheless, Bivol skillfully controlled the clinch to avoid further damage.

Beterbiev commented on the outcome, stating, “I don’t want to debate the decision. Congratulations to Bivol.”

In contrast to their previous encounter, where Bivol narrowly won 142-137 in total punches landed, this time he dominated, landing 170 punches to Beterbiev’s 123 and outlanding his opponent in nine out of the twelve rounds.

With both fighters having split two tightly contested matches, speculation about a potential trilogy fight is growing. However, interim light heavyweight titleholder David Benavidez may also contend for the undisputed title, having solidified his status as next in line with a recent unanimous decision victory over David Morrell.

Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, was seen ringside signaling a potential trilogy matchup by holding up three fingers post-fight.

Beterbiev confirmed, “We’re going to have a third fight.”