After stopping Anthony Yarde in defense of his WBC 175-pound title in November, Benavidez revealed that he would be moving up in weight for his next fight. The 29-year-old declared that he will challenge WBO and WBA cruiserweight titleholder Gilberto Ramirez, although it hasn’t been officially announced.

However, according to Benavidez, his cruiserweight trip will be a short one.

“I’m a fight Zurdo Ramirez,” Benavidez said on the Danza Project. “Then we’re gonna come down, and we’re gonna make that fight with [Dmitry] Bivol. Then after that we’re gonna fight [Artur] Beterbiev.” Taking on those Russian monsters has been Benavidez’s No. 1 goal since entering the light heavyweight division in 2024.

Bivol was ordered by the WBC to face Benavidez after his victory over Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) in their rematch to become undisputed champion. However, Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) decided to drop that belt and pursue a trilogy against Beterbiev instead. Then that fight didn't happen, at least in part because Bivol had back surgery in August.

Benavidez (31-0, 25 KOs) believes the Russians will have no choice but to fight him eventually.

“Sooner or later," he said, "they’re gonna have to see me."