Witness the highly anticipated boxing match between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol live from Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. MMA Fighting will provide round-by-round updates on Saturday night.
The main event is scheduled to start around 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+. Stay tuned to our Beterbiev vs. Bivol results page for updates on the undercard.
Artur Beterbiev (20-0) holds the titles of WBO, IBF, and WBC light heavyweight champion. Beterbiev’s last fight was a knockout victory over Callum Smith in January.
Dmitry Bivol (23-0) is the current WBA light heavyweight champion. Bivol secured a knockout win over Malik Zinad in June.
Follow the Beterbiev vs. Bivol live blog for round-by-round updates below:
Prefight: The fighters are getting ready for the action to begin!
While the ESPN+ broadcast analyzes the fight, DAZN is treating viewers to a performance by Ciara, Busta Rhymes, and Missy Elliott. The fight is about to start!
The mini-concert has concluded. The fighters will be making their walkouts shortly.
Walkouts: Beterbiev makes his entrance first, looking focused in a white t-shirt and black shorts. Bivol follows in a blue robe with matching shorts and gloves.
Both fighters are in the ring, ready to begin the bout.
Round 1: The action kicks off with Bivol using his jab effectively. Beterbiev is cautious, testing his opponent’s defenses. Both fighters are feeling each other out in the early exchanges.
A patient start from both fighters, with Bivol landing a 1-2 combination towards the end of the round. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 in favor of Bivol.
Round 2: Bivol continues to control the pace with his jab, while Beterbiev looks for openings. Beterbiev lands a good left hook towards the end of the round.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 in favor of Bivol, leading 20-18 overall.
Round 3: Beterbiev picks up the pace, landing shots to the body. Bivol counters effectively, but Beterbiev’s pressure is noticeable.
Beterbiev lands a solid right hand, forcing Bivol to retreat. The round ends with both fighters exchanging combinations.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 in favor of Beterbiev, trailing 29-28 overall.
Round 4: Bivol finds success with his counters, landing combinations on Beterbiev. Beterbiev responds with his own shots, but Bivol’s movement keeps him at bay.
Bivol’s strategic changes keep Beterbiev off balance. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 in favor of Bivol, extending his lead to 39-37.
Round 5: Bivol starts the round aggressively, leading to exchanges in the center of the ring. Beterbiev struggles to land his power shots.
A big jab from Beterbiev catches Bivol off guard, leading to a strong finish for Beterbiev in the round.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 in favor of Beterbiev, narrowing the gap to 48-47 in favor of Bivol.
Round 6:
Round 7:
Round 8:
Round 9:
Round 10:
Round 11:
Round 12: