Opetaia Calls Out Benavidez After Vegas Knockout

Jai Opetaia stopped Noel Mikaelian in nine rounds Saturday night in Las Vegas and immediately called for a unification fight against David Benavidez.

The Australian won the vacant Regular WBA cruiserweight strap at the Zuffa Boxing event, adding to his existing Zuffa and The Ring titles, per MMA Mania. Benavidez, who holds the WBA super and WBO belts at 200 pounds, entered the ring afterward despite Dana White reportedly asking him not to. The two men agreed in principle to meet on Cinco de Mayo weekend in 2027 in Vegas.

Garcia Stops Benn, Eyes Lopez Next

In the main event, Ryan Garcia knocked out Conor Benn in the second round to defend his WBC welterweight title. The finish came via a massive right hand that put the Zuffa Boxing signee on the canvas. Garcia then called for WBA super welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez, who attended the fight. Lopez was denied entry to the ring after the stoppage, which led to a tense exchange between the camps.

Benavidez praised Opetaia for taking the challenge. The Mexican power puncher has long been tagged as the most-avoided fighter in boxing and claimed Canelo Alvarez repeatedly ducked him. "The Mexican Monster" gave Opetaia credit for stepping up where others have not, according to the report.

If the Opetaia-Benavidez bout goes ahead, it would be one of the biggest fights Zuffa Boxing has made since launching its promotional arm. Politics and promotional hurdles remain, though Saturday's Garcia-Benn crossover showed the company can bridge those gaps when stakes are high enough.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — What’s next for Ryan Garcia, Jai Opetaia after big knockout wins in Las Vegas?