Dmitry Bivol revealed he was worried about his back during his fight, as his previous surgery will require lifelong maintenance through specific exercises and stretching. He acknowledged feeling ring rust after 18 months away and said he was not at 100 percent. Bivol compared Michael Eifert's level to fighters like Lyndon Arthur and Malik Zinad, and stated he needs rest before considering his next opponent.
Dmitry Bivol opened up about the physical and mental challenges he navigated during his victory over Michael Eifert, admitting that concerns about his back and the effects of a lengthy layoff weighed on him throughout the fight.
The light heavyweight champion disclosed that a previous back surgery requires lifelong upkeep, with ongoing exercises and stretching necessary to manage the condition. He said the issue was on his mind during the bout, adding another layer of difficulty to a performance he himself acknowledged was not at his peak level.
Bivol also pointed to ring rust as a factor, noting that 18 months away from competition left him feeling less than 100 percent inside the ring. The time away, while necessary, clearly had an effect on his sharpness and rhythm as he returned to action against Eifert.
Why it matters
- Bivol's candid admission about his back surgery suggests the condition is a long-term management challenge, not a resolved issue, which could factor into future scheduling decisions.
- His assessment of Eifert, whom he compared to the level of Lyndon Arthur and Malik Zinad, signals he views the matchup as a stepping stone rather than a meaningful gauge of where he stands among the division's elite.
- After 18 months on the sidelines, questions about how quickly he can recapture top form will follow him into whatever matchup comes next.
Bivol indicated he intends to rest before turning his attention to his next opponent, giving no indication of who that might be or when he expects to return to competition.
