Benavidez (32-0, 26 KOs) moved up to cruiserweight in May and captured the WBA and WBO belts with a dominant victory over Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. The win made the Phoenix native a three-division world champion and added two major titles to the WBC light heavyweight belt he already owns.

Mikaelian (28-3, 12 KOs) reclaimed the WBC cruiserweight title in December when he defeated Badou Jack in their rematch. The Armenian-born fighter has won six straight bouts since suffering a loss to Mairis Briedis in 2018.

The fight would also represent the biggest opportunity of Mikaelian’s career, with a victory dramatically reshaping the cruiserweight division landscape going forward.

A unification between Benavidez and Mikaelian would crown an undisputed-style frontrunner in the division, with the winner holding three of the four major world titles.

The reported negotiations come after discussions between representatives of both fighters, including longtime promoter Don King, who promotes Mikaelian, and members of Benavidez’s team.

No date or venue has been announced. Benavidez last fought on May 2, while Mikaelian has not competed since defeating Jack on December 14, 2025.