David Benavidez Slams Canelo-Mbilli: “Who Wants That?”

Benavidez questions matchup and pushes his case after Canelo vs Christian Mbilli announcement

David Benavidez criticized the announced Canelo Alvarez vs Christian Mbilli fight, questioning both the opponent and the appeal of the matchup. His reaction keeps the spotlight on his own push for a long-awaited fight with Canelo.

Benavidez dismissed the matchup outright and questioned its appeal, making it clear he sees little value in it compared to other options.

“They just announced it today. Who wants to see that? You guys want to see that?” Benavidez said to the media about the potential Canelo vs. Mbilli fight in September.

“I’m not trying to be a [expletive], bro. But at the end of the day, nobody wants to see that. Who is Mbilli?”

Benavidez comes across like he’s trying to delete Mbilli’s legitimacy. Even though Mbilli has the hardware, Benavidez is banking on the fact that casual fans don’t track belt rotations and will agree that the name doesn’t carry weight.

If Benavidez acknowledges Mbilli is the champion, he has to acknowledge that the fight makes sense on paper (Champion vs. #1 Contender). By pretending he doesn’t know who he is, he keeps the focus on the “Canelo is ducking me” narrative.

Benavidez pointed to another opponent he believes would have made more sense for Canelo, suggesting the decision says more about matchmaking direction than competition level.

“I think it would’ve been better if he fought Diego Pacheco. He’s way bigger,” he added.

The comments continue a long-running pattern with Benavidez, who has repeatedly called for a fight with Canelo but has been left out of those plans. His frustration showed again here, not just in the criticism of Mbilli, but he isn’t interested in watching from the outside anymore.

“I don’t want him [Canelo] to be at my fight. I want us to fight,” Benavidez said later when asked about crossover appearances.

Even while preparing for his own upcoming bout, Benavidez made it clear he still views himself as the more meaningful option at the top of the division. His stance hasn’t changed.

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