Learn about what happened with the Dmitry Bivol herniated disc surgery below as he bids to comeback to boxing soon post injury in 2026.
First off, Bivol is the current undisputed light-heavyweight champion at 175 pounds and although he hasn’t fought David Benavidez yet, is still considered the main champion at the weight.
Here’s what we know how the Dmitry Bivol herniated disc surgery actually went and where he is at:
e are 10 facts with shorter sentences:
- Surgery date: Bivol had herniated disc surgery in August 2025.
- Injury history: His back problem lasted nearly 10 years and worsened over time.
- Surgery result: Bivol said “Everything went well and I’m feeling much better”.
- Recovery window: Doctors gave him 6-8 weeks before training again.
- Rehab length: He did a 6-week rehab program in St. Petersburg and Dubai.
- Daily therapy: Rehab included ∼2 hours of therapy per day.
- Training plan: After rehab, he eased back into boxing training for early 2026.
- Comeback date: He returns on May 30, 2026.
- Comeback opponent: He faces IBF mandatory Michael Eifert.
- Fight location: The bout is at UMMC Arena, Ekaterinburg, Russia
He’s back this month and although he is expected to win, that was a serious surgery and rehab he’s coming back from.
There’s no telling how he will react on the night the first time it is put to the test with live punches flying in at him.
Overall, the Dmitry Bivol herniated disc surgery appears to have been a success based on his training so far.
His training shows him boxing well on the pads and in the gym and he is sparring well.
If he wins this month, there should be a mega match next for Bivol later this year.
That said, who knows what fights he will be in.
For now, Bivol remains in our pound for pound top 10 boxing rankings currently.
