When and where will Pulev vs Gassiev take place?

The fight is scheduled for Friday, December 12, 2025, at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

What title is on the line in Pulev vs Gassiev?

Pulev will defend his WBA 'Regular' / secondary heavyweight title against Murat Gassiev.

What are the fighters' records entering the bout?

Pulev enters with a record of 32-3 (14 KOs), while Gassiev is 32-2 (25 KOs).

Why is Pulev fighting Gassiev instead of the WBA mandatory challenger?

Although the WBA ordered Pulev to fight mandatory challenger Moses Itauma, Pulev’s camp opted for a voluntary defense against Gassiev, a move the WBA approved via a special permit.

What makes Gassiev a dangerous challenge for Pulev?

Gassiev is a former unified cruiserweight champion with serious punching power (25 KOs) and has rebuilt strength at heavyweight. His power and aggression pose a threat to the aging but experienced Pulev.

What’s at stake for both fighters in this heavyweight bout?

For Pulev, a successful defence secures his status in the heavyweight rankings and prolongs his WBA title run. For Gassiev, winning restores his standing as a heavyweight contender and puts him back in the title picture.

Will there be an undercard, and what series does this fight belong to?

Yes. The fight headlines an IBA Pro 13 show promoted by Epic Sports & Entertainment. Multiple bouts are scheduled on the full card along with the main event.

How can fans watch or stream Pulev vs Gassiev?

The fight will be available live on DAZN.

Kubrat Pulev Vs. Murat Gassiev Lands On DAZN This Friday, Live From Dubai

WBA heavyweight champion Kubrat Pulev (32-3, 14 KOs) has chosen to defend his belt against #12 Murat Gassiev (32-2, 25 KOs) on December 12 in Dubai, UAE. The IBA Pro 13 card starts at 2pm UK time (GMT) on Friday — that’s 9am ET / 6am PT in the USA — and the whole fight card will be live on DAZN.

The WBA had ordered Pulev, 44, to defend against #1 Moses Itauma after he failed to put a fight together with #2 Michael Hunter. However, Pulev and his team decided instead to face 14-year-old pro Gassiev in a fight that should be entertaining for as long as it lasts.

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Pulev defeated Mamoud Charr on December 7, 2024, by a 12-round unanimous decision to become the new belt-holder.

“I respect Murat Gassiev – he is a powerful and dangerous opponent – but I am ready, focused, and eager to give fans a great fight. I’m grateful to the IBA and Epic Sports for making this happen and can’t wait to step back into the ring,” said Pulev.

You ca’t rule out a win for Gassive because Pulev is slow and is up there in age. Although Gassiev is slow, he’s still a huge puncher, and that’s all it’ll take to defeat what’s left of Pulev.

The former IBF cruiserweight champion Gassiev was one of the top fighters in that weight class from 2016 to 2018. A loss to Oleksandr Usyk changed Murat’s career path. He gave up on the cruiserweight division and moved up to heavyweight. He hasn’t been the same fighter since his move up in weight.

Gassiev lost to Otto Wallin by a 12-round split decision on September 30, 2023. Losing to Wallin put things in perspective, showing Gassiev’s level. He did bounce back from that loss, defeating Kem Ljungquist and Jeremiah Milton. Those fighters are top-tier.

If Gassiev can defeat Pulev, he’ll revitalize his career and put himself in position for a lucrative rematch against Usyk or a fight against Moses Itauma. Obviously, the bigger payday would be against Usyk for all his belts. It’s unlikely that he’ll choose to face Gassiev due to the lack of interest fans would have in this fight.

How to Watch Pulev vs Gassiev

Stream: Live on DAZN
Date: Friday, December 12
Start time: card starts at 2pm UK time (GMT) on 12th December — that’s 9am ET / 6am PT in the USA.
Venue: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Dubai, UAE

Full IBA Pro 13 Fight Card (So Far)

Kubrat Pulev vs Murat Gassiev, WBA heavyweight world title
Bakhodur Usmonov vs Maxi Hughes, WBA lightweight title eliminator
Yoel Finol vs Shakhobidin Zoirov 2, IBA Pro world bantamweight title
Khariton Agrba vs Nerii Muñoz 2, WBA super-lightweight title eliminator
Vadim Musaev vs Tulani Mbenge, welterweights

About the Author

@James_theGrad

James_theGrad is a U.S. Navy veteran and a college graduate with a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and a graduate certificate in Human Resources from Brandman University (formerly Chapman University). A dedicated family man and longtime boxing fan, James brings a disciplined, levelheaded approach to covering the sport. His analysis draws on years of following fighters, matchmaking trends, and championship landscapes with the sharp eye of a committed student of the game. You can find him discussing boxing daily on Twitter/X at @James_theGrad.

Kubrat Pulev vs. Murat Gassiev lands on DAZN this Friday, live from Dubai

How to Watch Pulev vs Gassiev

Full IBA Pro 13 Fight Card (So Far)

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