Kubrat Pulev Retains WBA Regular Heavyweight Title in Grueling Decision Over Murat Gassiev at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium in Dubai, UAE, hummed with heavyweight drama on December 12, 2025, as Kubrat Pulev defended his WBA Regular heavyweight title via unanimous decision (116-112, 115-113, 117-111) against Murat Gassiev in the main event of the IBA Pro 13 card. Pulev’s veteran savvy and reach advantage outworked Gassiev’s explosive power, marking a gritty voluntary defense despite a mandatory order for Moses Itauma. Aired live on IBA platforms and international streaming starting at 8:00 p.m. GST after prelims, the 12-round war sparked X frenzy, with @RingMagazine dubbing it “Pulev’s cobra strike in the desert.” Dubai’s opulent fight-week, with a 10,000-strong crowd amid luxury fan zones and Burj Khalifa illuminations, elevated this to a crossroads bout for the 200+ pound division, pitting Pulev’s experience against Gassiev’s cruiserweight pedigree.
Fight Overview
Pulev vs. Gassiev headlined the IBA Pro 13 main card at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, kicking off at 8:00 p.m. GST after undercard action at 5:00 p.m. GST. Slated for around 10:00 p.m. GST, the stakes were layered: Pulev, 44, made a voluntary defense to stay active, while 32-year-old Gassiev chased heavyweight momentum post his cruiserweight glory. Bet365 odds favored Pulev at -150, banking on his experience, with Gassiev at +130 as the KO threat. X hype called it a “veteran vs. prospect trap,” with @BadLeftHook posting, “Pulev’s reach vs. Gassiev’s bombs—Dubai delivers!” The 10,000 fans, buzzing from Epic Sports pressers and desert fan expos, fueled a global vibe. X polls leaned 55% toward Pulev’s guile, per @HeavyweightBoxing.
Kubrat Pulev
The 44-year-old from Sofia, Bulgaria, entered with a 32-3 record (14 KOs), orthodox at 6’4″ with an 84-inch reach. The “Cobra” averages 5.2 punches per round at 52% accuracy (Compubox), holding the belt since a 2024 win over Mahmoud Charr. Inactive since last December, X clips show him honing jabs under coach Borislav Georgiev. His 44% KO rate and durability make him a gatekeeper, with @BoxingScene tweeting, “Pulev’s at 44 but still slithers.”
Murat Gassiev
The 32-year-old from Vladikavkaz, Russia, sported a 32-2 record (25 KOs), orthodox at 6’0″ with an 80-inch reach. Ex-unified cruiserweight champ, he lands 6.8 power shots per round at 56% accuracy (Compubox), rebounding from a 2023 loss to Otto Wallin via 2025 KO of Kem Ljungquist. Training in Russia, X footage shows hook drills with coach Goichi “Sugar” Nagashima. @RingMag noted, “Gassiev’s +130 is KO value.”
The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown
Round 1: Dubai lights up as Pulev circles with his jab, using 4-inch reach to pepper Gassiev. Murat slips inside at 1:45, landing a hook, but Pulev counters with a right at 2:30, swelling Gassiev’s eye. Compubox: Pulev 28/50 to Gassiev’s 16/35. @IBABoxing scores 10-9 Pulev.
Round 2-3: Gassiev aggresses in Round 2, ripping a body shot at 0:50 that tests Pulev’s midsection. Pulev responds with volume, landing 32/55 in Round 3. Gassiev’s cut opens at 2:15. Scores 20-18 Pulev.
Round 4-6: Gassiev traps Pulev in Round 4, landing shorts at 1:20 (24 landed). Pulev outlands 75-62 over 5-6 with jabs; Round 6 cross wobbles Gassiev briefly. 10-9 Pulev each.
Round 7-9: Gassiev rallies Round 7, staggering Pulev with an uppercut at 1:30 (26 landed). Pulev reclaims in 8-9, using reach (42/70). Cut worsens on Gassiev. 10-9 Gassiev Round 7, Pulev 8-9.
Round 10-12: Pulev dominates 10-11 with body work (50/80), slowing Gassiev. Final round: Gassiev swings for KO, but Pulev’s 30 landed clinch it. Compubox: Pulev 210/400 (53%) to Gassiev’s 185/360 (51%). UD for Pulev.
Key Moments and Impact
Pulev’s Reach: 210/400 punches (53% accuracy) controlled distance, jabs key to survival. @BadLeftHook: “Cobra coils tight at 44.”
Gassiev’s Power: Round 7 stagger and 55 body shots threatened, 51% accuracy potent.
Fan Reaction: The 10,000 roared for Gassiev’s rally; X polls 58% Pulev.
Cut Impact: Gassiev’s eye cut impaired late, but he absorbed 5.8 per round with grit.
Post-Fight Analysis and Implications
Pulev, now 33-3, called out Itauma: “Mandatory next—I’m ready!” His defense nets $100,000 bonuses, 44% KO rate steady; age questions vs. youth linger.
Gassiev, 32-3, gracious: “Pulev’s craft won; I’ll crack heavyweights yet.” Power intact for tune-ups. Heavyweight swirls with Usyk, Fury, Joshua; winner faces Itauma per WBA.
Event Context and Dubai Atmosphere
IBA Pro 13 featured co-main UD by Moses Itauma over a prospect; 65% decisions added tech depth. Fans hyped by Epic galas; @RingMag: “Dubai’s heavyweight hub rises.” Streaming marked a 2025 IBA peak.
What’s Next?
Pulev eyes Itauma mandatory in 2026. Gassiev plots comeback vs. mid-tier. This Dubai grinder keeps Pulev relevant.
On December 12, 2025, Kubrat Pulev outpointed Murat Gassiev via UD, reach securing his WBA Regular strap amid stadium cheers. Guile sets Itauma clash, as heavyweight paths converge.
