Kubrat “The Cobra” Pulev and Murat “Iron” Gassiev will face off on December 12, 2025, at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium in the United Arab Emirates, in a fight for the WBA heavyweight world title. It is a 12-round bout between two boxers with extensive experience and respectable punching power, on a global stage that combines sporting prestige with strong media interest.
A WBA world title is at stake
The Pulev vs. Gassiev fight comes under the WBA banner, with a world title on the line and the winner obligated to subsequently face mandatory challenger Moses Itauma. While the exact details of the belt version (Regular, World, etc.) vary according to the organization’s regulations, the key point is that the victor will leave Dubai as the WBA heavyweight champion, with their immediate future already determined by that mandatory defense.
The event is part of the IBA Pro 13, an ambitious card organized in Dubai that aims to solidify the city as a major hub for elite boxing. These kinds of events reinforce the appeal of the Middle Eastern market for high-profile fights and fuel a constant flow of news and content on specialized boxing, betting, and prediction platforms.
Kubrat Pulev’s Profile
Kubrat Pulev, a 44-year-old Bulgarian, enters the fight with a professional record of 32 wins and 3 losses, with 14 victories by knockout. He is a heavyweight veteran with extensive world title experience, having shared the ring with figures like Wladimir Klitschko and Anthony Joshua in previous title fights. His style is characterized by a heavy jab, good ring awareness, and a technical approach that prioritizes distance and pacing control.
Standing 6’4″ (1.94 m) tall with a wingspan of nearly 6’8″ (2.02 m), Pulev typically fights from the outside, using his jab to keep his opponent at bay before landing his straight right. He comes into this bout on a winning streak and with the added motivation of becoming a WBA world champion in the twilight of his career, one of the most important challenges he has yet to face.
Murat Gassiev’s Profile
Murat Gassiev, for his part, is an explosive puncher who rose to fame as the cruiserweight champion before moving up to heavyweight in 2019. He boasts a record of 32 wins and 2 losses, with 25 knockouts, highlighting his punching power. At 32 years old, he enters this fight in his prime, having secured a string of knockout victories against opponents like Kem Ljungquist and Jeremiah Milton, solidifying his status as one of the most feared knockout artists in the division.
Shorter than Pulev, but very compact and strong, Gassiev bases much of his success on his ability to close the distance, punish the body, and unleash powerful combinations, especially his hooks to the torso and head. His stated goal is to become the first Russian WBA heavyweight world champion since Alexander Povetkin, who reigned from 2011 to 2013.
Opposing styles
On paper, the fight presents a classic clash of styles. Pulev will look to prolong the fight, relying on his jab to disrupt Gassiev’s advance, forcing him to reset his attacks and preventing him from establishing a solid footing to unleash his power punches. Intelligent use of the clinch and control of the mid-to-long range will be key for the veteran Bulgarian.
Gassiev, on the other hand, will have to work to avoid Pulev’s jab without taking too much punishment. His plan involves advancing from behind a high guard, combining small head movements with angled steps to close the ring, investing early in body shots, and wearing down the legs of an opponent who is over 40 years old. If he manages to slow Pulev’s movement, he can increase his chances of finishing the fight before the final bell thanks to his punching power.
The age difference is one of the most discussed factors in the lead-up to the fight. At 44, Pulev remains competitive, but his margin for error against a puncher like Gassiev is minimal. Body shots and constant pressure could take their toll on his stamina as the rounds progress, especially if the fight is fought at a high pace.
On the other side, Gassiev comes in with the advantage of youth and a recent record marked by decisive knockouts, but also with the challenge of facing an experienced opponent who knows how to survive long fights and how to take the initiative through technique. The balance between the Russian’s physical freshness and the Bulgarian’s tactical experience will be crucial when interpreting any pre-fight predictions.
The Winner’s Path
The winner of Pulev vs. Gassiev will not only take home a WBA world title, but will also automatically be in line to face mandatory challenger Moses Itauma. This scenario adds extra weight to the fight, as the bout in Dubai becomes the first step in a stretch of the calendar that could define the top of the WBA heavyweight rankings in the short term.
For Pulev, winning would mean culminating a long career with a prestigious world title, reinforcing his legacy as one of the best European heavyweights of his generation. For Gassiev, it would definitively solidify his transition from cruiserweight to heavyweight and open the door to other high-profile fights against established names in the division.
Expectations
Among fans, the fight is perceived as an evenly matched contest, with a slight tendency to favor Gassiev’s power over Pulev’s experience. Debates center on whether the Bulgarian can maintain control from a distance for 12 rounds or if the Russian will ultimately impose his power at some point in the fight. The question of Pulev’s ability to absorb punishment at this stage of his career is also a recurring theme.
At the same time, many fans see this bout as an opportunity to clarify the WBA’s standings in a division with multiple belts and contenders. The outcome will directly influence future negotiations, television deals, and potential unification bouts, as well as how rankings and specialized news outlets will reshuffle their lists after the event.
Kubrat Pulev vs. Murat Gassiev is more than just a fight between two veteran heavyweights in their prime: it’s a generational clash within the elite, with a WBA world title on the line and a mandatory defense already looming. The clash of styles, the Dubai stage, and the implications for the top of the heavyweight division make this bout one of the most intriguing matchups on the upcoming calendar.
For Pulev, the night could represent the ultimate crowning achievement of a high-level career. For Gassiev, it could be the definitive step toward full recognition as a world heavyweight champion. In either case, the result will have immediate repercussions on the heavyweight scene and will continue to generate debate, analysis, and new predictions long after the final bell rings.
