Murat Gassiev Flattens Kubrat Pulev

Murat Gassiev didn’t just knock out Kubrat Pulev — he ended the idea that Pulev could survive elite heavyweight power.

After being outjabbed early, the former cruiserweight champion waited patiently, then detonated a single left hook in the sixth round that dropped the WBA heavyweight titleholder flat on his back, ending the fight at 0:56 and flipping the division’s “safe champion” narrative on its head.

Gassiev Turns One Opening Into a Finish

For three rounds, Pulev controlled range with his jab and looked comfortable dictating pace. That comfort disappeared in the fourth when Gassiev finally closed the distance and snapped Pulev’s head back with a sharp combination against the ropes.

By the sixth, the pattern was set.

Pulev threw first. Gassiev countered clean. One left hook landed flush — and Pulev never recovered.

Referee Rafael Ramos completed the count as the Dubai crowd reacted in stunned silence.

Usmonov–Hughes Leaves More Questions Than Answers

The co-feature produced the night’s most controversial outcome.

Maxi Hughes banked the early rounds with body work and timing, while Bakhodur Usmonov rallied late with pressure and volume. Judges were split, awarding Usmonov a majority decision that immediately sparked debate.

Hughes appeared to control the first half of the fight. Usmonov owned the middle. The final two rounds decided everything — and not everyone agreed with how they were scored.

Notable Undercard Results

• Maimm Musaev Stave IBO Welterweight Champion Tulani mbemgi in three rounds, droping him twice with left hands.
• Khariton Agrba dominated Ruben Munoz over 12 rounds in a one-sided rematch, erasing memories of his previous loss.
• Daud Alaev forced a corner stoppage against Dave Penalosa after six rounds of sustained punishment.
• Artem Suslenkov remained unbeaten with a sixth-round heavyweight knockout of Stanley Wright.
• Estelle Mossely edged Ellen Simwaka in a gritty eight-round decision.
• Nico Ali Walsh recovered from a slow start to earn a unanimous decision over Jeremiah Sserwadda.