Murtazaliev will face Johan Gonzalez on December 12 as part of the Dmitry Bivol-Callum Smith undercard in Ekaterinburg, Russia, Murtazaliev's promoter Kathy Duva told The Ring.

Murtazaliev (23-1, 17 KOs) hasn't fought since suffering a majority decision defeat against Josh Kelly on January 31 in the United Kingdom. Murtazaliev and Kelly traded knockdowns in the fight, but it was "Pretty Boy" Kelly who prevailed on the cards in a competitive clash. In the process, the 33-year-old Murtazaliev failed to defend his 154-pound title for the first time following his impressive third-round demolition of Tim Tszyu in October 2024.

Gonzalez (36-6, 34 KOs) is a power-punching, 35-year-old Colombian who comes into the matchup against Murtazaliev having lost four of his last fights. He has however, fought top opposition like Jesus Ramos, Yoenis Tellez, Erislandy Lara and the undefeated Hebert Conceicao Sousa last time out in April. Gonzalez also picked up a March 2025 split decision win against former unified junior middleweight champion Jarrett Hurd, who retired after the fight.

Murtazaliev, a native of Grozny, Russia, is rated No. 7 by The Ring at 154 pounds.