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Jake Paul is set to return to the boxing ring on Christmas Eve, with the YouTuber-turned-boxer announcing former GLORY kickboxing champion and PFL star Cédric Doumbé as his next opponent.
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) officially announced the matchup on November 2. Paul and Doumbé will meet in an eight-round professional cruiserweight contest on December 24 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The fight will take place at a 200-pound limit, with both competitors wearing 10-ounce gloves. It marks Paul’s first appearance since suffering a sixth-round knockout defeat to former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in December 2025. The announcement brings together two of combat sports’ most outspoken personalities, with both fighters already exchanging verbal attacks ahead of their scheduled encounter.
Jake Paul Returns After Devastating Anthony Joshua Defeat
Paul enters the matchup looking to rebuild his boxing career following the toughest defeat of his professional journey. The American suffered a sixth-round knockout loss against Joshua in Miami on December 19, 2025. The defeat also resulted in a fractured jaw, with Paul subsequently undergoing two surgeries to repair the damage.
Before that setback, Paul had established himself as one of boxing’s biggest commercial attractions through victories over several high-profile opponents, including Mike Tyson, Nate Diaz, Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley. He currently holds a professional boxing record of 12 wins and two losses, with seven victories coming by knockout. His other defeat came against Tommy Fury in February 2023.
Paul had previously discussed returning to competition despite concerns surrounding his recovery. The Doumbé announcement now gives him a confirmed opponent and a date for his comeback.
However, the American has acknowledged that he is still rusty and that his jaw has not completely recovered. Speaking after the announcement, Paul took aim at his opponent while highlighting the difference between kickboxing and professional boxing.
“Cédric Doumbé was calling me out two years ago after knocking some dude out in nine seconds. Well Doumbé, now you get your chance. I’m rusty, my jaw is janky and I don’t have kickboxing world titles like you do. But guess what, this isn’t kickboxing mon ami. This is boxing,” Paul said.
Cédric Doumbé Gets Major Opportunity Against Jake Paul
Doumbé will enter the contest with an impressive combat sports résumé, having established himself as one of Europe’s most recognised striking specialists.
Born in Cameroon and raised in France, the 34-year-old enjoyed considerable success in kickboxing, winning two GLORY welterweight world championships. He accumulated a 75-7-1 record in the sport, including 45 knockout victories. He subsequently transitioned to mixed martial arts, where he quickly attracted attention for his finishing ability.
One of his most memorable performances came against Jordan Zebo at PFL Europe 4 in September 2023. Doumbé needed just nine seconds to knock out his opponent in Paris, producing one of the fastest and most memorable finishes in the promotion’s history. French football superstar Kylian Mbappé was among those watching from cageside.
Doumbé’s professional MMA record currently stands at 6-1, with all six victories coming by knockout. His last MMA appearance was against Jaleel Willis in May 2024, when he secured a first-round TKO victory under the Bellator banner.
He also has one professional boxing appearance on his record, defeating Mohamed Fodil on points in 2015. The upcoming contest against Paul therefore represents a return to professional boxing after more than a decade away from the discipline. Doumbé is confident that his striking experience and knockout power will translate into success against the American.
“Jake Paul calls himself the Problem Child, but he’s never faced a problem like me. He has no idea what a Frenchman is capable of, and on Thursday, December 24 in Dubai, I’m going to eat ‘El Poulet’ for dinner,” Doumbé said.
He also referenced Paul’s knockout defeat against Joshua, adding that he intended to finish the job the British heavyweight started.
Why Jake Paul vs Cédric Doumbé Is an Interesting Matchup
The contest presents an interesting contrast between two fighters who have built their reputations in different areas of combat sports.
Paul has spent the last several years developing his professional boxing career, taking on former MMA champions, established boxers and high-profile sporting personalities. His boxing experience includes a victory over former UFC heavyweight champion Anderson Silva and a high-profile contest against Mike Tyson.
Doumbé, meanwhile, brings an extensive kickboxing background and considerable experience competing under striking rules. His ability to generate knockout power has made him a major attraction in European combat sports.
However, the distinction between kickboxing and boxing will be important. Doumbé’s success in GLORY and MMA does not automatically translate into an advantage under professional boxing rules, where footwork, defensive positioning, punching combinations and ring control are particularly important.
Paul will also have to prove that he has recovered sufficiently from his jaw injury to compete at a high level. Both fighters have plenty to gain from the contest. A victory would provide Paul with an opportunity to move beyond the Joshua defeat, while Doumbé could significantly increase his international profile by beating one of boxing’s most commercially recognisable names.
Paris and Dubai Press Conferences Scheduled Ahead of Fight
MVP has also confirmed promotional appearances in Paris and Dubai ahead of the contest. The first kickoff press conference is scheduled for November 10 at Pavillon Cambon in Paris, followed by another appearance at Dubai Opera House on November 12.
Both events will be open to the public, giving fans an opportunity to see the fighters face each other before their December showdown. Broadcast arrangements and additional details about the event have not yet been announced.
For now, Paul vs Doumbé is officially scheduled for December 24 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. With both competitors already engaging in trash talk, the promotional build-up could become another major attraction in the weeks leading up to the fight.
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