Jake Paul to box Cedric Doumbe in Dubai on 24 Dec
Jake Paul will return to the ring against French MMA fighter Cedric Doumbe in an eight-round cruiserweight bout on 24 Dec at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, according to Paul's announcement. The fight is Paul's first since Anthony Joshua stopped him in the sixth round in December 2025, a loss that broke Paul's jaw in two places. Paul, now 12 wins and 2 losses with seven knockouts, had said in May that his career was in doubt. Doumbe is a former two-time kickboxing world champion. The bout was set under a co-operation agreement between Paul's company MVP and Dubai's sports and tourism authorities, and Khalfan Belhoul, vice chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, said it adds to the city's growing calendar of international events. Tickets go on sale on 2 Nov.
Key facts
- Paul and Doumbe will meet the media in Paris on 10 Nov and in Dubai on 12 Nov.
- The contest uses 200lb cruiserweight limits and 10oz gloves.
- Doumbe's professional MMA record is 6 wins and 1 loss, with one boxing win.
- Doumbe is signed to the Professional Fighters League, which merged with Paul's promotion in July.
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Why it matters
Paul's return follows a broken jaw and a 12-month break, and adds to Dubai's sports calendar.
What changed
First published from The National, Sky Sports, Yahoo Sports, The Independent and CNA