American YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul is set to return to the boxing ring on December 24, 2026, when he takes on former kickboxing world champion and mixed martial arts star Cédric Doumbé in a high-profile showdown in Dubai.
The bout, announced by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) on Monday, November 2, will take place at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, marking Paul’s first professional appearance in the United Arab Emirates.
The eight-round cruiserweight contest will be fought at a 200-pound limit, with both fighters wearing 10-ounce gloves.
The encounter will mark Paul’s return to competitive boxing nearly a year after suffering a devastating sixth-round knockout defeat to former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua in December 2025.
Paul, 29, sustained a fractured jaw in two places during the defeat and underwent multiple surgeries before announcing his intention to return to the ring.
He currently boasts a professional boxing record of 12 victories and two defeats, with seven wins coming by knockout. His other career loss came against British boxer Tommy Fury in February 2023.
Doumbé Brings Impressive Combat Sports Credentials
Born in Cameroon and raised in France, Doumbé is a two-time GLORY kickboxing world champion who has built an impressive reputation across combat sports.
The 34-year-old boasts a kickboxing record of 75 victories, seven defeats and one draw, including 45 knockouts.
He subsequently transitioned into mixed martial arts, where he has registered six victories in seven professional fights, with all six wins coming by knockout.
One of his most memorable performances came in September 2023, when he stopped Jordan Zebo in just nine seconds during a PFL Europe event in Paris.
Despite his extensive kickboxing and MMA experience, Doumbé has limited professional boxing experience, holding a 1-0 record following his victory over Mohamed Fodil in 2015.
The difference in boxing experience is expected to be one of the central talking points heading into the December encounter.
Fighters Exchange Verbal Jabs Ahead of Showdown
The announcement has already generated excitement, with both fighters exchanging verbal attacks.
Paul dismissed Doumbé’s kickboxing achievements, insisting that the upcoming contest would be determined by boxing ability rather than experience in other combat sports.
He also acknowledged that he was still recovering from the damage sustained against Joshua.
Doumbé, meanwhile, appeared confident about his chances, referencing Paul’s knockout defeat against Joshua and promising to complete the damage inflicted by the British heavyweight.
The fighters are scheduled to attend promotional press conferences in Paris on November 10 and Dubai on November 12.
Dubai Prepares for Major Boxing Event
The fight is being organised by Most Valuable Promotions in collaboration with Dubai Sports Council and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism.
The event further strengthens Dubai’s growing profile as a destination for major international combat sports competitions.
With Paul seeking to rebuild his boxing career following his first knockout defeat and Doumbé looking to establish himself against a globally recognised opponent, the Christmas Eve encounter promises to attract considerable international attention.
Broadcast arrangements and details of the undercard had not been announced at the time of the fight announcement.
