Jake Paul vs Cedric Doumbe Confirmed for Christmas Eve Boxing Clash in Dubai

Jake Paul's boxing return now has an opponent. Most Valuable Promotions confirmed on November 2 that Paul will face French combat sports star Cedric Doumbe in an eight-round professional boxing match at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on December 24, 2026. The bout will be contested at a 200-pound cruiserweight limit with 10-ounce gloves, under boxing rules rather than the kickboxing code where Doumbe made his name. Paul has been out for a year after breaking his jaw against Anthony Joshua last December, undergoing surgery and a long recovery before announcing his Christmas Eve comeback. Doumbe, a two-time GLORY kickboxing world champion and PFL knockout artist, has not fought in MMA since 2024 and now crosses over for a boxing debut against one of the sport's biggest draws. Tickets go on sale on November 15, with free kickoff press conferences set for Paris on November 10 and Dubai on November 12, though a broadcaster is yet to be announced. Paul has said he is hungrier than ever; Doumbe's striking pedigree means this is no soft touch for a comeback.