Jake Paul returns to boxing to face Cédric Doumbé in Dubai

Jake Paul announced his return to professional boxing on Monday, November 2, 2026. The American internet celebrity will face French fighter Cédric Doumbé on Thursday, December 24, at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The bout is organized by Most Valuable Promotions and scheduled for eight rounds in the cruiserweight division with a 200-pound limit. It will be Paul's first professional appearance in Dubai.

“Doumbé feels like the first sign of sobriety after a six-year bender.”

Paul returns after a heavy defeat to British boxer Anthony Joshua in December 2025, during which Joshua broke his jaw. Doumbé, a 34-year-old born in Cameroon, is a former two-time GLORY welterweight kickboxing champion and a mixed martial artist.

Doumbé currently competes in the Professional Fighters League welterweight division and holds the record for the most title defenses in that kickboxing division. His experience in traditional boxing is nearly nonexistent.

This fight marks Doumbé's definitive jump to professional boxing. Paul's team has not yet commented on the matchup beyond the initial announcement.

The event represents a shift back toward combat sports competition for Paul following his loss to Joshua.