Jake Paul to Face Cedric Doumbe in Cruiserweight Match in Dubai

Jake Paul Returns to Action Against Cedric Doumbe

Jake Paul is scheduled to make his return to the ring against former kickboxing world champion cedric doumbe on December 24 in Dubai, according to an announcement made by Most Valuable Promotions. The upcoming bout is set as an eight-round cruiserweight contest.

This upcoming fixture marks Paul's first appearance since a heavyweight defeat against Anthony Joshua in December, a fight in which Paul sustained a broken jaw. That injury, followed by subsequent surgeries in December and February, had placed some uncertainty around his boxing career through 2026.

Fighter Backgrounds and Career Records

Paul enters the matchup holding a boxing record of 12 wins and 2 losses with 7 knockouts. His career features various crossover bouts against prominent mixed martial artists and combat sports personalities, including wins over Mike Tyson in November 2024 and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in 2025.

On the opposing side, cedric doumbe stands as a prominent figure in French combat sports history. At 34 years old, he is a former two-time Glory world champion who holds a professional kickboxing record of 75-7-1, featuring 45 career knockouts. In mixed martial arts, he maintains a 6-1 record, which includes a notable 9-second knockout victory over Jordan Zébo under the PFL banner.

Upcoming Promotion and Expectations

Representatives from Most Valuable Promotions noted that cedric doumbe had spent several years calling for a matchup against Paul, making the timing of this holiday fixture appropriate. Both competitors are scheduled to appear at public news conferences in Paris and Dubai to promote the event.

While Paul acknowledged his opponent's extensive kickboxing accolades and admitted to feeling rusty following his recovery, he emphasized that the contest will be strictly under boxing rules. Meanwhile, cedric doumbe expressed confidence in his preparation and intends to target the physical toll of Paul's previous jaw injury.

Sources: ESPN, BBC, Yahoo Sports.