Jake Paul is preparing for his return to professional boxing after a year away from competition, with former kickboxing world champion and PFL standout Cédric Doumbé confirmed as his next opponent.
The two combat sports personalities will meet on December 24 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in an eight-round professional cruiserweight contest. The bout will take place at a 200-pound limit, with both fighters using 10-ounce gloves.
The announcement, made by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) on November 2, sets up an intriguing matchup between an established professional boxer and a fighter whose reputation has been built around devastating striking and knockout power.
For Paul, the contest represents an opportunity to restart his career following a difficult defeat against Anthony Joshua. Doumbé, meanwhile, will return to professional boxing for the first time in more than a decade, looking to turn his success in kickboxing and mixed martial arts into another high-profile victory.
Jake Paul Looks to Rebuild After Anthony Joshua Defeat
Paul has not competed since December 2025, when he suffered the first knockout defeat of his professional boxing career against former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
The fight took place in Miami, with Joshua stopping Paul in the sixth round. The defeat came at a significant physical cost, as the American suffered fractures to his jaw in two places and subsequently required multiple surgeries.
Before that setback, Paul had established himself as one of boxing’s biggest commercial attractions. His professional record stands at 12 wins and two defeats, with seven victories coming by knockout.
His previous opponents included former UFC champions Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley, former MMA fighter Nate Diaz and boxing legend Mike Tyson. Paul also suffered a decision defeat against Tommy Fury in February 2023.
The Joshua fight, however, represented a considerable step up in opposition, with Paul facing a former heavyweight world champion with extensive experience against elite professional boxers.
His upcoming contest against Doumbé gives him an opportunity to return to winning ways, although questions surrounding his recovery will remain part of the build-up. Paul has openly acknowledged that he is still rusty and that his jaw has not completely recovered. Speaking about the matchup, he also highlighted the distinction between Doumbé’s kickboxing background and the rules of their upcoming contest.
Cédric Doumbé was calling me out two years ago after knocking some dude out in nine seconds. Well Doumbé, now you get your chance. I’m rusty, my jaw is janky and I don’t have kickboxing world titles like you do. But guess what, this isn’t kickboxing, mon ami. This is boxing. Paul said in a statement released by MVP.
Cédric Doumbé Brings an Impressive Knockout Record
Doumbé enters the contest with a reputation as one of the most accomplished kickboxers to transition into mixed martial arts. Born in Cameroon and raised in France, the 34-year-old enjoyed considerable success in GLORY, where he became a two-time welterweight world champion.
He finished his kickboxing career with a record of 75 wins, seven defeats and one draw, including 45 knockout victories. His performances established him as one of the leading striking specialists in European combat sports. Doumbé subsequently moved into MMA, where he quickly attracted attention for his finishing ability.
One of his most memorable performances came at PFL Europe 4 in September 2023. Facing Jordan Zebo in Paris, Doumbé needed just nine seconds to secure a knockout victory. The spectacular finish became one of the most talked-about moments in the promotion’s history, with French football star Kylian Mbappé among the spectators.
Doumbé currently holds a professional MMA record of six wins and one defeat, with all six victories coming by knockout. His last recorded MMA appearance was against Jaleel Willis in May 2024, when he secured a first-round TKO victory.
Despite his extensive experience in kickboxing and MMA, Doumbé has limited professional boxing experience. His record stands at 1-0, with his only professional boxing appearance coming in 2015.
The contest against Paul will therefore represent a major opportunity to demonstrate how his striking skills translate into a dedicated boxing environment. Doumbé has already made his intentions clear, promising to finish what Joshua started against the American.
Jake Paul calls himself the Problem Child, but he’s never faced a problem like me. He has no idea what a Frenchman is capable of, and on Thursday, December 24 in Dubai, I’m going to eat ‘El Poulet’ for dinner. Doumbé said.
Why the Jake Paul vs Cédric Doumbé Matchup Is Interesting
The biggest talking point surrounding the contest is the difference in the fighters’ experience under boxing rules.
Paul has spent several years developing his professional boxing career and has competed against a range of opponents with backgrounds in both boxing and MMA. While his record includes notable victories, the Joshua defeat exposed the challenge of competing against an established heavyweight boxer.
Doumbé possesses significantly more experience in kickboxing, but that background does not automatically translate into success in professional boxing.
Kickboxing allows a wider range of offensive techniques, including kicks and knees, while boxing places greater emphasis on punching combinations, defensive positioning, head movement and ring control.
The transition will therefore require Doumbé to adapt his approach. His timing, speed and punching power could make him dangerous, but he will need to demonstrate that his boxing fundamentals are developed enough to compete effectively against Paul.
There is also the question of activity. Doumbé has not competed professionally in MMA since May 2024, while his previous boxing appearance came in 2015. Paul, despite his lengthy absence, has considerably more recent experience in the boxing ring.
The physical conditions of the matchup will also be important. Both men will compete at a 200-pound cruiserweight limit, meaning Doumbé will face an opponent who has spent much of his recent career preparing specifically for professional boxing.
Dubai Showdown Set for December 24
MVP has confirmed that the contest will take place at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai as part of its expanding international boxing schedule.
The promotion has also scheduled press conferences in Paris on November 10 and Dubai on November 12. Both appearances will give the fighters an opportunity to promote the contest and face each other before fight night.
The event is being organised through a partnership involving Most Valuable Promotions, Dubai Sports Council and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism. For Paul, the December 24 contest represents an important opportunity to return following the most damaging defeat of his professional career. A victory would help him regain momentum, while another setback would raise further questions about his ambitions in professional boxing.
Doumbé, meanwhile, has the opportunity to turn his reputation as a knockout specialist into international recognition beyond the kickboxing and MMA communities.
The French-Cameroonian fighter has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to finish opponents, but boxing presents a different set of challenges.
With both competitors known for their outspoken personalities and confidence, the promotional build-up could become a major part of the event’s appeal.
The fight is officially scheduled, and the attention will now turn to whether Doumbé can translate his striking success into boxing or whether Paul can use his professional boxing experience to secure a comeback victory.
