Jake Paul finally has an opponent for his Christmas Eve comeback. Most Valuable Promotions announced Monday that Paul will face former kickboxing world champion Cédric Doumbé on Dec. 24 at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. The professionally sanctioned cruiserweight bout is scheduled for eight three-minute rounds at 200 pounds with 10-ounce gloves.
The announcement fills in the biggest missing piece from Paul’s comeback plans. Last week, MVP confirmed the Dec. 24 date and Dubai location but did not name an opponent. Paul, 29, is 12-2 with seven knockouts and has not fought since Anthony Joshua stopped him in the sixth round in December 2025, leaving Paul with a jaw fractured in two places. Doumbé brings elite combat-sports credentials but limited traditional boxing experience: the 34-year-old is a former multi-time kickboxing world champion, owns a 6-1 MMA record with six knockouts and is 1-0 as a professional boxer.
That contrast will drive the matchup. Doumbé has far more high-level striking experience, while Paul has considerably more recent experience under professional boxing rules. MVP has scheduled kickoff press conferences for Nov. 10 in Paris and Nov. 12 in Dubai, giving the promotion two opportunities to build what should be a heavily personality-driven international event.