Jake Paul returns to ring in Dubai with high-stakes rematch of styles
The influencer-boxer faces a kickboxing specialist in a bout designed to erase his last year's jaw fracture and knockout loss.
By Naomi Tesfaye ·
Jake Paul returns to professional competition on December 24 in Dubai, facing former kickboxing world champion Cedric Doumbe.
This bout marks Paul's first fight since a sixth-round stoppage loss to Anthony Joshua in Miami last December. During that fight, Paul suffered fractures in two places on his jaw. He underwent multiple surgeries before announcing his return to the sport in October.
Paul currently holds a 12-2 professional record. His two career losses came against Tommy Fury and Joshua. Doumbe, a Cameroonian-born Frenchman, brings a 75-7-1 record in kickboxing with 45 knockouts. Since transitioning to mixed martial arts, Doumbe has won six of his seven fights.
Paul framed the matchup as a stylistic correction to a previous public taunt. Doumbe had challenged Paul two years ago after a nine-second knockout of Jordan Zebo in September 2023. Paul addressed this history directly in a statement.
“Cedric was calling me out two years ago after knocking a guy out in nine seconds. Well, now you get your chance,” Paul said. He added that while Doumbe possesses kickboxing world titles, the upcoming event in Dubai is boxing. Paul compared the expected outcome to how Oleksandr Usyk defeated Rico Verhoeven.
The fighters will meet the press at promotional events in Paris on November 10 and in Dubai on November 12.
