Paul Books Doumbé For Christmas Eve Return

Jake Paul will step back into the ring for the first time since Anthony Joshua broke his jaw last year, facing Cédric Doumbé in Dubai on Dec. 24. The bout takes place at Coca-Cola Arena with an eight-round distance and a 200-pound weight limit, MMA Mania reports.

The size disparity between the two is notable. Paul last weighed in at 216.6 pounds, while Doumbé's most recent scale appearance showed 175.5. Doumbé brings minimal boxing experience to the matchup but owns significant credentials elsewhere — over 70 kickboxing bouts and a 6-1 mixed martial arts record. His lone professional boxing appearance produced a knockout. He last competed for Bellator in May 2024.

Trash Talk Heats Up Before Dubai Showdown

Paul referenced Doumbé's years-old callout in his promotional remarks. "Guess what, this isn't kickboxing mon ami," he said, according to MMA Mania. The YouTube star acknowledged his ring rust and the jaw damage from the Joshua loss but dismissed Doumbé's kickboxing pedigree as irrelevant in a boxing ring.

The Frenchman responded with equal fire, promising to finish what Joshua started in Miami. Doumbé said he plans to celebrate over Paul's body while waving the French flag, dedicating the performance to his home country.

Two promotional stops are scheduled before fight night — Paris on Nov. 10 at noon Eastern and Dubai on Nov. 12 at 9 a.m. Eastern. Tickets become available Nov. 15. A streaming platform has not been announced.

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• MMA Mania — Jake Paul handpicks smaller kickboxer who hasn’t fought in over two years for ‘blockbuster’ return on Christmas Eve