{
  "id": 17796077,
  "title": "Jake Paul to fight Cedric Doumbe in Dubai on Christmas Eve",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/jake-paul-to-fight-cedric-doumbe-in-dubai-on-christmas-eve-17796077",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-02T11:55:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/combat-sports/2026/11/02/jake-paul-to-fight-cedric-doumbe-in-dubai-on-christmas-eve/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "American social media personality Jake Paul will take on French mixed martial artist Cedric Doumbe in an eight-round cruiserweight boxing match at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on Christmas Eve. The fight marks Paul's highly anticipated return to the ring after a year-long hiatus, following a devastating loss to former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in December 2025, which left him with a double jaw fracture. Paul, a 29-year-old with a record of 12-2 and seven knockouts, has not competed since that fight but recently announced his intent to resume his career in the UAE following a cooperative agreement involving his company, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the Dubai Sports Council, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).\n\nPaul described the matchup as an opportunity to face a formidable opponent, noting that Doumbe, a former Glory kickboxing world champion with a 6-1 MMA record, had previously called out Paul after knocking out an opponent in nine seconds. Paul acknowledged his current condition, jokingly proclaiming his jaw's \"jankiness\" and lack of kickboxing world titles, but emphasized that this is a boxing match, not kickboxing. Most Valuable Promotions, founded in 2021, has established itself as a significant force in combat sports, buoyed by Paul's in-ring success, which includes bouts against boxers, UFC and NBA athletes, and former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.\n\nDubai Sports Council vice chairman Khalfan Belhoul highlighted the city's burgeoning reputation for hosting major international sporting events, emphasizing the excitement surrounding Paul's return to the ring. Doumbe, 34, considers himself a significant challenge for Paul, boasting a two-time Glory kickboxing world championship title and a 6-1 MMA record, including a brief stint in the Professional Fighters League. Paul, known for his flamboyant persona, jokingly taunted Doumbe, asserting that he had faced far greater challenges in his career. The fight's tickets will go on sale through Coca-Cola Arena's official website on November 15, with pre-sale access available for those who register.",
  "summary": "Jake Paul will fight French mixed martial artist Cedric Doumbe in Dubai on Christmas Eve as the American makes his comeback after a year out. Paul, 29, will be favoured to make a successful return to the ring when he faces Doumbe, a decorated kickboxer, in an eight-round cruiserweight boxing contest at Coca-Cola Arena on December 24. Paul (12-2, 7 KOs) has not fought since suffering a double jaw…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "Jake Paul’s opponent revealed for Christmas Eve Dubai fight",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/jake-pauls-opponent-revealed-for-christmas-eve-dubai-fight",
        "published": "2026-11-02T12:27:35.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Paul to return against Doumbe in Dubai on Christmas Eve",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/paul-to-return-against-doumbe-in-dubai-on-christmas-eve",
        "published": "2026-11-02T13:37:47.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul back in the ring for Dec. 24 fight against MMA star Doumbe",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/youtuber-turned-boxer-jake-paul-back-in-the-ring-for-dec-24-fight",
        "published": "2026-11-02T13:43:58.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Al Jazeera",
        "title": "Jake Paul to fight MMA star Cedric Doumbe",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/jake-paul-to-fight-mma-star-cedric-doumbe",
        "published": "2026-11-02T15:13:13.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}