Jake Paul to fight in Dubai on Christmas Eve after broken-jaw recovery

Jake Paul will make his professional boxing debut in Dubai on Christmas Eve, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced on 29 October 2026. The American YouTuber-turned-fighter is scheduled to enter the ring on 24 December, exactly one year after sustaining a double broken jaw in his bout against Anthony Joshua.

Comeback after defeat

Paul, 29, lost to the former two-time unified heavyweight champion in his last outing. Now he aims to bounce back with a victory in Dubai. “I’m hungrier than ever, and on Thursday, December 24, I’m returning to the ring in Dubai to start the next chapter of my journey,” Paul said in a statement. He described Dubai as a city that “thinks big, breaks boundaries, and doesn’t believe in limits.”

Paul, who holds a record of 12 wins, 2 losses and 7 knockouts, said he has a list of potential opponents. “We’ve got plenty of names on the list; let’s see who signs the contract. Merry Christmas, Dubai. Santa Paul is coming to town, and somebody’s getting knocked out,” he added.

Record-breaking Tyson bout

Paul’s most notable victory came in 2024 when he defeated boxing legend Mike Tyson. That fight, streamed on Netflix, drew 108 million live viewers and became the most-streamed sporting event in history. Reflecting on his career, Paul said: “I’ve spent years proving people wrong, taking risks, and pushing myself against opponents nobody thought I’d face. Nothing that’s happened has changed my belief in myself or what I’m working toward.”

Promoter promises spectacle

Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder and CEO of MVP, expressed confidence in Paul’s return. “Jake Paul has spent his career challenging what people think is possible. Twelve months ago, he suffered a double broken jaw against a two-time heavyweight world champion, and since then, many have doubted his desire or need to return to boxing. Well, he is back, and that tells you everything about the competitor Jake Paul is and how much he loves this sport,” Bidarian said.

Bidarian described the event as “more than a fight,” calling it “a global event in one of the world’s great destination cities, on one of the most special nights of the year, when families everywhere are together and watching.” He said MVP is finalising an opponent “worthy of Jake’s return” and will share details in the coming weeks.

The bout is part of MVP’s strategy to promote boxing and mixed martial arts internationally. Paul thanked Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Sports Council for helping bring the event to the UAE.