Jake Paul to Return to Boxing in Dubai on Dec. 24

Most Valuable Promotions confirmed the comeback will be headlined in Dubai on Christmas Eve, with an opponent still to be named.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:32:26 GMT

Jake Paul, the 29‑year‑old YouTuber‑turned‑boxer, will make his first fight since a knockout loss to Anthony Joshua on Dec. 24, 2026, in Dubai, according to a release from his promotion company.

What happened

Most Valuable Promotions announced on Thursday morning that Paul will headline a “blockbuster” event in Dubai on Christmas Eve. The bout will be Paul’s first since he suffered a broken jaw in the sixth‑round knockout by Joshua in December 2025, which required multiple surgeries. The opponent has not yet been disclosed.

What the reports add

Bleacher Report noted that the promotion is finalising “an opponent worthy of Jake’s return” and quoted MVP co‑founder Nakisa Bidarian as saying the company is looking for a contract‑signing name. The Independent provided the same quote from Paul about his motivation and added that the announcement came after months of speculation about his future. A second Independent story quoted Bidarian in a Zoom interview, describing the emotional aftermath of the loss and stressing that Paul’s “love and motivation for boxing” must match his pre‑Joshua level before a comeback is considered.

What was said

In the release, 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. 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.” (Bleacher Report). He added, “Dubai is a city that thinks big, breaks boundaries, and doesn’t believe in limits… Merry Christmas, Dubai. Santa Paul is coming to town, and somebody’s getting knocked out.” (Independent).

Bidarian said, “I think when you have a loss, there’s always a period where you go through various emotions: good, bad, reflective, definitive, not definitive,” and emphasized that the team would not consider a comeback unless Paul’s motivation remained strong (Independent).

How it came about

Paul’s loss to Joshua in December 2025 ended his 12‑1 professional record and sparked speculation about his future, including reports that his doctor advised against further fights. Earlier this month, Felo News covered UFC champion Sean Strickland’s interest in fighting Paul, noting Paul’s 12‑2 record after the Joshua defeat. The upcoming Dubai event follows a series of high‑profile heavyweight bouts in December, including the Fury‑Joshua fight scheduled for Dec. 11 in Cardiff, which has dominated boxing headlines this month.

Key facts

Jake Paul will fight in Dubai on Dec. 24, 2026. (bleacherreport.com)
The opponent for the comeback has not been announced. (bleacherreport.com)
Paul suffered a broken jaw in a knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in Dec. 2025. (independent.co.uk)
MVP co‑founder Nakisa Bidarian said the team is finalising an opponent. (bleacherreport.com)
Paul’s record before the Joshua fight was 12‑1; after the loss it stands at 12‑2. (independent.co.uk)