Jake Paul has officially confirmed his next opponent as he prepares to step back into the ring this December. “The Problem Child” will face two-time Glory welterweight champion Cedric Doumbé on Christmas Eve in Dubai, marking his first bout since suffering a broken jaw in a sixth-round stoppage loss to former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua just over a year ago.
Paul’s return had been the subject of considerable speculation, with potential matchups against former rival Tommy Fury and ex-UFC contender Darren Till both mooted. However, the promotion has opted for Doumbé, a decorated striker widely regarded as one of the best kickboxers of his generation before transitioning to mixed martial arts.
Guess who’s back…
…Devinez qui est de retour.#PaulDoumbeTickets go on sale Sunday November 15th. Link in bio to register.
Free and open to the public: Paul vs. Doumbé Kickoff Press Conferences take place Tuesday, November 10 at 6:00pm CET at Pavillon Cambon in Paris,… pic.twitter.com/qUxXoSt8lv
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) November 2, 2026
During his kickboxing prime, Doumbé captured the Glory welterweight title twice and spent years ranked as the division’s number one fighter globally. His final kickboxing contest took place in 2021, after which he pivoted to MMA, amassing a professional record of six wins against one loss. He also holds a solitary professional boxing victory from a 2015 bout.
Paul enters the contest as the betting favorite, and a decisive victory would likely see him renew his pursuit of a blockbuster showdown with Mexican superstar Canelo Álvarez, whom he has publicly targeted following his win over Christian Mbilli.
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