Jake Paul is heading to Dubai this Christmas Eve, with the American YouTuber-turned-boxing star set to go toe-to-toe with French kickboxing legend Cédric Doumbé at the Coca-Cola Arena.
The December 24 blockbuster showdown will mark Paul's first professional fight in Dubai, bringing two of combat sports' biggest personalities together for an eight-round cruiserweight contest.
The bout, announced by the Paul-owned Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), will take place at 200lbs with 10oz gloves, with the event expected to attract significant international attention.
For Paul, it represents another high-profile chapter in a boxing career that has made him one of the sport's most talked-about figures. For Doumbé, it's an opportunity to bring his devastating striking ability from the worlds of kickboxing and MMA into the boxing ring.
And for Dubai, it's another major addition to an increasingly packed calendar of international sporting events. Paul previously fought Tommy Fury in Saudi Arabia back in February 2023, suffering the first defeat of his professional career in a split-decision loss in Diriyah, Riyadh.
Two fighters, one big stage
Paul, who boasts a professional boxing record of 12 wins and two defeats, has built a remarkable career since making his debut in 2020.
The former YouTube star has faced some of combat sports' biggest names, including Anderson Silva, Nate Diaz, Tyron Woodley and Mike Tyson, while also securing a victory over former boxing world champion Julio César Chávez Jr. in June 2025.
His November 2024 fight against Tyson attracted a reported 125 million viewers globally on Netflix, underlining his ability to bring mainstream audiences to boxing.
A subsequent showdown with former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in December 2025 attracted a reported 33 million viewers worldwide.
Now Paul returns to the ring in Dubai, where he'll face an opponent with serious credentials in the striking department.
Born in Cameroon and raised in France, Doumbé is a former two-time GLORY kickboxing world champion, boasting a 75-7-1 record with 45 knockouts.
He later moved into MMA, winning six of his first seven professional bouts, all by knockout.
His most memorable moment came in September 2023, when he knocked out Jordan Zebo in just nine seconds during his PFL Europe debut in Paris.
Among those watching ringside was French football superstar Kylian Mbappé, alongside several of his then Paris Saint-Germain teammates.
That performance helped establish Doumbé as one of France's biggest combat sports attractions, with a reputation for explosive finishes, entertaining performances and an outspoken personality.
The trash talk has already started
Unsurprisingly, neither fighter has wasted much time exchanging words ahead of their Dubai meeting.
Paul took aim at his French opponent in typically provocative fashion, referencing Doumbé's previous callouts and reminding him that their showdown will take place under boxing rules.
"This isn't kickboxing mon ami. This is BOXING," Paul declared.
He also had a message for fans across the region.
"To all the fans in Dubai and all of MENA…we are doing this and we are doing it big, like Dubai always does."
Doumbé was equally confident, promising to finish what Anthony Joshua started.
"Jake Paul calls himself the Problem Child, but he's never faced a problem like me," said Doumbé.
"Dubai is a special city to me, and on Christmas Eve, I'll be waving le Tricolore over his unconscious body. France, this one's for you."
With two fighters renowned as much for their personalities as their performances, expect plenty more verbal sparring before they finally meet in the ring in the latest global moment for Middle East sport.
Another major sporting event for Dubai
The event is being staged through a partnership between Most Valuable Promotions, Dubai Sports Council and Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism.
It also represents a significant step in MVP's international expansion following its merger with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), which has already established a presence in Dubai and the wider Middle East, after receiving significant investment from the Saudi Arabia's SURJ Sports Investment back in 2022.
MVP CEO Nakisa Bidarian, who spent part of his teenage years in Dubai, described the occasion as a particularly meaningful homecoming.
"Having spent my teenage years in Dubai, I am very grateful to be bringing an MVP event of this magnitude to the city I fell in love with as a boy," he said.
His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, added that the event reflects the city's growing standing as a destination for major international sport.
"Welcoming Jake Paul's return to the ring adds another compelling occasion to that calendar," he said.
The Christmas Eve showdown further strengthens Dubai's position on the global combat sports map, with the city continuing to attract major boxing and MMA events alongside its established portfolio of international sporting competitions.
How to get tickets for Jake Paul vs Cédric Doumbé
Fans hoping to attend the fight at Coca-Cola Arena will have several opportunities to secure tickets.
- Friday, November 6, 12pm UAE: Exclusive presale for PFL Dubai ticket purchasers.
- Saturday, November 14, 12pm UAE: General presale begins for registered fans.
- Sunday, November 15, 12pm UAE: General ticket sales open.
Fans can register for presale access through Most Valuable Promotions, with general tickets available via the Coca-Cola Arena website.
Ahead of the fight, both athletes will also appear at public kickoff press conferences in Paris on November 10 and Dubai on November 12, giving fans an early opportunity to see the rivals face to face.
Further details, including the full fight card and global broadcast arrangements, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
