Jake Paul is ready to make his much-anticipated boxing comeback, which has been a year in the making.
Most Valuable Promotions announced on Thursday morning that Paul will headline a blockbuster event in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Dec. 24, 2026 — just over a year after he suffered a double broken jaw during his loss to former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
Paul, the YouTuber-turned-boxer who boasts a professional record of 12-2 with seven KOs, has become one of the biggest draws in the world of boxing through his short career and set worldwide viewership records for his match against legend Mike Tyson in 2024.
Their match, which was broadcast live on Netflix from AT&T Stadium — the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys — was watched by 125 million viewers and also set a gate record for a boxing event.
What did Jake Paul say about the fight?
“I’ve spent years proving people wrong, taking risks and pushing myself against opponents nobody thought I’d face,” Paul said in statement released by MVP. “Nothing that’s happened has changed my belief in myself or what I’m working toward.
“I’m hungrier than ever and on Dec. 24, I’m returning to the ring in Dubai to start the next chapter of my journey. “
Paul, who trains in Puerto Rico, also explained why he felt that Dubai was the perfect destination for his comeback fight.
“Dubai is a city that thinks big, breaks boundaries, and doesn’t believe in limits,” he said. “That’s exactly the kind of place I want to make my comeback. 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.”
Bidarian, who co-founded MVP alongside Paul, praised the fighter for the work he has put in to recover from such a devastating injury.
“Jake Paul has spent his career challenging what people think is possible,” he said. “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.
“This is more than a fight. It’s 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.”
Who will Jake Paul be fighting?
With the place and the date set for Paul’s return to the ring, the only question that remains is who will be standing across the ring from El Gallo de Dorado.
While Paul’s opponent has yet to be confirmed, MVP CEO and co-founder Nakisa Bidarian has indicated that it will be announced in the coming days.
Additional details, including other fights on the card, also will be confirmed shortly.