Jake Paul Confirms Boxing Return on Christmas Eve in Dubai, Opponent TBD

Jake Paul is returning to the boxing ring on Christmas Eve, with Most Valuable Promotions announcing the date for his comeback fight. According to the New York Post, the event will take place in Dubai, coinciding with the start of Santa Claus’s global journey ^[1]. The 29-year-old influencer had not fought since suffering a broken jaw against Anthony Joshua nearly a year ago.

Paul’s return marks his first appearance since Joshua stopped him in the sixth round of their December 2025 bout in Miami, which resulted in Paul requiring multiple surgeries and the removal of teeth ^[2]. He was cleared to resume full-contact training earlier this month. "I'm hungrier than ever," Paul said in a statement reported by ESPN. "On Thursday, December 24, I'm returning to the ring in Dubai to start the next chapter of my journey" ^[4].

The opponent has not yet been finalized, though former UFC fighter Darren Till is among the names being considered, according to the BBC ^[2]. MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian told the New York Post that the promotion has also been in contact with Chris Eubank, Edgar Berlanga, and YouTuber KSI ^[1]. Berlanga’s arrest for aggravated battery earlier this week casts doubt on his availability, as noted by the Post.

A major question surrounds the broadcast. Sources told the New York Post that the fight will not be streamed on Netflix, despite Paul’s previous two high-profile bouts airing on the platform ^[1]. Two of Paul’s last three fights were on Netflix, including his blockbuster against Mike Tyson, which drew 108 million viewers. The most likely scenario is a pay-per-view deal with DAZN, where Paul has fought in three of his last five non-Netflix bouts.

Paul, who is expected to compete at cruiserweight, expressed his love for the sport despite the physical toll. "Boxing is not a game; you don't play boxing," Bidarian said via Zoom to The Independent, emphasizing that Paul returns solely due to passion, not financial necessity ^[3]. The venue is likely the Coca-Cola Arena, which hosted a PFL event in February, according to the Post ^[1].

Paul’s record stands at 12 wins and 2 losses, with his defeats coming against Tommy Fury and Joshua. His ultimate goal, according to Bidarian, is to become a world champion ^[3]. The announcement comes as Paul plans to sign up for his MMA debut with MVP MMA, which will merge with the PFL in January ^[1].