What to Know
- Calling himself “boxing’s biggest disruptor,” Most Valuable Promotions confirmed that Jake Paul will return to the boxing ring before the end of 2026.
- Paul will headline an MVP event on Thursday, December 24, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- Paul returns one year after suffering a broken jaw in a knockout loss to former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
When Jake Paul promises a “blockbuster global sports and entertainment spectacle” in Dubai on Christmas Eve, he has proven it’s a good idea to believe him.
On Thursday, October 29, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced Jake “El Gallo de Dorado” Paul’s (12-2, 7 KOs) return to the boxing ring. Paul plans to headline an MVP event set for Thursday, December 24, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Yes, on Christmas Eve.
Paul returns one year after suffering a broken jaw in two places in his knockout loss to former two-time unified heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua. Paul’s first professional fight in Dubai. Paul vows it will kickstart the next chapter of his boxing career.
While no opponent has yet been named, names in the mix range from the realistic (Glover Teixeira, Darren Till, and Edgar Berlanga) to the wildly improbable but no less possible (Manny Pacquiao and Gervonta Davis). But don’t ever tell Jake Paul he can’t do something.
One month ago, Paul showed up with a “hit list” full of names that caused a stir, including Canelo Alvarez and Conor McGregor. But we can’t begrudge Paul a tune-up fight with a less threatening puncher.
Jake Paul Opponent Yet To Be Named
Paul’s opponent and additional event details will be officially revealed over the coming weeks. Paul’s return to the Emirates is a part of a cooperation agreement between the Dubai Sports Council, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and MVP, in an effort to build the city’s reputation as a host destination for world-class sporting events and a hub for combat sports.
Since making his professional debut in 2020, Paul has undeniably become one of boxing’s biggest commercial attractions, headlining record-breaking events and drawing unprecedented global audiences. His November 2024 showdown with Mike Tyson drew 125 million Live+1 viewers globally, while his December 2025 event against Anthony Joshua drew 33 million Live+1 viewers worldwide.
“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,” said Paul in a statement. “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.
“Dubai is a city that thinks big, breaks boundaries, and doesn’t believe in limits. 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!”
MVP Building Toward Worldwide Events
“Jake Paul has spent his career challenging what people think is possible, said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder and CEO of Most Valuable Promotions. “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. At Most Valuable Promotions, we build events people remember, and Thursday, December 24th in Dubai will be a Christmas Eve spectacle that the world will be talking about.
“We’re finalizing an opponent worthy of Jake’s return and look forward to sharing more in the coming weeks. Shukran jazeelan to Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Sports Council for their leadership in bringing this event to the UAE.”
Paul’s return comes as MVP continues its rapid global expansion across boxing and mixed martial arts. Following its merger with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), MVP has brought together hundreds of elite athletes from around the world under one promotional banner, creating new opportunities to introduce global audiences to the next generation of combat sports stars. This event marks another major step in that expansion.
Gayle Falkenthal is an award-winning boxing journalist with more than four dozen awards for both written and video coverage from the Boxing Writers Association of America, Society of Professional Journalists, and San Diego Press Club, where she is the past president. She is the only woman journalist who is a full voting member of the BWAA. She is the Boxing Editor for NY Fights based in San Diego, California.
