Jake Paul returns to the ring in Dubai on 24 December, opponent still open

The announcement

Jake Paul will return to the ring on Thursday, 24 December, in Dubai, according to an announcement made on Thursday, 29 October. The bout is part of a Christmas Eve card run by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the company Paul runs with Nakisa Bidarian. MVP describes the fight as Paul's 15th professional bout and the start of what it calls his next chapter. Paul, 29, carries a record of 12-2 with seven knockouts into the fight. No opponent has been named yet, and the sources differ on timing: the New York Times reported that Bidarian expects a name in the coming days, while Telegraaf wrote that details will follow over the coming weeks.

The road back from Joshua

Paul's last fight was a sixth-round knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in Miami on 19 December 2025. The bout left him with a fractured jaw in two places, and the injury required surgeries in December and again in February. The Independent reported that Paul admitted his doctor did not want him to fight again, but he has now been cleared to return. Bidarian told the same outlet that Paul does not need the money from boxing, and that a comeback would only happen if his love for the sport matched what it was before the Joshua fight. Paul's only defeats came against Tommy Fury, who won on points in 2023, and against Joshua.

Opponents and the path ahead

Bidarian has indicated that four opponents were in talks with Paul, and the New York Times names former UFC fighter Darren Till, 33, as one of them. Tommy Fury, 27, is not among them. Paul has previously beaten Nate Diaz, Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley, according to The Independent. His 2024 exhibition win over Mike Tyson was a unanimous points decision, but the bout drew criticism for being a sham. Bidarian framed the card as more than a single bout.

“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.”

Paul's statement

In a statement issued on Thursday, Paul said the Joshua defeat had not shaken his self-belief. He wrote that he has spent years proving doubters wrong, and that his hunger for the sport is stronger than before.

“I have spent years proving people wrong, taking risks and pushing myself against opponents nobody thought I would face.”

He added that plenty of names were on the list and that the opponent would be whoever signs the contract. He framed Dubai as the start of the next chapter of his journey.

Broadcaster and remaining details

No broadcaster has been named for the Dubai card, even though MVP has previously collaborated with Netflix, ESPN, DAZN and Sky Sports. The opponent, the broadcaster and the remaining event details are all still to come. The New York Times reported that additional details are set to be released over the coming weeks. The card is scheduled for Thursday, 24 December, in Dubai.