Jake Paul will headline an MVP boxing event in Dubai on Thursday 24 December 2026.
The appearance will mark his first professional fight in Dubai and his return after losing to Anthony Joshua.
His opponent has yet to be confirmed, with Darren Till among the names discussed.
The American boxer will return to the ring on Thursday, 24 December 2026.
Jake Paul has announced that he will return to professional boxing on Thursday, 24 December 2026, headlining a Most Valuable Promotions event in Dubai. The American social media star’s Christmas Eve appearance will mark his first professional fight in the city, with his opponent still to be revealed.
The comeback follows a year away from competition after his December 2025 meeting with Anthony Joshua. The former two-time unified heavyweight world champion knocked Paul out in the sixth round, leaving him with a broken jaw. His Dubai appearance will be his first fight since that defeat and the injury that followed.
Paul heads into his return with a professional record of 12 wins and two defeats, including seven knockout victories. Before the Joshua loss, he had put together six consecutive wins, with Mike Tyson, Julio César Chávez Jr., Nate Diaz and Mike Perry among the opponents he defeated during that run.
The identity of his next opponent remains the biggest unanswered question. MVP co-founder and CEO Nakisa Bidarian told Sky Sports that three or four names remained under consideration, including former UFC fighter Darren Till among those discussed.
Paul, meanwhile, has already given the announcement a festive flourish. Speaking about his return, he said: “Merry Christmas, Dubai. Santa Paul is coming to town, and somebody’s getting knocked out.” He also described the emirate’s ambitious outlook as part of its appeal as the setting for his comeback.
The event forms part of a cooperation agreement between Most Valuable Promotions, Dubai Sports Council and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism. It brings Paul’s return to the UAE while continuing the promoter’s expansion into international markets, placing Dubai at the centre of its Christmas Eve plans.
For anyone hoping to watch from ringside, the venue, ticket prices, on-sale date and broadcast arrangements have not been announced.
Contact: www.mostvaluablepromotions.com