Jake Paul will step back into the ring on Christmas Eve for a surprise bout against former kickboxing champion Cedric Doumbe in Dubai, marking his first fight since a jaw injury against Anthony Joshua last December.

The match, billed as a festive showdown, pits the American internet sensation against a Cameroonian-born French fighter who has transitioned from kickboxing to mixed martial arts and now to professional boxing.

Who is Cedric Doumbe?

Cedric Doumbe was born in Douala, Cameroon, and moved to France at nine years old with his widowed mother and sister. The family settled in Paris, where Doumbe, a self-described class clown who once dreamed of acting or comedy, excelled academically before turning to combat sports.

He enrolled in university to study psychology but dropped out in his late teens to pursue a career in kickboxing, a decision that would eventually lead him to global recognition.

Kickboxing career: milestones and record

Doumbe made his professional kickboxing debut in June 2011. He remained unbeaten for nearly five years before a semi-final loss to Raphael Mebenga in the WICKED ONE Tournament. In 2016 he joined Glory, the sport's premier promotion, winning four of his first six fights and then embarking on a seven-fight winning streak that secured him the welterweight title.

He defended the title before vacating it in November 2021 to transition to mixed martial arts. Doumbe closed his kickboxing career with a record of 63 wins (45 by knockout), 17 losses and one draw.

Transition to mixed martial arts

Doumbe debuted in MMA in November 2021, scoring a first-round TKO over Arbi Emiev in Dubai. Eight months later he stopped Phruethukorn Chaichongcharden, earning a spot on the UFC roster.

He was slated to appear on the UFC's inaugural event in France in September 2022, but the French MMA Federation refused to sanction his bout with Darian Weeks, citing a disparity in experience. A pre-fight MRI also contributed to the cancellation. The UFC subsequently released Doumbe without him ever competing in the Octagon.

After two more fights on the French regional circuit, Doumbe signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in May 2023. He debuted in September 2023, entering the cage with a mattress prop to symbolize putting his opponent to sleep. He knocked out Jordan Zebo in nine seconds, a performance witnessed by Kylian Mbappé and PSG teammates.

His next fight ended controversially when he lost to Baissangour Chamsoudinov (nicknamed Baki) via third-round TKO after claiming glass was lodged in his foot. Two months later he returned to the win column with a first-round TKO of Jaleel Willis in a catch-weight bout.

Boxing experience

Although Doumbe has not fought in over two years, he does have a single professional boxing bout on record: a points-decision victory over Mohamed Fodil in April 2015.

Jake Paul's recent injury and comeback

Jake Paul, known as "The Problem Child," suffered a severe jaw fracture in his December 2023 bout against Anthony Joshua. The injury required extensive medical treatment and forced a hiatus from competition.

Paul announced his return on Christmas Eve, choosing Dubai as the venue and Cedric Doumbe as his opponent. The fight is being promoted as a "dust-up" in the United Arab Emirates, a location that has hosted numerous high-profile crossover bouts in recent years.

Why the matchup matters

The fight highlights two contrasting career paths. Paul is a YouTube star turned professional boxer who has built a brand around high-visibility fights, while Doumbe is a seasoned combat athlete whose primary expertise lies in kickboxing and MMA. The odds heavily favor Paul, who is larger, stronger, younger and more experienced in boxing.

Nevertheless, the bout underscores the growing trend of crossover fights that blend entertainment with sport, attracting audiences beyond traditional boxing fans.

What to expect on Christmas Eve

The event is scheduled for Dubai on December 24, 2024. No official weight class has been disclosed, but both fighters are expected to meet the welterweight limits commonly used for Paul's recent fights. The fight will likely be held in a temporary arena constructed for the occasion, with live streaming on major platforms.

Security measures are expected to be stringent given Paul's high profile and the presence of international media. Fans are advised to purchase tickets early, as Dubai events often sell out quickly.

Practical takeaways for fans

  • Watch the live stream on platforms that have previously carried Paul's fights, such as Showtime or DAZN.
  • Check local time conversions; Dubai is GMT+4, so the bout will start in the early evening for European viewers.
  • Betting markets have opened with Paul as the clear favorite; consider odds carefully if you plan to wager.
  • Stay updated on any last-minute changes to the fight card, as cross-disciplinary bouts sometimes experience opponent swaps.

What comes next for both fighters?

After the Christmas Eve bout, Jake Paul is expected to target a higher-profile opponent, potentially a former world champion, to continue his ascent in the heavyweight division.

Cedric Doumbe, regardless of the outcome, may return to MMA or seek additional boxing opportunities, leveraging the exposure from sharing a card with a mainstream internet celebrity.

Both fighters will likely assess their performance and marketability in the weeks following the event, shaping their next career moves.