Jake Paul to Headline Christmas Eve Fight in Dubai

Most Valuable Promotions announced on Thursday that Jake Paul will headline an event on Christmas Eve in Dubai. Paul has agreed to the Dec. 24 bout, which will be his return to the ring almost one year after suffering a broken jaw.

Paul stated in a statement that he is returning to the ring in Dubai on December 24 to start the next chapter of his journey. “Nothing that’s happened has changed my belief in myself or what I’m working toward. 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.”

Paul’s opponent for the Dec. 24 bout has not yet been announced and will be revealed at a later date. Paul released a list of desired matchups that includes Canelo Alvarez, Ryan Garcia, Deontay Wilder, Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, Francis Ngannou, and Darren Till. Paul said: “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.”

The Dec. 24 fight will be Paul’s first appearance since Anthony Joshua stopped him in the sixth round of their heavyweight bout on Dec. 19 in Miami.

Paul suffered fractures to his jaw that required multiple surgeries in December and February following the loss.

Before the Joshua bout, Paul had won six fights in a row, including a fight against Mike Tyson in November 2024.

MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian publicly ruled out Francis Ngannou as an immediate opponent for Paul. Bidarian expressed interest in Darren Till as a potential opponent.

Bidarian said: “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.” Paul, 29, was cleared to resume full contact earlier this month.

Who do you think Jake Paul will face on December 24 in Dubai, and which of his desired matchups would you like to see?