Overview
- Most Valuable Promotions announced on Thursday, October 29 that Jake Paul will return to the ring on December 24 in Dubai as part of a cooperation with the Dubai Sports Council and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
- Paul’s comeback follows the broken double jaw he suffered in his December 19, 2025 loss to Anthony Joshua and the surgeries that followed, and his team says he has been medically cleared to fight.
- MVP has not named an opponent for the Christmas Eve card, but co‑founder Nakisa Bidarian has publicly confirmed talks with multiple candidates and said former UFC welterweight Darren Till is among those being negotiated with.
- Key commercial pieces remain unresolved: no venue or broadcaster has been confirmed and MVP says opponent selection will determine weight class, distribution and final contract terms.
- Paul’s return continues MVP’s push to stage crossover, high‑profile matchups and to expand globally after its merger with the PFL, a dynamic that could shape opponent choice, platform reach and revenue for the Dubai event.