Cedric Doumbe: Who is Jake Paul’s next opponent, and can the kickboxing champion challenge him in the boxing ring?

Jake Paul is preparing for another major boxing test, with former kickboxing world champion Cedric Doumbe set to face him on December 24, 2026, in Dubai.

The announcement has attracted attention because Doumbe brings an extensive combat sports background into the contest, even though his experience in professional boxing is limited. The Cameroon-born French fighter has built much of his reputation in kickboxing and later moved into mixed martial arts (MMA).

The eight-round cruiserweight bout will take place at the Coca-Cola Arena, with both fighters expected to compete under professional boxing rules and wear 10-ounce gloves.

For Paul, the fight represents an opportunity to rebuild his boxing career following a damaging defeat to former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua. For Doumbe, it is a chance to demonstrate that his striking ability can translate successfully into a different combat sport.

Who Is Cedric Doumbe?

Cedric Doumbe is a Cameroon-born French combat sports athlete widely recognised for his achievements in kickboxing.

He established himself as a prominent name in the sport before switching to MMA in 2021. His reputation was built on his striking ability, knockout power and experience against high-level opponents.

Doumbe’s professional kickboxing record stands at 75 wins, seven losses and one draw, including 45 knockouts. The record highlights the experience he has accumulated in a discipline where striking, distance management and timing are central to success.

He also has a professional MMA record of six wins and one loss, with all six victories coming by knockout or technical knockout.

However, his professional boxing experience is considerably smaller. Doumbe has competed in just one professional boxing bout, winning against Mohamed Fodil on points in a four-round contest in 2015.

That difference will be significant when he steps into the ring against Paul. His achievements in kickboxing and MMA establish his credentials as a dangerous striker, but they do not automatically translate into experience with professional boxing’s rules, defensive techniques and scoring system.

What Is Cedric Doumbe’s Fight Record?

Doumbe’s record across three combat sports provides a clearer picture of the experience he brings to the December contest.

• Kickboxing: 75 wins, 7 losses and 1 draw, including 45 knockouts.
• Mixed martial arts: 6 wins and 1 loss, with all six victories by knockout or technical knockout.
• Professional boxing: 1 win from 1 fight.

His kickboxing record is the most impressive part of his résumé, while his MMA record shows that he has also competed successfully outside the discipline in which he initially made his name.

The one-fight boxing record, however, is an important distinction. Doumbe will be entering a professional boxing contest against an opponent who has spent considerably more time competing under boxing rules.

Who Is Jake Paul?

Jake Paul is an American YouTuber-turned-professional boxer who has built a high-profile career through fights against former champions, MMA fighters and established boxing names.

He has recorded 12 victories in 14 professional bouts, with his two defeats coming against Tommy Fury and Anthony Joshua.

Paul’s December 2025 fight against Joshua ended in a sixth-round stoppage after the former heavyweight champion knocked him down twice. The defeat also left Paul with a broken jaw, requiring two titanium plates and the removal of some teeth.

In May 2026, Paul acknowledged that his boxing career was potentially in doubt following the injury.

Before that setback, he had defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in July 2025 and earned a WBA cruiserweight ranking. He subsequently lost that ranking in January 2026 following the defeat to Joshua.

The Doumbe fight will provide an opportunity for Paul to show how much he has recovered and whether he can return to winning ways.

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What to Expect From Jake Paul vs Cedric Doumbe

The most interesting part of this contest is the difference between the fighters’ experience.

Doumbe has a significant advantage in kickboxing experience, with 75 career victories and 45 knockouts. His six MMA victories also demonstrate his ability to finish opponents with strikes.

However, professional boxing requires a different approach. Fighters must adapt to its rules, scoring system, defensive demands and the use of punches without the kicks and other techniques available in kickboxing.

Paul has considerably more professional boxing experience, having competed in 14 bouts. That experience could prove valuable against an opponent whose only professional boxing appearance came in 2015.

The question is whether Doumbe can use his striking instincts and combat sports experience to compensate for that gap.

Paul also faces questions about his physical condition following the serious jaw injury he sustained against Joshua. His ability to withstand punches, maintain his usual movement and perform over eight rounds will attract attention.

Why the Fight Matters for Both Fighters

For Paul, a victory would help restore confidence after the Joshua defeat and strengthen his position in the cruiserweight division. Losing to Doumbe, particularly given the Frenchman’s limited professional boxing experience, could raise further questions about his standing as a boxer.

Doumbe has a different opportunity. A successful performance would introduce him to a much wider boxing audience and potentially open the door to more professional boxing contests.

The fight also carries an interesting commercial dimension. The Professional Fighters League (PFL) and Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) merged in July 2026, bringing the two organisations closer together.

With the contest scheduled for December 24 at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena, the event is expected to attract attention from boxing and wider combat sports audiences.

Can Cedric Doumbe Beat Jake Paul?

Doumbe’s kickboxing and MMA records make him a credible combat sports opponent, but his professional boxing experience remains the biggest question surrounding the matchup.

His 75-7-1 kickboxing record, including 45 knockouts, demonstrates considerable striking experience. His 6-1 MMA record adds another dimension to his combat sports résumé.

Paul, however, has competed in 14 professional boxing bouts and understands the demands of the sport more extensively.

The outcome may depend on how quickly Doumbe adapts to boxing-specific techniques and whether Paul has recovered sufficiently from his injury to perform at his previous level.

The December 24 contest will ultimately test whether Doumbe’s success across other combat sports can translate into a convincing performance against an experienced professional boxer.