Spending Christmas in Dubai? There's now a very untraditional way to spend the big day: YouTube-star-turned-boxer Jake Paul headlines a fight card at Coca-Cola Arena on Christmas Eve, taking on French-Cameroonian fighter Cedric Doumbe.
The 29-year-old American hasn't fought in a year, and the Dubai date marks his comeback. His record as a professional stands at 12 wins against two losses, with seven of those wins by knockout. His last outing, in December 2025, ended in the sixth round against former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua — so expectations are high that this one delivers fireworks too.
Doumbe is no novelty opponent. He's a former two-time kickboxing world champion who has also carved out a name in mixed martial arts, and he's built his reputation on knockouts. Boxing purists may raise an eyebrow, but as spectacle bookings go, this pairing has genuine stakes.
Tickets go on sale Sunday, November 15, and fans can sign up for updates via the link in Jake Paul's Instagram bio. If you'd rather get a taste for free first, both fighters are doing public press conferences: Paris first, on Tuesday, November 10 at 6pm CET at Pavillon Cambon, then Dubai on Thursday, November 12 at 6pm GST at Dubai Opera House. Both are open to the public at no cost — a rare chance to see two combat sports heavy-hitters up close without spending a dirham.
The venue itself is worth knowing if you're travelling in. Coca-Cola Arena sits in City Walk, an outdoor dining and entertainment district just off Sheikh Zayed Road, an easy taxi or metro-adjacent trip from downtown Dubai. That means you can pair the fight with dinner beforehand and the City Walk lights afterwards — a full evening without needing a car.
For visitors, this adds a genuinely different option to Dubai's winter calendar. December is peak season in the city: the weather is at its best, hotels are busy, and the usual draws are beaches, brunch and the Dubai Shopping Festival. A Christmas Eve combat sports card gives travellers an alternative to the standard festive itinerary — and unlike most UK or US fight nights, you can combine it with winter sun.
Who's this for? Combat sports fans who want a reason to book Dubai in December, expats in the UAE looking for a Christmas Eve plan, and anyone who enjoys a big-arena event with international star power. If you're going, register for ticket alerts now — Paul's cards tend to sell fast, and with the fight falling on a public holiday-adjacent date, demand from the large expat crowd should be strong.
Key details at a glance: Jake Paul vs Cedric Doumbe, Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Dubai, Thursday, December 24, 2026. Tickets on sale Sunday, November 15. Free press conferences in Paris (November 10) and Dubai (November 12).
