Jake Paul, the prominent YouTuber-turned-boxer, expects to make his return to the ring in late 2026 or early 2027. His career took a significant hit in December 2025 when he sustained a double broken jaw during a heavyweight boxing match against Anthony Joshua. During the bout, Paul was knocked down four times by “AJ” before ultimately losing in the sixth round via TKO.
Following the devastating loss, the 29-year-old underwent immediate surgery. To mend his severe jaw injury, doctors installed two titanium plates and had to remove several teeth. More recently, “The Problem Child” underwent a second jaw surgery and is currently not cleared for sparring. Despite these medical setbacks, Paul remains optimistic about a comeback by the end of this year or early next.
Speaking to the media after the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano press conference, Paul stated: “Later this year, [I expect to return]. I got my second surgery recently. So the doctors said like 4, 5, or 6 months to even be able to spar to see how the bone is healing.”
Francis Ngannou Calls Out Jake Paul, Expresses Desire for a Fight
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, who recently departed from the PFL, is preparing for his highly anticipated MMA return on May 16. This event will be Netflix’s first-ever live MMA broadcast and a debut for Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) in MMA. Ngannou, known as “The Predator,” is scheduled to face former UFC light heavyweight Philipe Lins in the co-main event. The main card will feature a five-round featherweight clash between women’s MMA pioneers Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano.
Ngannou, who had previously shown no interest in a boxing match with Paul, has now openly challenged him. During the same Rousey vs. Carano press conference, Ngannou declared: “No. I’m not interested in fighting Jake Paul. I’m interested in beating his a*s… I think you [Jake Paul] were just being a small boy, not understanding, a little disrespectful, and that’s why I want to kick your a*s now. I really didn’t want to fight you, but now I want to beat you.”
Paul quickly responded to the challenge, stating: “I’m down. I’ve always been down. You were always the option before Anthony Joshua, and you ran like a duck, and I bet you didn’t think I would last longer than you did with Anthony, either. So you just know you worked in boxing, and I would love to see it someday… Let’s do it.” This exchange suggests a potential future showdown between the two.
