Cedric Doumbe brings elite kickboxing credentials and a fast-starting MMA record to his scheduled cruiserweight bout with Jake Paul. The French fighter made headlines by knocking out Jordan Zebo in nine seconds in front of Kylian Mbappé, but a toe-injury stoppage remains the lone loss on his MMA record. Doumbe has far less professional boxing experience than kickboxing or MMA.

By the Numbers
  • 75 kickboxing wins, including 45 knockouts.
  • 6 MMA wins in 7 appearances; all 6 came by KO or TKO.
  • 9 seconds: the time it took Doumbe to stop Jordan Zebo.
  • 1 professional boxing appearance, a points win in 2015.
  • The Paul fight is scheduled for 8 rounds at a 200-pound limit, using 10-ounce gloves.
Yes, But

Doumbe’s knockout power is proven in kickboxing and MMA, but boxing is the least-tested discipline on his résumé. His only MMA defeat came by third-round injury stoppage against Baysangur Chamsoudinov; Doumbe said glass in his toe caused the problem.

State of Play
  • Doumbe last fought in May 2024, stopping Jaleel Willis in the first round.
  • He became a two-time GLORY welterweight champion and recorded five successful title defenses across both reigns.
  • His scheduled fight with Paul is set for Dec. 24, 2026, at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena.
What's Next

Doumbe will need to show that his famed punching power carries over to a boxing match against Paul. The scheduled bout offers a high-profile test, but his limited boxing experience leaves a key question unanswered.

Bottom Line

Doumbe has the knockout record and championship pedigree to make the matchup compelling—but his kickboxing résumé alone can’t settle how he’ll fare under boxing rules.