Jake Paul anticipates stepping back into the boxing ring either late this year or in early 2026. The social media star, who transitioned into professional boxing, sustained a severe double jaw fracture in December 2025 during his heavyweight bout with Anthony Joshua.
During that fight, Paul was floored four times by “AJ” before ultimately losing in the sixth round via TKO.
Following the defeat, Paul underwent immediate surgery. To repair his fractured jaw, the then 29-year-old had two titanium plates implanted and required several teeth to be extracted.
“The Problem Child” recently had a second jaw operation and is currently not medically cleared for sparring. Despite this, he remains optimistic about a return to competition by late 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.”
Former Heavyweight Champion Targets Jake Paul: “I’m interested in beating his a*s”
Francis Ngannou, fresh from his departure from the PFL, is slated for his MMA comeback on May 16. This event, taking place in a hexagon cage, marks Netflix’s first live MMA broadcast and the debut MMA promotion from Jake Paul’s MVP (Most Valuable Promotions).
Ngannou, known as “The Predator,” is scheduled to face former UFC light heavyweight Philipe Lins in the co-main event. The fight card will be topped by a five-round featherweight showdown featuring women’s MMA pioneers Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano.
During the same press conference, Ngannou, who had previously dismissed the idea of boxing Paul, expressed a change of heart:
“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 retorted:
“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.”
