Jake Paul Cleared for Boxing Return Following Broken Jaw Injury

Jake Paul has received official medical clearance to return to the boxing ring following a ten-month hiatus caused by a severe jaw injury. Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) CEO Nakisa Bidarian confirmed the news on October 8, 2026, clearing the way for the 29-year-old to resume his career after the most significant professional setback of his tenure.

The injury occurred during Paul’s heavyweight debut against Anthony Joshua on December 19, 2025, in Miami. In that bout, Joshua delivered a sixth-round knockout that left Paul with a jaw shattered in two places. The loss moved Paul’s professional record to 12-2 and forced an extended recovery period that sidelined him for nearly all of 2026.

The 14-name wish list includes champions from both the UFC and professional boxing.

Shortly before the official clearance was announced, Paul published a 14-name “hit list” on social media, signaling his intent to target major figures across both boxing and mixed martial arts. The list includes boxing icon Canelo Alvarez, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, and current UFC stars Conor McGregor, Tom Aspinall, and Sean Strickland.

The Strickland Connection and UFC Contract Tensions

Among the names on Paul’s list, current UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland has emerged as a particularly high-profile potential opponent. Strickland, who defended his status as a top-tier draw with a victory over Khamzat Chimaev in May 2026, has been increasingly vocal regarding a pay dispute with the UFC.

Strickland has publicly suggested he might attempt to “speed run” through his remaining fights to reach the end of his contract, potentially opening the door for a lucrative crossover boxing match. Paul appeared to acknowledge these internal politics in his post, specifically questioning if Strickland is currently “out of contract.”

The inclusion of Tom Aspinall also highlights Paul’s continued interest in UFC talent, though Aspinall remains a cornerstone of the UFC’s heavyweight division and is under a restrictive long-term deal.

Return Timeline and Weight Class Shift

Paul’s return to active competition is currently being targeted for late 2026 or January 2027. Analysis of his recent social media activity suggests he is likely to abandon the heavyweight experiment that resulted in the Joshua knockout. Instead, Paul is expected to return to the cruiserweight division, where he has historically found more competitive success.

The published wish list also contained several cryptic entries, including a reference to “the midget who ruined our fight.” This is widely viewed as a reference to multi-division boxing champion Gervonta Davis, following years of back-and-forth tension between the two fighters.

With medical clearance now secured, the focus shifts to negotiations. While Paul has expressed a desire to face “legends and champions,” the logistical hurdles of cross-promotion with the UFC remain a primary obstacle for many of the names on his list. For now, Paul’s return marks a shift from recovery back to his established role as a primary disruptor in the combat sports landscape.

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