Jimi Manuwa in a six-round heavyweight bout on Dec. 24 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The most valuable offers announced the matches on Thursday. It joins the Christmas Eve card titled Jake Paul‘s back to boxing Cedric Doumbe.
Alistair Overeem and Jimi Manuwa will meet in a six-round heavyweight boxing match on December 24 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
Overeem (47-19, 1 NC in MMA) is a former Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion and 2010 K-1 World Grand Prix winner. The Dutchman last competed in kickboxing for Glory in 2022.
“I’ve fought the best in the world and I’ve been a world champion in many disciplines. Now I’m starting a new chapter in boxing and I’m not here to make up numbers,” Overeem said. “Jimi Manuwa is a dangerous man with serious punching power, but I have built my career on taking on the toughest challenges in combat sports.”
Manuwa (17-6 in MMA) finished 2019 in mixed martial arts with 15 wins by knockout or TKO. The former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight contender won his pro boxing debut in August by stopping the former UFC heavyweight. Chase Sherman by second round TKO, according to the promotion.
“After the win in Orlando, I wasn’t looking for an easy opponent,” Manuwa said. “On Christmas Eve, one of us goes to bed and it’s not me.”
YES, IT’S REAL. OVEREEM vs. MANUWA goes down on the Jake Paul vs. Cedric Doumbe card Thursday, December 24🎄🍿 Tickets go ON SALE Sunday, November 15🎟️ ——— Thursday, December 24 Coca-Cola Arena – Dubai, UAE @visit.Pabulai @Duboisc # https://t.co/uEExyGJjVb
— MVP – Most Valuable Promotions (@MostVpromotions)
November 12, 2026