Jake Paul cleared after Anthony Joshua knockout, eyes UFC stars

Jake Paul has been medically cleared to return to boxing after recovering from a broken jaw sustained in a knockout loss.
Anthony Joshua last year, according to his promoter.

The most valuable offers co-founder Nakisa Bidarian announced Thursday that Paul has been cleared to return to the ring. The YouTuber-turned-boxer also shared a list of potential fights that span boxing and mixed martial arts, including matches between several current and former.
Ultimate Fighting Championship athletes.

Jake Paul names Conor McGregor, Sean Strickland and Francis Ngannou as possible opponents

Paul has not competed since Joshua stopped him in the sixth round in December 2025. The loss left “Problem Child” with a broken jaw that required surgery, followed by a second procedure in February.

“Jake Paul is cleared to return to the ring,” Bidarian wrote on X.

Paul’s roster included Canelo Alvarez, Ryan Garcia and Francis Ngannou. He also named KSI, Sean Strickland, Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz,
Darren TillEdgar Berlanga and Tom Aspinallamong others.

“I have to be honest, if things don’t change with the UFC, I’m kind of over it,” Strickland wrote on X. “McGregor makes 30 million to fight 30 seconds and they don’t want to pay us a fraction of that. Just thinking about 205 (pounds), I’m done and I’m done (with Jake Paul).

Paul, who has long called on the UFC to increase fighter pay, responded to Strickland’s post.

“Sean Strickland, I see your texts, but is your contract up?” Paul wrote on X. “Tell your ‘promoter’ to call MVP.”

Before I rest… Canelo Alvarez Francis Ngannou Conor McGregor (boxing and MMA) Sean Strickland Darren Till
Ryan Garcia KSI Chris Eubank to Edgar Berlanga Tom Aspinall (boxing) Deontay Wilder Nate Diaz
(MMA) The Midget Who Destroyed Our Fight World Title Make it happen @nakisabidarian

— Jake Paul (@jakepaul)
October 8, 2026

I have to be honest, if things don’t change with the UFC, I’m a little over it. McGregor makes 30 million to fight for 30 seconds and they don’t want to pay us a fraction of that. Just thinking about breaking my contract until 205 and scrapping @jakepaul. That sounds fun.

— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA)
October 7, 2026

Jake Paul has received permission to return to the boxing ring🚀

— Nakisa Bidarian (@nakisa_bidarian)
October 8, 2026

Sean Strickland I see your texts but are you out of contract? Tell your “promoter” to call MVP

— Jake Paul (@jakepaul)
October 8, 2026