Cedric Doumbe is the latest fighter to call out Jake Paul.
The 31-year-old was widely regarded as the best kickboxer on the planet before transitioning to MMA in 2021 and quickly putting together a perfect 5-0 record.
Doumbe is a decorated kickboxer and one of MMA’s most exciting prospectsCredit: @cedricdoumbe – instagram
In October, he made his debut in the Professional Fighters League [PFL] in front of football icon Kylian Mbappe and a few of his Paris Saint Germain teammates, including Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembele.
Mbappe was caught on camera with his mouth wide open after ‘The Best’ brutally knocked out Jordan Zebo in just nine seconds after taunting him throughout fight week.
“The first fight was insane,” Doumbe told talkSPORT’s Gareth A. Davies ahead of PFL Europe 4 in Dublin on Friday night.
“It was my dream. I couldn’t expect a better PFL debut. Nine seconds, and then I knock him out in front of Kylian Mbappe [and] the whole PSG team.
“I can’t wait for the next one.”
Doumbe made a fan out of one of the world’s most famous footballers, and now he’s eager to put on another show for Mbappe and his pals.
He added: “[Mbappe] really liked the fight, and also really like the fact I sent a mattress to Jordan before the fight and then I brought the mattress to the venue and I wrote ‘Goodnight, Jordan’ on the mattress, then put him to sleep.
“He called me and said he can’t wait for the next one. He really wants to watch another fight in the PFL.”
Mbappe was sitting in the front row to watch Doumbe’s PFL debutCredit: Getty
Paul was the first marquee PFL signing, but he’s yet to fight for the promotionCredit: PFL
Doumbe is hoping he will get the chance to welcome Paul to the PFL.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer, who signed a contract to fight under MMA rules for the PFL earlier this year, is expected to make his promotional debut in 2024.
“I would not like to fight Jake Paul. I would like to knock him out,” Doumbe added.
“That’s very different. I think if I fight him, I will knock him out.
“I don’t know if he wants the smoke. If he wants it, he knows where to find me. PFL, let’s go! MMA, boxing, MMA gloves. Whatever you want.”
Paul is currently preparing to face unknown 10-1-1 boxer Andre August on December 15 in Florida, but he is already training for his debut in a new combat sport.
PFL co-founder Donn Davis recently revealed the former Disney actor will fight for the UFC’s biggest rival during the last few months of 2024.
Nate Diaz is the preferred opponent, and a $15 million offer has been tabled, but if he’s not available Doumbe could get the call to face Paul instead.
