Jake Paul Cleared to Box After Broken Jaw...

Post By DJ Longers
October 12, 2026

‘Out of Contract?’: Jake Paul Cleared to Box After Broken Jaw, Calls Out UFC Star Sean Strickland

LOS ANGELES — YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul has received full medical clearance to resume competitive boxing nearly ten months after suffering a double jaw fracture in his high-profile knockout defeat to former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) co-founder Nakisa Bidarian confirmed the medical milestone on Thursday, marking the end of a long rehabilitation process that involved two separate reconstructive surgeries in December 2025 and February 2026.

With his competitive suspension lifted, the 29 year old cruiserweight immediately set off social media fireworks by trading public barbs with UFC middleweight contender Sean Strickland.

A Public Spat with UFC's Strickland

Following news of Paul's clearance, Strickland took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice frustration with his current UFC contract while expressing interest in a lucrative crossover bout against the influencer-boxer.

"I gotta be honest, unless things change with the UFC I'm kinda over it," Strickland posted. "McGregor makes 30 million to fight for 30 seconds and they don't want to pay us a fraction of it. Contemplating just going to 205 [pounds], knocking out my contract and scrapping with [Jake Paul]. That sounds fun."

Paul immediately seized on the invitation, urging the outspoken former UFC champion to take concrete steps toward matchmaking.

"Sean Strickland I see your texts but are you out of contract?" Paul retorted. "Tell your 'promoter' to call MVP."

Strickland subsequently doubled down, replying: "I haven't decided if I want to nuke my contract but I gotta say man putting hands on you sounds way better than the UFC right now."

A Target List Spanning Boxing and MMA

While a potential clash with Strickland faces severe contractual hurdles under Dana White’s UFC banner, Paul released an extensive "hit list" of 15 target opponents for his anticipated comeback in early 2027.

Alongside Strickland, Paul's wish list mixes established boxing superstars with major crossover icons, including Saúl "Canelo" Alvarez, Ryan Garcia, Deontay Wilder, Francis Ngannou, Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, and British rival KSI.

Industry analysts note that while names like Canelo Alvarez bring massive marquee value, taking on elite punchers after severe jaw trauma will require careful sporting and medical consideration from Paul's camp.

Building Toward an Early 2027 Return

Paul's return to contact training is expected to begin immediately across soundstages and training camps in Puerto Rico.

While MVP has not officially confirmed a venue, rule set, or signed opponent, studio executives anticipate announcing Paul's formal return opponent before the end of the fourth quarter.