Firas Zahabi, a legendary figure in the MMA world and the head coach of Tristar Gym, expressed deep concern and disappointment over Jake Paul’s fight with Anthony Joshua in late December 2025. Zahabi, who has mentored top fighters like Georges St. Pierre and still trains athletes such as Aiemann Zahabi, discussed the fight’s aftermath on the Tristar YouTube channel.
He strongly criticized the decision to sanction the fight, labeling it as irresponsible and dangerous. “Putting Jake Paul in there with Anthony Joshua was ridiculous,” Zahabi remarked, adding that the sanctioning of the bout seemed driven by financial gain rather than concern for Paul’s safety. “Whoever sanctioned this fight was more interested in money than the well-being of boxing or the health of Jake Paul. This was a death sentence in my opinion, a possible death sentence for Jake Paul.”
Zahabi’s Reaction to Jake Paul’s Courage
Zahabi acknowledged Paul’s bravery for stepping into the ring with a heavyweight champion like Joshua, but he also highlighted the extreme risk involved. “Jake Paul had the guts to go in there and play with fire,” Zahabi said. “Now, I don’t recommend anybody ever do such a thing, but the fact that he has so much courage, he faced death and he was just smiling and fighting, doing his best.”
Despite his respect for Paul’s courage, Zahabi expressed deep relief that Paul’s injury wasn’t worse. Paul was knocked out by Joshua in a dramatic conclusion to their Netflix-televised battle, and Zahabi referred to the injury that followed as a close call. “Now, at the end, he got hit in the jaw, and I’m grateful he got hit in the jaw,” Zahabi noted. “That punch could have hit him in the side of the head, and that could have killed him.”
Jake Paul’s Medical Suspension and Recovery
Following the brutal loss to Joshua, Paul faces a lengthy recovery period due to a severe injury. The Florida Athletic Commission confirmed to MMA Fighting that Paul’s jaw was broken in two places during the fight, leading to an indefinite suspension. As part of his recovery, Paul has undergone surgery and had metal plates inserted to repair the damage.
The nature of the injury means Paul’s return to combat sports is uncertain, as he will need medical clearance before he can resume fighting. This indefinite suspension contrasts with the 30-day suspension given to Tyron Woodley, who also competed on the December 2025 card and suffered a knockout loss to Anderson Silva. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Paul’s recovery creates a clouded timeline for his future in boxing.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale for Combat Sports
Zahabi’s strong remarks about the Joshua-Paul fight underline the dangers that can arise when financial incentives outweigh the safety of the fighters. Jake Paul’s broken jaw, while not fatal, serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in combat sports, especially when the matchmaking and sanctioning bodies may not fully prioritize fighter health. As Paul navigates his recovery, the question of when, or if, he will return to boxing remains unclear.
