After a few cancelations, Jake Paul at long last has his next rival. The YouTuber turned fighter is set to go head to head against UFC legend Anderson Silva at Gila River Arena in Phoenix on Oct. 29.
“Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva is the most versatile fighter the world has ever seen,” Paul said in a statement. “Just a year ago he outclassed boxing champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and showed the world why he is often referred to as the greatest fighter of all time.”
Paul has been ravenous to get back in the ring, however he asserted that some would just return against select adversaries.
“Every expert, from MMA to boxing, has said Jake Paul won’t fight Anderson Silva. They said Jake Paul is afraid of Anderson Silva, and Jake Paul would lose to Anderson Silva. Well, to all the non-believers — Jake Paul is fighting Anderson Silva,” he said. “It’s an honor to have the opportunity to share the ring with the greatest UFC striker of all time.”
While Silva might be 47 years of age and out of his prime, he actually is generally viewed as one of the most incredible MMA contenders ever and is 3-1 as a pro boxer. While in the UFC, he protected his Middleweight Championship 10 times, and he holds the record for longest title reign in UFC history (2,457 days). His last MMA session was on Halloween of 2020.
With every one of their celebrity status, Silva figures this battle could be remembered forever.
“I believe this will be the biggest combat event of the year and will truly make history in the sport forever,” he said in a statement.
Paul has not battled since December, was set to go head to head against Tommy Fury at Madison Square Garden last month, however Fury said he had make a trip issues coming to the United States. Fury’s substitution was Hasim Rahman Jr., however he had weight complications.
Silva last boxed on Sept. 11 of last year, when he took out Tito Ortiz only 82 seconds into the battle.
The battle will be challenged at 187 pounds and will be available through Showtime pay-per-view.
