Ariel Helwani announced via Twitter this morning that YouTube star Jake Paul will officially be facing retired UFC legend Anderson Silva for a boxing match on October 29 at Gila River Arena in Arizona. The fight is reportedly slated to go for eight rounds at 187 pounds.
Paul has become notorious for challenging MMA professionals to boxing matches, initially knocking out the UFC’s wrestling specialist Ben Askren in April 2021, before defeating former welterweight champ Tyron Woodley a few months later in August, and following it up with a knockout win in December. Silva, though older than either of his fellow UFC veterans at age 47, also boasts arguably the strongest striking résumé of the three, with noteworthy wins in professional boxing, including a split decision victory over much younger former boxing champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Paul released a statement on the matter, claiming, “Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva is the most versatile fighter the world has ever seen. 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. 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. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to share the ring with the greatest UFC striker of all time. On Saturday, October 29, I will walk humbly into the ring, touch gloves with a living legend and do my best to exterminate ‘The Spider.'”
In his announcement of the fight, Paul additionally tweeted, “My toughest test yet. I respect the legend, but he must be exterminated.”
In his own statement, Silva said, “I know that in life, everything has its purpose. Nothing comes just by chance. So, I thank God for my health, my family and my team for providing me with this opportunity to continue doing the thing that I love the most. I believe this will be the biggest combat event of the year and will truly make history in the sport forever. See you on October 29.”
The fight will be available to stream on Showtime PPV.
