Jake Paul’s next fight is official and he will take on MMA legend Anderson “The Spider” Silva in an eight-round bout on Saturday, October 29 at the Gila River Arena in Phoenix.
The fight will air on Showtime pay-per-view, of course, and will take place at a contract weight of 187 pounds, which is fair for both of them.
We talked about this a little bit on today’s podcast, but I’ll say it again: I really like this fight. It’s a real fight. This is not another Ben Askren or Tyron Woodley for Paul; Silva is not only a higher profile and a bona fide legend, truly one of the greatest of all time in MMA, but he has also proven that he can box.
In June 2021, Silva went to Guadalajara, Mexico and earned a decision victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in an eight round fight. Chavez has obviously seen better days in his career, but Silva’s victory was still considered a surprise.
Now 47 years old, Silva still moves well and has the kind of dexterity and ability that Paul has yet to find. All of his other opponents were practically there the whole time. Silva should make things more difficult.
The fight comes after attempts to face Tommy Fury and then Hasim Rahman Jr in August failed for Paul. Paul himself is also not doing the kind of trash talk that he usually does.
“Anderson Silva is the most versatile boxer the world has ever seen,” said Paul. “Just a year ago he outpointed Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and showed the world why he is often referred to as the greatest boxer of all time. Every pundits from MMA to boxing have said that Jake Paul will not fight Anderson Silva. They said that Jake Paul is afraid of Anderson Silva, and that Jake Paul would lose to Anderson Silva. Well, for all you non-believers: Jake Paul is fighting Anderson Silva.
“It is an honor to have the opportunity to share the ring with the best UFC striker of all time. On October 29, I will humbly walk into the ring, touch gloves with a living legend, and do my best to exterminate ‘The Spider.’”
“I know that everything in life has its purpose,” Silva said. “Nothing happens by chance. So I thank God for my health, my family and my team for giving me this opportunity to continue doing what I love most. I think this will be the biggest combat event of the year and will truly make history in the sport forever.”
The two will hold press conferences on Monday, September 12, in Los Angeles and on Tuesday, September 13, in Phoenix. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, September 14 at 1 pm ET.
