TMZ has reported that Jake Paul is set to fight against former UFC middleweight champion and MMA legend Anderson “The Spider” Silva this October.
According to USA Today, the fight is scheduled for October 29, while the venue is yet to be determined. Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions tweeted on Tuesday that further details regarding his next fight would be announced next week.
Next week we will announce JAKE PAUL’s next opponent. @jakepaul will almost certainly be the underdog. He knows that and he wants that.
— Most Valuable Promotions (@MostVpromotions) August 27, 2022
The 25-year-old YouTuber is one of the most frequently talked about figures in combat sports since he has called out several well-known fighters such as Conor McGregor and Canelo Alvarez. He also reportedly has had a public feud with UFC president Dana White.
So far, he has won 5-0 with four knockouts. He has defeated some big names such as ex-NBA player Nate Robinson and former UFC stars Ben Askren, as well as UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley.
Jake Paul's next opponent could be his biggest challenge to date — pro boxer and former UFC champ Anderson Silva. https://t.co/TjnGXORyr7
— TMZ (@TMZ) August 30, 2022
Recently, Paul has not engaged in any fight since past December. His last bout was a rematch fight against Woodley via sixth-round KO. Paul later was set to fight UK reality television star Tommy Fury in a high-profile grudge match on two occasions, but Fury withdrew from the scheduled dates on both times.
On July 7, the controversial YouTuber was slated to fight Hasim Rahman Jr. at Madison Square Garden, although it was canceled due to Rahman was unable to maintain his weight.
Anderson Silva vs. Jake Paul pro boxing match discussions are serious and ongoing but nothing is official right now, sources say.
Fight would be contested at 185 pounds, I’m told. Developing story. We should know more by the end of the week.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 30, 2022
From MMA to boxing
Silva, 47, has been regarded as one of the most accomplished fighters in MMA history. During his stint with the UFC from 2006-2020, he has compiled a 17-7 (1 NC) record which included a 16-fight win streak and 10 consecutive successful defenses of the middleweight championship.
For more than seven years with the UFC, he went 1-7 with one no-contest. Previously, he won 16 UFC fights consecutively, with 17 in a row overall and 18 of 19. When he lost to Uriah Hall with total KO on October 31, 2020, Silva didn’t receive new contract offer from the UFC. In May 2021, Silva announced the end of his MMA career.
“I think MMA for me is done,” the 47-year-old Silva said. “Because it’s hard to train MMA. It’s hard to stay training in a good level because you hurt yourself a lot.
“Now I just try to enjoy. I don’t need to prove nothing for anybody. I just try to enjoy every single moment I fight in different sports. And that’s it.”
Yahoo Sports contributor Kevin Iole wrote that while Silva was not exactly a boxer, he would be much better in boxing. In June 2021, The Spider stepped back into the boxing ring and won against Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. by a split decision. Silva then continued fighting against fellow MMA fighter Tito Ortiz in September 2021, winning 2-0 with a first-round knockout.
According to Iole, Silva has four boxing matches in total. Before joining the UFC, he boxed in 1998, followed by a match in 2005.
Iole also said that Silva was good opponent for Paul to learn some meaning of boxing from the former, who is considered one of the greatest combat sports athletes of this generation. However, Iole also noted that due to his age factor, Silva wouldn’t be much of a tough challenge for Paul, saying if Paul was looking for a challenge, he would be fighting someone else.