Jake Paul to face UFC legend Anderson Silva in boxing match on Oct. 29

Jake Paul has discovered his subsequent opponent — and he is a fight sports activities luminary.

The YouTuber-turned-prizefighter will meet former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva in a boxing match Oct. 29 in Phoenix, Paul’s Most Helpful Promotions introduced Tuesday. The bout might be contested at 187 kilos over eight three-minute rounds. Silva, 47, is likely one of the best champions in UFC historical past and holds the file for many consecutive victories ever within the promotion (16).

“The plan is for me to combat at 185 [pounds] going ahead and that is what I wished this combat at given it was the load Anderson Silva fought at throughout his reign as probably the most dominant UFC champion ever,” Paul advised ESPN. “Anderson’s group requested if we might set the load at 187, 2 kilos greater than what I wished. That stage of professionalism and precision is appreciated, and naturally I agreed to his request.”

Paul was purported to combat Tommy Fury final month at New York’s Madison Sq. Backyard, however Fury withdrew due to what he stated had been journey points coming to america from England. Fury’s substitute was Hasim Rahman Jr., son of the previous boxing heavyweight champion, however that bout was canceled due to weight problems with Rahman.

This might be Paul’s fourth combat in opposition to a former UFC fighter. Beforehand, Paul knocked out Ben Askren and went 2-0 in opposition to former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, the newest bout a knockout win over Woodley in December. Paul has not fought since then.

Silva, although properly previous his prime, has a greater résumé than each Woodley and Askren in MMA and boxing. He was the very best pound-for-pound MMA fighter on this planet for stretches throughout his prolonged title reign from 2006 to 2013 and probably the most inventive knockout artists ever in that sport.

In boxing, Silva is 3-1 as a professional, together with his finest win coming over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. final 12 months. Silva fought Bruno Machado in an exhibition boxing match in Might and seemed strong there. He has additionally knocked out former UFC gentle heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz in boxing.

“I do know that in life all the pieces has its function,” Silva stated in a press release. “Nothing comes simply by likelihood. So, I thank God for my well being, my household and my group for offering me with this chance to proceed doing the factor that I really like probably the most. I imagine this would be the largest fight occasion of the 12 months and can actually make historical past within the sport perpetually. See you on October 29.”

Outstanding individuals in fight sports activities, together with UFC president Dana White, have been essential of Paul’s opponents, and White has even recommended that Paul ought to combat Silva, which might be extra of a “actual combat.”

“Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva is probably the most versatile fighter the world has ever seen,” Paul stated in a press release. “Only a 12 months in the past he outclassed boxing champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and confirmed the world why he’s also known as the best fighter of all time. Each skilled, from MMA to boxing, has stated Jake Paul will not combat Anderson Silva. They stated Jake Paul is afraid of Anderson Silva, and Jake Paul would lose to Anderson Silva. Nicely, to all of the non-believers – Jake Paul is preventing Anderson Silva. It is an honor to have the chance to share the ring with the best UFC striker of all time. On Saturday, October 29, I’ll stroll humbly into the ring, contact gloves with a dwelling legend and do my finest to exterminate ‘The Spider.'”

“Jake Paul continues to tackle challenges that different skilled fighters at his expertise stage and recognition by no means have,” stated Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of MVP, in a press release. “Jake appreciates the platform that he has and at all times goals to supply followers with a compelling product that drives engagement. Anderson Silva is unequivocally probably the most thrilling striker in UFC historical past. These talents have translated into his skilled boxing profession, and he most definitely has the power to finish Jake’s unbeaten streak. It is an honor for Most Helpful Promotions to have one of many GOATs of fight sports activities headline our occasion. He’s already a Corridor of Famer in our books.”