UFC legend doesn't think Jake Paul gets enough credit

Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva is slated to make his sixth professional appearance inside the boxing ring against former UFC welterweight titleholder Tyron Woodley on the Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua fight card on Dec. 19.

Silva lost via unanimous decision to Paul in October 2022 and doesn't think the influencer-turned-boxer gets enough credit for what he's done for the sport of boxing. 

"I respect Jake a lot because he's changed the game," Silva told TMZ Sports. 

"A lot of people are talking about Jake, but the problem is, a lot of people know, but lazy people, and the people that don't have a courage to do the same job that Jake doing start saying bullish*t about Jake. But the difference between these people and Jake is Jake has balls and goes inside the ring and prove ... 'and deep working hard every day to make something and help a lot of fighters to prove your point and respect the sport," continued Silva.  

"The people don't give the credit for Jake, and the people need to do that. I respect Jake. He's a real fighter."

The Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua event takes place at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. The Silva vs. Woodley bout is featured on the undercard. It will be the first time Woodley has been inside the ring since being knocked out by Paul in their rematch in December 2021.