A previously rumored boxing match between social media personality Jake Paul and former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva is now official.
Showtime Sports and Paul’s company, Most Valuable Promotions, announced on Tuesday that the fight will take place on Oct. 29 at Gila River Arena in Phoenix, Ariz. The bout will be contested over eight rounds at a 187-pound catchweight. The event will air live via pay-per-view on Showtime. The two men are expected to meet face-to-face at consecutive media events on Sept. 12 in Los Angeles and on Sept. 13 in Phoenix.
“Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva is the most versatile fighter the world has ever seen,” said Paul in a release. “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.’”
Paul, 25, has compiled a 5-0 mark as a professional boxer, with notable wins over former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley (twice) and ex-Bellator title holder Ben Askren. Paul had proposed fights against Tommy Fury and Hasim Rahman Jr. fall through earlier this month.
The 47-year-old Silva has enjoyed his share of success in the Sweet Science since parting ways with the UFC in 2020. Most notably, he defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. via split decision in June 2021. He’s also recently bested fellow former UFC champ Tito Ortiz via first-round stoppage and battled Bruno Azeredo to a draw in an exhibition bout in Dubai this past May. “The Spider” owns an official professional mark of 3-1 in boxing and is regarded by many as the greatest MMA middleweight of all-time.
“I know that in life everything has its purpose,” Silva said. “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 Oct. 29.”
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