Ever since he entered the world of professional boxing, Jake Paul has garnered a lot of attention. Now facing a showdown with UFC legend Anderson Silva on Saturday night, Paul faces what should be the toughest test of his young career (9 p.m. ET, Showtime PPV).
Silva is the first opponent Paul will face and will step into the ring with a professional boxing record – not counting Paul’s rematch with Tyron Woodley. In fact, Silva holds a win over former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez, showing how capable the former UFC middleweight champion is of using his unorthodox moves to confuse opponents in the boxing ring.
“When you fight in martial arts you have to be a little crazy. I’m a little crazy too. The final press conference isn’t for everyone. “This is a competition and I’m training hard to put on a great show for everyone. This fight is very special for me. I’m trying to do my best because I love to fight and I love my job and now I’m free to do whatever I love to do.”
Some have wondered why Silva decided to take on this fight and if it would change how he would be viewed in the MMA sphere. But the legend isn’t worried about that, he just wants to show how good he can box at 47.
“I don’t think this affects my legacy in my martial arts journey. I’m trying to do my best to give something to the new generation,” said Silva. “Jake and I bring two big generations together and people think that will affect my legacy or Jake’s legacy, but I don’t think so because it’s about passion and love.
“Everybody’s always like, ‘Are you sure you want to play Jake Paul? He beats a lot of guys in the UFC.’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, I think I’m ready for this. He’s younger than me, but I’m a superhero.'”
Can’t get enough boxing and MMA? Get the latest in the martial arts world from two of the best in the business. Subscribe to Morning Kombat starring Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell for the best analysis and in-depth news, including a full Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva preview below.
Many thought Paul’s handlers were trying to keep him away from Silva, a bigger, smarter and more productive forward than anyone Paul has faced to date. But the risk was taken and now Paul will be looking to take a big step forward and prove he continues to build the skills necessary to make some noise as a serious boxer.
“Sure I have more pressure on my shoulders. I’m just the A-side and I talk so much shit I think the entire MMA community is waiting for me to lose,” Paul said at the final press conference. “They want me to lose. I just have so many big ideas and plans in this sport and I just plan to stay here forever. This is the beginning of it and the pressure is on.”
The undercard is filling up with a mix of young prospects looking to make their mark and more celebrity attractions to keep some casual fans interested. Ashton Sylve, the 18-year-old superfeatherweight, is back in action when he takes on veteran Braulio Rodriguez. Vets Alexandro Santiago and Antonio Nieves will compete at the bantamweight division. Also, former UFC middleweight Uriah Hall makes his professional boxing debut when he faces off against former NFL running back Le’Veon Bell, also making his pro debut. And the celebrations will kick off with martial arts veteran Chris Avila as he takes on social media star Dr. Mike Varshavski enters.
“Fighters fight and it changes when you have to get out there and you have to adapt. At the end of the day, we’re both fighters. He’s a strong guy. I know he’s confident,” Hall said on media day. “You can’t really focus on those outside negative affirmations. You have to stay present and I’m just looking forward to having some fun. It’s a challenge, it’s a step up, it’s outside of my comfort zone and I love a challenge.”
Below is the full fight map along with the latest odds from Caesars Sportsbook before we move on to the main event predictions and tips.
Battle Map, Odds
Odds via Caesars Sportsbook
- Jake Paul -230 vs. Anderson Silva +190, cruiserweights (eight rounds)
- Ashton Sylve vs. Braulio Rodriguez, Super Featherweights (eight rounds)
- Alexandro Santiago vs. Antonio Nieves, bantamweights (10 rounds)
- Uriah Hall vs. Le’Veon Bell, Cruiserweights (four rounds)
- Chris Avila vs. Dr. Mike Varshavski, cruiserweights (four rounds)
predictions
Brent Brookhouse: I was initially among those who thought Paul should be kept away from Silva. But there are a lot of little things that stand out when you really watch the fight. Paul has gotten significantly better from fight to fight, there’s no way anyone can legitimately argue otherwise and be taken seriously. As with almost any young fighter after only five fights in his career there are still many areas of his game that need to be worked on but he seems very trainable.
Paul also has one of those “you’ve got it or you haven’t” qualities in his clout. You can see it in his fights and legitimate boxers who have worked with him have said it too. Paul can knock.
It’s possible Silva is too skilled for Paul, but I think Silva will fall into his tendency to be cute with his defenses, which can work and frustrate opponents. But against Paul I think he’ll catch himself on the ropes and Paul has the discipline to work the body instead of headhunting. That, in turn, will open up some clean shots at a chin that’s not what it used to be. Watch out for the Paul finish on the middle rounds Pick: Jake Paul via KO rounds 4-6
Brian Campbell: Assuming Silva doesn’t feel his age overnight in a way he has yet to show us in this twilight of one of the most successful careers in martial arts history, this is his fight for victory in just about every category. Yes, Paul is much younger and is of good size and strength. But the gap in experience and technique should be quite large provided Silva can match whatever his younger opponent is dictating. Not only has Silva adapted impeccably to the vast differences between boxing and MMA (including footwork), he’s proven in a handful of pro fights — including an upset in 2021 against former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in Mexico — that he a legitimate threat to hit Paul with the kind of fight-changing counter shots he doesn’t see coming. Silva is the same height as Paul and might even be faster in terms of hand speed. The biggest problem for Paul might be that the more he tries to take the fight to Silva, the more he could become entangled in the “spider’s web”, who previously excels at throwing his prey into a false sense of security to weigh spectacularly counter. Pick: Anderson Silva via TKO6
Shakiel Mahjouri: Silva poses so many problems for Paul. Silva has superior size, stamina, head movement, feints, footwork, movement, combinations, and the ability to punch from angles. Paul understandably uses a basic game built around his jab. A focused Silva should be able to roll with the shots and pick apart Paul.
Sure, Silva’s age is a concern and his chin must be demeaning at the age of 47, but those worries are a little overdone. He has only suffered two fight-ending punches to the head in his 46-fight MMA career: once to Chris Weidman with his hands down and once to a hard-hitting Uriah Hall. His chin might be an issue, but it’s not his Kryptonite.
The chances of Paul rightfully winning the fight via decision are rather slim. He must rely on his strength to crush The Spider. Silva has boxing experience over Paul for decades, although it was primarily modified for MMA. An early flush knockout, a TKO against an exhausted Paul, or a clean decision are all in play for Silva. Choice: Anderson Silva via KO4