Jake Paul set for toughest test yet with Anderson Silva fight officially confirmed for October 29 as UFC legend with boxing experience prepares to take on 5-0 social media star

Social media star Jake Paul will face UFC legend Anderson Silva on October 29 in what is undoubtedly the toughest test to date in his boxing career.

The 5-0 (4 KOs) YouTuber-turned-boxer will meet the MMA icon in an eight-round, 187lbs catchweight fight in Phoenix, Arizona as he looks to silence the doubters of his fighting credentials.

3

Jake previously shared the ring with two MMA stars, KOing both Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley

He has endured mass criticism for not yet fighting a professional boxer, despite recently trying to do so with bouts against Tommy Fury and Hasim Rahman Jr falling through.

In Silva, 47, Jake will face a UFC sensation who also has boxing experience.

Back in 1998, the Brazilian lost his boxing debut in his home nation, though won his first boxing match seven years later.

For many years Silva held a pro record of 1-1.

3

3

However, in June 2021 he returned to the sport after 16 years away for a sanctioned pro contest against ill-disciplined former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Chavez Jr is the son of Mexican legend Julio Cesar Chavez Sr.

Remarkably, Silva beat Chavez Jr by split decision in Mexico.

He then went on to KO fellow aging MMA legend Tito Ortiz in another pro boxing bout in September 2021.

Earlier this year, he dominated an exhibition bout with Bruno Machado, though no official result was given for this contest.

These performances led to fans calling for him to be Jake’s next opponent and the 25-year-old has now answered the call.

“Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva is the most versatile fighter the world has ever seen,” Jake said.

“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 honour 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.’”

Silva said: “I know that in life everything has its purpose.

“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 October 29.”