GLENDALE, Ariz. – Uriah Hall started his boxing career with a win.
The former UFC middleweight contender defeated ex-NFL standout Le'Veon Bell by unanimous decision Saturday night on the main card of Jake Paul vs. Anderson. Hall won 40-36 on all three judges’ scorecards at Desert Diamond Arena after four rounds.
Immediately after the win, Hall said he’s here to stay in the ring and called out Paul.
“F*ck yeah, I want to do this,” Hall said. “I want Jake Paul. I want to expose him. If Anderson doesn’t do it, I’m gonna be the one to f*ck you up.”
The bout against Bell was more competitive than maybe many expected.
#PaulSilva results: Uriah Hall def. Le'Veon Bell via unanimous decision (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)
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In Round 1, the dynamic was set for the rest of the bout. Hall chased, while Bell looked to stay on the outside. Bell would stick and move with his jab, but it was clear Hall had the better striking early as he connected more and had the more powerful shots.
There were lapses of the fight where there was little action, and the crowd made sure to let the fighters know with boos. The two would turn it up here and there to calm down the crowd.
In Rounds 3 and 4, the fight got more competitive. Hall had a much tougher time finding Bell and Bell had several shots land clean, snapping Hall’s head back. Either way, Hall looked to still have the edge all the way through.
This was Hall’s first fight since his UFC departure in July. Hall left the UFC with back-to-back losses to contenders Sean Strickland and Andre Muniz. Prior to that, he was on a four-fight unbeaten run, with wins over former champions Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman.
For Bell, this marks his first defeat since taking up boxing. Although this was his professional debut, he had competed in an exhibition bout against fellow NFL running back Adrian Peterson, whom he defeated by KO in Round 5 last month.
For complete coverage of the card, check out MMA Junkie’s event page for Paul vs. Silva.
