Jake Paul will fight Anderson Silva at a catchweight of 187lb after a request from the UFC legend.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer has expressed interest in fighting at light-heavyweight (175lb) as his career moves forward, and that will start with a permanent move from cruiserweight to a catchweight. However, legendary former UFC champion Silva's team requested this fight be made at 187lb after the 47-year-old was asked to cut to 175lb for his fight with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Silva is one of the most iconic and memorable fighters in MMA history, and also ticks a box as a "legitimate" boxer for Paul holding a 3-1 record that includes a win over former world champion Chavez Jr. He is also the first southpaw that Paul has faced, as well as the first opponent who is bigger than him in height and reach.
Asked by ESPN why the fight is taking place at 187lb, Paul explained : "The plan is for me to fight at 185lb going forward and that's what I wanted this fight at given it was the weight Anderson Silva fought at during his reign as the most dominant UFC champion ever. Anderson's team asked if we could set the weight at 187, two pounds more than what I wanted. That level of professionalism and precision is appreciated, and of course I agreed to his request."
Paul is known for playing the villain, or "heel" as it is known in some combat sport circles, going into his fights with his abrasive attitude and foul-mouthed press conferences. But he appears to be taking on a softer role for facing his combat sports idol Silva.
He is proceeding with a reverence for the Brazilian that is uncharacteristic of his previous outings. Even when he went head on with the likes of legendary heavyweight champions Tyson Fury and Hasim Rahman Sr ahead of his doomed fights against Tommy Fury and Hasim Rahman Jr, he kept up his brash persona.
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But there is a legitimate respect there between Paul and Silva, adding in a statement: "Anderson 'The Spider' Silva is the most versatile fighter the world has ever seen. 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'."
