Paddy Pimblett has backed Anderson Silva to knock out Jake Paul within three rounds of their boxing match later this month in Arizona.
The legendary former UFC middleweight champion is one of the most beloved fighters in MMA, and Pimblett believes he will prove the most difficult test of Paul's young boxing career to date. Silva is 47-years-old, but he is the first opponent Paul has faced who has a winning boxing record as well as a height and reach advantage.
Pimblett was discussing the bout on his podcast Chattin' Pony with former UFC light-heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz, whom Silva knocked out within a round of their meeting last year. Ortiz is a known supporter of the Pauls, but believes that Silva will end the bout early, to which Pimblett agreed.
“[Silva is] one of the best strikers in MMA history," Ortiz said. "He’s coming up on the fight now against Jake Paul. I don’t think Jake Paul’s gonna make it out of three rounds. That’s my opinion. But I think it’s going to be a great fight. I know Jake Paul puts in great work.
"If Jake Paul thinks him being 47 is going to make a difference, then he's going to be in for a rude awakening. One thing about Anderson Silva is that he takes this sport very seriously. I know he doesn't drink, he doesn't party, he's a family man and all he does is eat, sleep, trains and then family.
"For Jake Paul to say that he's 47, age is not even a factor for Anderson. When he gets to 50, 51, maybe 52 then yes but not at 47. I'm 47 and I feel like I'm 35. I feel great, I'm healthy, I'm strong and for sure age is going to not be a factor in this fight, no way."
Do you agree with Tito Ortiz and Paddy Pimblett's assessment of Jake Paul vs Anderson Silva? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
Pimblett agreed with the assessment, adding: “As you say, he’s one of the GOATs [Greatest of All Time], definitely. I’m with you on the prediction as well. I can’t see Jake Paul getting out of three. There’s no chance. He’s going to realise what it’s like fighting an actual striker, and he’s gonna get bingo'd.”
The UFC star has previously been linked to a fight with either Jake in the boxing ring or his brother Logan, who has offered to come to the octagon to make it happen. The American duo are both solid boxers with standout wrestling backgrounds, but would be wildly overmatched in the MMA cage with Pimblett.
Paul is 5-0 as a professional boxer, and has knocked out his four opponents after initially beating Tyron Woodley by a split decision before leaving no doubt in their rematch. But he has been criticised for not facing a boxer with a winning professional record, which he will rectify in Silva, who last year defeated former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
