Jake Paul continues his battle with the MMA world when he faces former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva in October after almost a year out of the ring.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer hasn't fought since his vicious knockout win over ex-UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley in December of last year, dedicating the first half of 2022 to promoting Amanda Serrano's fight with Katie Taylor. He was due back out on August 6 at Madison Square Garden against first Tommy Fury and then Hasim Rahman Jr, but both were cancelled.
Instead, he has pivoted to a new fight date where he will face 3-1 boxer and legendary MMA fighter Silva, who has emerged as something of a comeback star in the boxing world since leaving the UFC in 2020. He was dropped from MMA's top promotion after a lengthy losing streak, but defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr and Tito Ortiz in the boxing ring since coming back.
Here's all you need to know about Jake Paul vs Anderson Silva....
What date will Jake Paul vs Anderson Silva be?
The date for Jake Paul's ring return against Silva will be October 29 and will take place in Phoenix, Arizona. Paul's last few fights have been at the Amalie Arena in Tampa and the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, both selling out, while he was due to face Rahman Jr at Madison Square Garden.
What time will Jake Paul vs Anderson Silva likely start in the UK?
It's difficult to know as yet exactly when the fight will start, but these fights are generally being sold to a bi-coastal American audience, so don't be surprised if you have to stay up after 4am to watch. Paul's last fight with Woodley took place on Eastern Time, but that didn't stop them putting it at a favourable Western hour, which meant the walks weren't made until around 4.30am in the UK.
What TV channel will the fight be on and will I be able to stream it?
No UK broadcaster has been announced as yet, but it will likely be a part of the DAZN subscription, as his fight with Hasim Rahman Jr was set to be before its cancellation. Paul's last few fights have all been on different broadcasters in the UK, with BT Sport, Sky Sports and Fite TV getting in on the action at different points.
In America, the bout will be a Showtime pay-per-view event; Paul's third on the broadcaster. It will likely cost in the region of $50-60, although no announcement has been made as yet.
Who is likely to be on the undercard?
No undercard has been confirmed as yet, but Ashton Sylve will almost certainly be involved as one of Most Valuable Promotions' marquee fighters. Amanda Serrano likely won't be involved as she fights on September 24 on the undercard of Joe Joyce vs Joseph Parker in Manchester.
It wouldn't be entirely surprising if Paul managed to get some of his pals like Anthony Taylor on the card, as well as some hot local prospects in whatever city that hosts the bout. There will need to be a big name co-main event, so expect a big announcement there.
Quotes corner
Jake Paul
"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 honor 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'."
Anderson Silva
"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."
