Jake Paul, the YouTube-star-turned-prizefighter, beat former longtime UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva by unanimous decision (77-74, 78-73, 78-73) Saturday night at Desert Diamond Arena. The bout was very competitive, but Paul pulled away late and sealed the victory by dropping Silva in the eighth round with a right hand.
“He was my idol growing up,” Paul said. “He inspired me to be great.”
This was the toughest matchup so far for Paul, the 25-year-old social media maven. Silva is 47 years old, but he had solid boxing performances, including a win over former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., after leaving the UFC in 2020.
Paul (6-0) now owns victories over three UFC fighters: Silva, former welterweight champion Tyron Woodley (two wins, including a knockout) and Ben Askren.
JAKE PAUL BEATS ANDERSON SILVA VIA UNANIMOUS DECISION 😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/peWottjh8G
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 30, 2022
Jake Paul knocks down Anderson Silva pic.twitter.com/GhQ2V7BFpE
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) October 30, 2022