Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva preview and prediction

YouTube sensation turned pro boxer Jake Paul faces MMA legend Anderson Silva in a boxing match this Saturday.

As we head into what looks to be a busy weekend, there is only one fight that the social media & MMA world is buzzing over. Internet sensation turned pro boxer Jake “The Problem Child” Paul (5-0) will be putting his undefeated record on the line against MMA legend Anderson “Spider” Silva (3-1). The fight card, which will also feature former football running back LeVeon Bell, is hosted by Showtime and takes place live from the Gila River Arena in Glendale, AZ.

This matchup is intriguing because although Silva is a legend in combat sports, he is 47 years old, and this fight takes place in the squared circle and not in an octagon. Silva has had only four other professional boxing matches but comes in with momentum from the two fights he had last year. In June 2021, Silva defeated former champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (53-6-1) by earning a decision but, more importantly, showed real boxing skills by manhandling the son of a legend.

Three months later, Silva destroyed another MMA legend, Tito Ortiz, as he knocked him out in the first round. That win was the second consecutive victory, and it positioned Silva to get another big novelty fight in the future. Although Silva isn’t this premier boxer, he has enough skills and power not to embarrass himself in the ring even though it is away from his true home, MMA. With last year’s fights, Silva is in a more comfortable place regarding the sweet science, which can spell danger for the “Problem Child” even at the advanced age of 47.

Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva will be streamed live on Showtime PPV($59.99).

In the opposite corner stands Paul, who is 25 years old and elevated his profile even higher than it was a few years ago. Many people saw his debut in January 2020 as a circus act and didn’t take him seriously when he said he was dedicating himself to the sport. That fight against Ali Eson Gib sparked a fire in Paul, and he was ready to prove to the world that they were underestimating him. After two consecutive internet-breaking knockouts of Nate Robinson & Ben Askren, everyone started to take Paul more seriously and began to wonder if he had some real skills.

Often seen at gyms in Los Angeles, CA, Paul started to ramp up his training and hold actual camps in support of his upcoming fights. After earning a split decision victory over Tyrone Woodley in August of last year, Paul ran it back in December but, this time, scored a vicious knockout of Woodley that was beautifully set up. Again, the knockout was seen all over social media, and once again, Paul dominated the internet waves.

This year, Paul was trying to make the Tommy Fury fight, but that fell apart once it was determined that Fury could not enter the U.S. The Hasim Rahman Jr. fight was scheduled for the Madison Square Garden, but that fight was also canceled; the reason was different than Fury’s as Rahman Jr. couldn’t make the weight. Paul was again left without a dance partner until he could secure Silva.

How does Paul vs. Silva play out? It’s hard to say because Silva is a natural athlete but is a lot older than his opponent. Paul has only been boxing for two and a half years and doesn’t nearly have the combat experience that Silva owns. I think Paul will be very hesitant initially and will look to see what Silva has to offer. At the same time, Silva will try to jump on Paul and rattle his cage early in the fight. I see Paul setting up Silva for a big shot somewhere around the sixth round. The punch will be a straight right hand, and Silva will not be able to get up, leading to another Paul knockout victory.