Entertainer and boxer Jake Paul prevailed against one of the most legendary MMA fighters of all time this weekend, Anderson Silva.
Paul took a unanimous decision win against Silva in an eight-round boxing bout. Their bout headlined a card from the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, USA.
Paul had a competitive battle against Silva that was capped off by a late knockdown.
Paul went into the final round of the fight with an advantage on scorecards. This lead was only widened early in the eighth, as he scored a clean right hook to drop Silva.
Paul’s pro boxing career now has six wins, including many previous fights against MMA fighters as well. He earned a trio of wins in 2021, beating former UFC champion Tyron Woodley twice and scoring a quick knockout against Ben Askren.
Paul set his sights on another notable MMA name after his victory.
“Nate Diaz, stop being a b**** and fight me,” said Paul, who later called out Canelo Alvarez as well, in his post-fight interview.
Silva, 47, is best known for having the longest reign as UFC Middleweight Champion. He was a titleholder from 2006 to 2013, defending his belt a total of 10 times during those years.
Silva has competed in a few boxing bouts since departing the UFC roster in 2020. Recent appearances include a knockout victory against Tito Ortiz and a split decision win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in 2021.
Hall Beats Former NFL Player
Former UFC fighter Uriah Hall won in his boxing debut, taking all four rounds against NFL alum Le’Veon Bell.
Hall landed the cleaner shots in a slow-paced boxing match. His best moment came in the closing seconds, piecing together a combination of shots against Bell.
The fight was Hall’s first combat sports appearance since he retired from MMA in August. He stepped away from the sport after suffering two consecutive losses in the UFC.
Bell, like Hall, was appearing as a pro boxer for the first time in his career. He won an exhibition bout just a month prior, scoring a fifth-round knockout against fellow previous NFL player Adrian Peterson.
Avila Earns Another Win
Former UFC and Bellator fighter Chris Avila also picked up a win earlier in the night, taking a decision over Youtuber Mikhail Varshavski.
Avila dominated his fight against Varshavski, constantly walking him down and out-landing him with punches. While Varshavski was never in significant trouble during the fight, he lost all four rounds on scorecards by the end.
Avila is best known for his association with UFC fighers Nick and Nate Diaz. He appeared on a boxing card late last year as well, beating Anthony Taylor in a majority decision.
Varshavski is better known by his online persona “Doctor Mike.” Like Bell, he was turning pro after winning an exhibition boxing bout earlier this year.
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