Jake Paul returns to the ring after almost a year away tonight when he faces legendary former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva.
Paul was due back in action this summer, but saw fights with Tommy Fury and Hasim Rahman Jr both cancelled. Tonight, he returns to the well of MMA legends when he takes on the 47-year-old Silva, who has found a new lease on life in the boxing ring after leaving the UFC in 2020.
Bookies have the fight almost even between the two men, with the Brazilian holding advantages in reach and height, while the YouTuber is younger and has knocked out his four opponents as a professional. The undercard features a host of influencers, sport stars and legitimate boxers in a sort of hybrid between YouTube boxing and full professional action.
Here's all you need to know about tonight's fight...
What time is Jake Paul vs Anderson Silva in the UK?
UK fans will have to set their alarms for the early hours of Sunday morning as the fight card is set to get underway at 1am UK time. Remember that the clocks go back during the card, so if you are setting your alarm to go an hour earlier than you usually would for a big American card.
Ring walks for the main event between Paul and Silva will likely take place around 5am, with the opening bell sounding around 5:15am. These fight times are an estimate however and could change depending to the length of the undercard fights that take place before the main event.
How to watch Jake Paul vs Anderson Silva in the UK via TV and live stream
The pay-per-view card will be exclusively broadcast on FITE TV for UK fans, costing $19.00 (around £17.80) whilst US viewers will have to fork out $59.99 to watch the fight on Showtime. You can live stream the fight card on the FITE TV app, which is available for download onto your mobile, tablet and smart TV devices. Showtime is also available to stream on a number of devices and US fans can purchase the pay-per-view by clicking here.
Full card and undercard
Jake Paul vs Anderson Silva
Paul and Silva are 5-0 and 3-1 respectively, and haven't been out in a full professional capacity since later last year. However, the former UFC champion competed in an exhibition bout in May, brutalising fellow Brazilian Bruno Machado, including a big knockdown. Expect fireworks in this main event.
Ashton Sylve vs Braulio Rodriguez
Young hotshot Sylve takes a considerable step up in the professional ranks when he faces veteran campaigner Rodriguez, whose last career loss was to one Ryan Garcia. At just 18-years-old, fans are about to see Sylve show his mettle on a major stage in the night's co-main event, and if he can keep his composure he should win over the weekend.
Chris Avila vs Doctor Mike
In theory, veteran fighter Avila should be able to do enough to get past Dr Mike Varshavski, the YouTube star who had his first fight on a celebrity show earlier this year. However, the Doc has been training for years and has brought former welterweight Avila all the way up to cruiserweight for his professional debut.
LeVeon Bell vs Uriah Hall
Fans were surprised when Hall retired earlier this year from MMA, only to re-emerge a few months later as the next opponent for ex-NFL star Bell. The football player just knocked out fellow running back Adrian Peterson, but needs to steer clear of getting cocky as he makes a quick turnaround.
Antonio Nieves vs Alexandro Santiago
Bantamweight contenders Nieves and Santiago are likely to have the most technically proficient bout of the evening when they open the card with a ten-rounder. They have around 60 fights between them, and are expected to have a solid battle as they look to climb back up the ranks after tough periods in the pandemic era.
Prelims
Shadasia Green vs Ogleidis Suarez
Jeremiah Milton vs Quintin Sumpter
Danny Barrios Flores vs Edgar Ortiz Jr
Adrian Rodriguez vs Dominique Griffin
Eliezer Silva vs Anthony Hannah
Odds
Paul 5/6
Silva EVS
Draw 12/1
Quotes corner
Paul : “For sure I have more pressure on my shoulders. Just being the ‘A’ side, and the amount of sh-- I talk I think the entire MMA community is waiting for me to lose. They want me to lose. I just have so many more big ideas and plans in this sport and I just plan on being here forever. This is the start of that, and the pressure is on.
“I’m the young guy and he’s really, really good and has more experience. He has the weight, the height, the reach so all the odds are stacked against me. He’s very fast, very technical, very rangy, good defense, good movement. I’ll have to be perfect on Saturday night. I know I’m capable of doing that but I’m ready for war. Skill aside, it might come down to who wants it more and I believe that’s me.
“When you get into the ring you have to be ruthless, savage, be willing to do whatever it takes during the darkest moments in the ring. You have to be a killer or you will be killed, so that’s where the problem child comes in. I’m a problem for anyone that’s in the ring with me. I can put you out at any time. I’m a different person. I don’t care about consequences when I’m in the alter ego and I come alive when I enter the ring. It’s not Jake. It’s someone else that I tap into.
“Logan was like, ‘Are you sure you want to do this?’ Now you think I’m going to win.”
Silva : “When you fight in combat sports you have to be a little crazy. I’m a little crazy, too. This is not for everyone. Everyone here are special guys and for sure everyone here is a little crazy.
“This is a competition and I’m training hard to make a great show for everyone. This fight is very special to me. I try to do my best because I love fighting and I love my job and now I’m free to do everything I like to do.
“I don’t believe this affects my legacy, in my journey in combat sports. I try to do my best to give something to the new generation. Jake and I are bringing two big generations together and people think this will affect my legacy or affect Jake’s legacy, but I don’t believe that because it’s about passion and love.
“Everyone always asks, ‘Are you sure you want to face Jake Paul? He’s beating a lot of guys in the UFC.’ I say, ‘Yeah, I think I’m ready for that. He’s younger than me but I’m a superhero.’”
