Jake Paul will fight UFC Legend Anderson Silva

Jake Paul the You tubing prize fighter has an affinity for fighting former MMA fighters and his next fight surprisingly or not surprisingly enough is former UFC legend Anderson “The Spider” Silva on Oct. 29 in Phoenix. The bout will be contested at 187 pounds over eight three-minute rounds. Silva, 47, is one of the greatest champions in UFC history and holds the record for most consecutive victories ever in the promotion (16).

Over the last couple of months, it has been a rollercoaster for Paul when it comes to getting fights made. Paul was originally scheduled to fight Tommy Fury last month in Madison Square Garden. However, fight plans were nixed due to travel issues from Fury. Fury’s replacement Hasin Rahman Jr was scheduled to replace Fury, but due to controversial weight issues and both fighters publicly slandering each other the fight didn’t take place as originally scheduled.

So in comes Silva. This will be Paul's fourth fight against a former UFC fighter. Previously, Paul knocked out Ben Askren and went 2-0 against former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, the most recent bout a knockout win over Woodley in December. Paul has not fought since then. Silva who is 47 years of age has more boxing experience than both his UFC counterparts.

Silva is 3-1 as a pro, with his best win coming over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. last year. Silva fought Bruno Machado in an exhibition boxing match in May and looked solid. He has also knocked out former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz in boxing.

"I know that in life everything has its purpose," Silva said in a statement. "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."

There's a lot of skepticism surrounding this fight. Silva’s age and the fact Paul has still not tested himself with a full-time boxer is still the topic of conversation among boxing purists. However, Paul himself dismisses any doubt.

"Anderson 'The Spider' Silva is the most versatile fighter the world has ever seen," Paul said in a statement. "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.'"