GLENDALE, Ariz. – Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva isn’t carrying the MMA community on his shoulders when he meets influencer turned boxer Jake Paul.
If anything, Silva credits Paul and his older brother Logan Paul for helping guys like him find a new avenue for fighting. He’ll be facing Jake Paul on Oct. 29, and will have another opportunity to do the things he loves.
“It’s very important that people understand that the game has change, and the new generation needs to understand your value,” Silva told MMA Fighting. “Nobody can say whether you win or lose in this game except you. … These kids opened the door for everybody. This is what I think, and it’s why I feel lucky that I was able to help others do the same .”
After becoming disenchanted with the UFC later in his octagon career, Silva said his move to boxing has reinvigorated him as an athlete and competitor. He’ll be boxing Paul and then fly to Abu Dhabi to compete in jiu jitsu, which he felt compelled to do under the UFC banner.
Many MMA enthusiasts would love for Silva to stop Jake Paul from his fight dreams. He’ll certainly try to win when they meet in the squared circle, but he can’t say Paul should quit. Paul helps him achieve his goals.
Check out Silva’s full interview above.
