Jake Paul has weighed in at his lightest to date for what should be the toughest test of his budding career.
The YouTuber turned fighter faces off against Brazilian MMA legend, Anderson Silva, this Saturday night in Arizona. Paul tipped the scales at 186.5lb – a career lowest after usually hovering around the 190 mark, and half a pound lighter than the bout’s 187lb catchweight.
The fight on Saturday follows two consecutive wins for the controversial figure from Cleveland. They were both against Tyron Woodley, another retired MMA star – with the second being awarded knockout of the year by ESPN.
Silva came in slightly lighter at 186.1lbs, but can boast being the first opponent of Paul’s with a height advantage. One thing that isn’t on the Brazilian’s side, though, is age.
The fight was thrown into doubt this week as the Arizona commission demanded further information on claims that the 48 year old had been knocked out in sparring. With medical records produced and statements retracted, the fight goes ahead as planned.
After weighing in, Paul claimed the event would be the biggest of its kind this year.
“It’s official, baby. Let’s go. The biggest fight of the year. Paul-Silva. Showtime.”
"It's official, biggest fight of the year…"@JakePaul makes weight, coming in at 186.5 pounds for his fight against Anderson Silva ⚖️ #PaulSilvapic.twitter.com/ID73M68zaL
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) October 28, 2022
Whilst Silva has beaten professional boxers, fans are still eager to see Paul in the ring with someone who’s not primarily trained in another combat sport. Should he come out on top this Saturday, the next step is surely a ranked boxer.
UK fans can tune into the event via FITE TV, whilst those in the States can watch on Showtime PPV.