JAKE PAUL said he would love to fight Anderson Silva, the UFC's legendary fighter. He also revealed that he was honoured to sign an autograph from his "idol" aged 12.
Silva is being considered as the next opponent for YouTuber-turned-prizefighter Silva, who has already defeated two UFC stars during his 5-0 career.
Jake Paul would love to fight Anderson Silva, UFC legend
Paul is also on board, and he opens up about his first encounter with the Brazilian icon.
He said to MMA Fighting, "Yes, absolutely, I would love that bout. It's a fascinating story. He was probably the first celebrity that I saw.
"My dad was a huge fan of MMA and my dad went to a local MMA event. Anderson Silva was there, so it must have been paid.
"But I asked him for his autograph, and we took pictures with him. He was probably 12 years old when I first met him.
"So it would have fun to bring it all back and fight someone who was one my first idols."
Silva, 46, quit the UFC after three consecutive losses. He decided to pursue boxing instead, where he had already compiled a 1-1 record.
Free Bets: Get more than PS2,000 in NEW CUSTOMER DEALSHe then defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., the ex-world champion, by scoring a huge upset on points last June.
Silva defeated Tito Ortiz (47), in a September boxing show.
Paul would be facing the veteran South American boxer with no prior professional experience.
He defeated his online opponent AnEsonGib, an ex-NBA player Nate Robinson (37), and Ben Askren (37), in his first three fights.
He was then able to win the distance for the first-time, defeating Tyron Woodley (39), over the eight-round distance.
Paul signed to fight Tommy Fury at 22. This would have made him the first boxer to be recognized on his record.
Fury was unable to fight due to a broken rib or chest infection. Woodley took over as the fill-in, but Woodley was KO'd in round six.
Paul did not name Chavez Jr. as an opponent worthy of pay-per view, despite criticism from his opponents.
He stated that there aren't any boxers with a large enough name to make the event interesting enough.
"It would be almost like fighting for the world championship would be the only fight that would make a sale, and I don’t even know the name of the cruiserweight champion.
"I believe Canelo was supposed fight him, but it doesn't make sense.
"It's my sixth fight, and this guy is a world champion. Chavez Jr. is the only boxing star who really stands out in the boxing community.
