Jake Paul has been told to target former UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva for his next boxing bout, despite the Brazilian turning 46 earlier this year.
UFC President Dana White instructed the YouTuber who turned into a professional boxer to quit chasing Jorge Masvidal, a two-time welterweight title contender. He is still under contract to the promotion.
The 24-year-old has won four professional fights so far, including defeats to Nate Robinson, Tyron Woodley and AnEsonGib.
Paul, who has connections to Tommy Fury (Vitor Belfort) and Conor McGregor, picked Masvidal as a possible opponent after watching the 36-year old lose twice in the last year to Kamaru Uman.
(Image: Getty Images)
Paul told ESPN of a potential bout with Masvidal last week: “I would love nothing more.
“It’s a good test for my skill, right? He’s the street fighter “Gamebred”, with his hands. I would love that—I would love that fight.”
However, White has been open about his desire not to work with Paul in recent months, as well as criticising him for going after current UFC fighters.
“Masvidal’s 170 pounds,” White then told the Australian Daily Telegraph in response.
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(Image: Getty Images)
(Image: Getty Images)
“He likes 170-pounders. You can fight someone your size. Anderson Silva’s not under contract, he’s 46 years old – that’s the age group you love to fight – and he’s your size and he’s actually winning fights.
“If you look at Jake Paul’s history, Jake Paul either fights basketball players who have never fought or he wants to fight washed up older guys who haven’t won fights in years.
“Anderson Silva has actually been boxing, he’s won some fights, he’s 46 years old, and he’s in your weight class. That’s it. That’s a no-brainer. Fight Anderson Silva…
“Fans would actually probably like to see that fight. It’s actually a viable fight that would actually sell some pay-per-views.”