5 reasons why Anderson Silva can end the Jake Paul hype train

#2. Anderson Silva's champion mindset

Experience is not the only thing Anderson Silva has on Jake Paul. Unlike Paul, he has been a champion in the past. He has faced many formidable challenges in two separate weight divisions. Among the numerous title defenses, 'The Spider' found himself in deep waters a few times.

Israel Adesanya breaks through Silva's guard. UFC 234.

A good example would be his first fight with Chael Sonnen. Sonnen hurt Silva early in round one and dropped him. He then proceeded to dominate the champ on the ground for most of the fight. Going into the final round, Silva was losing on the judges' scorecards when Sonnen knocked him down again. Halfway through the last round, Anderson Silva managed to submit Sonnen via triangle choke.

At UFC 117, the Brazilian faced adversity but made a huge comeback win. He patiently waited for an opportunity and capitalized on it.

---

#1. Proving the critics wrong

After losing five matches against younger opponents, Silva retired from MMA in 2020. Soon after, he announced his plan to go back to professional boxing. He already had critics who said that he should have retired much earlier. They sprang back into action.

On June 19, 2021, Silva stepped into the ring against Julio Chavez Jr. The son of legendary boxer Julio César Chávez, Chavez Jr has had a long and successful career. He faced some of boxing's biggest names including Canelo Alvarez.

Anderson Silva defeated the veteran boxer in their bout. The former UFC champion not only outboxed his much younger opponent but also went the distance. Though the fight was a split decision win for Silva, he threw 392 punches compared to 153 by Chavez Jr.

On September 11, 2021, Anderson Silva knocked out a former UFC champion, Tito Ortiz. After just two fights, 'The Spider' has silenced his doubters.