VIDEO: Anderson Silva sneak attacks host, shows off boxing skills at open workouts

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Anderson Silva is feeling good ahead of his return to the ring.

The former UFC middleweight champion showed off his boxing skills and jokes at Wednesday’s open workouts in preparation for his boxing match against YouTube star Jake Paul.

You can watch Silva’s workout in the video above.

Paul vs. Silva goes down on Saturday night at Desert Diamond Arena. The two are set to compete in an eight-round, professional boxing bout at 187 pounds. The card airs at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on Showtime.

The 47-year-old Silva has re-invented his fighting through boxing, as he’s looked sharp since UFC departure in 2020.

The former UFC middleweight champion won a split decision over former boxing titleholder Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in the summer of 2021, then knocked out Tito Ortiz in September of that same year, and fought Bruno Machado to a no contest in May as part of an exhibition bout – a bout many thought Silva looked superior.

On the other hand, Paul is undefeated in his professional boxing career with a record of 5-0. He last competed in December 2021, when he knocked out former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley in a rematch. Prior to that, Paul had defeated Woodley in a split decision in August of that same year.

The YouTube star holds wins over former UFC fighters Woodley and Ben Askren, as well as former NBA standout Nate Robinson and YouTuber Ali Enson Gib.