The “Problem Child” defeated an MMA legend on Saturday. Jake Paul dropped and decisioned former UFC star Anderson “The Spider” Silva in a bruising, brilliant eight-round unanimous decision from Desert Diamond Arena (formerly Gila River) in Glendale, Ariz., just outside of Phoenix.  

The cruiserweight thriller took place in front of 14,430 fans in the highest-grossing boxing event for ticket revenue in the history of the arena.

Round after round, Paul was tested by the veteran skills of Silva. He worked against the veteran and dropped him with a looping overhand right with 2:20 left in the eighth round.

Paul was awarded the fight with scores of 78-73 (Dennis O’Connell), 77-74 (Paul Calderon) and 78-73 (Chris Wilson). 

The Paul-Silva replay will air next Saturday, November 5 at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT before the start of Showtime Championship Boxing headlined by KO artist David Morrell (7-0, 6 KOs) defending his super middleweight title against Aidos Yerbossynuly (16-0, 11 KOs) at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT in a tripleheader.

Paul landed 51 of 121 power punches (44%), while Silva landed 66 of 176 of his power punches (38%). The difference for Paul was his jab. He threw 215 of them, 140 more than Silva, and landed 32. Paul also was committed to the body, with 30 of his 83 power puncher to the midsection.

Afterwards, Paul called for a fight with Nate Diaz, who was sitting ringside.

“I want Nate Diaz,” Paul shouted. “He’s a bitch. He tried to come into my locker room. He tried to cause some sh!t. Then he always leaves the f------ arena. Nate Diaz, stop being a bitch and fight me and you too, ‘Canelo’ [Alvarez].

“You said ‘you can’t beat a striker, you can’t be a legend like Anderson Silva.’ I just did it. So why can’t I beat Canelo. F--- ya’ll. Anyone, any time, any place.”

Diaz was escorted out of the arena. Apparently, there was an incident backstage that involved Diaz and his team. Diaz allegedly slapped a member of Paul's team during an altercation that was broken up by security.