Uriah Hall retired from MMA back in August. Hall left mixed martial arts in August after suffering consecutive defeats to Sean Strickland and Andre Muniz.
Hall is 38 years old and has a professional record that consists of 17 victories and 11 losses. Hall had a tough time in the past couple of years – but he was on a 4 win streak just 2 years ago with victories over Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman.
Hall is now set to make his professional boxing debut and will face former NFL player Le’Veon Bell. The pair will exchange blows on October 29 in Arizona. Unlike Hall, Bell had one experience in an exhibition boxing match. He knocked out fellow NFL player Adrian Peterson in September.
Recently, Hall revealed something interesting during a press conference. He said his match with Bell is nothing more than a way to secure a match with internet celebrity turned boxer Jake Paul.
“That’s the only reason why I’m here, man, I told you, I was like give me a reason, that was it. I’m a competitor. (The reason is to) fight Jake Paul.” Hall said.
Hall’s statement is not that surprising considering the money Jake Paul is able to offer for his opponents. ‘The Problem Child’ has been clashing with popular figures and highly profited from the PPV buys. Jake had 5 matches since 2020 and remained undefeated.
Jake’s last opponent was former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley which he defeated in December last year. Woodley earned an estimated $2 million for that match. Way more than he made in UFC.
Good news for Hall, Jake himself has stated that he would box Hall if he defeated Bell later this month. By performing well on his boxing debut, Hall will have more star power and attention and that would also do good for Jake Paul.
“Adding NFL superstar Le’Veon Bell to the card only increases this fight’s star power and to have him go head-to-head with a fighter as experienced and dangerous as Uriah Hall – it’s going to be fireworks.” Jake said in a press release.
He added, “Taking on this challenge is proof that Bell, like myself, is serious about professional boxing and after his knockout of Adrian Peterson, he looks like a force to be reckoned with. Hall on the other hand has already proven himself multiple times in the UFC, and we know what he is capable of. I’m keeping a close eye on this one and may even take on the winner in the future.”
This match can wait as Jake Paul is preparing for his 6th pro boxing match. The 25-year-old will face UFC legend Anderson Silva and will headline the event.