Even though he lost to Jake Paul in 2022, Anderson Silva has nothing but praise for the guy ... telling TMZ Sports El Gallo deserves more credit for not only what he's done for boxing -- but for his fighting skills, too.

We caught up with Spider to talk all about his upcoming bout against Tyron Woodley on the Dec. 19 card in Miami ... and the combat sports legend says his main goal is to prove his respect for the sport and his opponent. Getty

Silva was originally slated to go up against Chris Weidman ... but even with the switcharoo, he's feeling good and confident leading up to fight night.

Of course, Spider AND Woodley have fought and lost to Paul ... and he said he's watched his opponent's bouts against the internet superstar as part of his training.

As for work

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