NEWS

Dana White Wishes ‘Good Luck’ to Paul Felder New Career After Sudden Retirement From The UFC

by
Dipayan Moitra
May 23, 2021

UFC lightweight and commentator Paul Felder smiles on camera during the UFC Fight Night at UFC APEX on November 28, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada

Fan-favorite lightweight fighter Paul Felder announced his retirement during UFC Vegas 27. Felder, who has been working with the UFC Commentary team for a while now, says his time in MMA is done.

Felder broke the news during Saturday’s broadcast of UFC Vegas 27, where he was one of the commentators. Paul’s announcement was very surprising, considering he is one of the top lightweights in the world. Previously, Felder headlined his past two performances against RDA and Dan Hooker.

In the Post-Fight show, Dana White shares his view on the topic. “He’s had an incredible career here, and now he’s starting his new career after fighting. He’s a great commentator, he’s done an amazing job here and I’m happy for him”. Whilst Felder is retiring from the Octagon, we will still see him in the commentary booth alongside the likes of Michael Bisping, Joe Rogan, etc.

Currently ranked No. 9 in his division, “The Irish Dragon” ends his career with a 16-7 record throughout his pro career that began in December 2011. Throughout the years, Felder has been delivering some great fights and subsequently, won the hearts of many fans. Unfortunately, Paul did not see himself challenging for the title anytime soon, and he also refuses to hold up the division for newer fighters.

“I fought some of the baddest dudes in the division and I want to thank all of them,” Felder says. “My apologies for holding up the division for all the guys behind me… I’m officially stepping down, it’s not right to hold up the division”. Alas, the “Irish Dragon” bows out in a graceful and respectable manner.

How Good Was Paul Felder?

Paul (17-6) entered the UFC in 2014, after fighting in the CFFC, Pinnacle FC, and XFE. Notably, he made a spinning-back fist knockout over Danny Castillo in his second UFC appearance that left fans awestruck. Furthermore, Felder also went through “wars” with Edson Barboza, Mike Perry, and Dan Hooker, among others.

"I'm retiring officially from the sport of mixed martial arts and from the UFC."@felderpaul has called it a career 👏 #UFCVegas27 pic.twitter.com/QGoTXPsBKQ

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 23, 2021

Previously, Felder agreed to step into a five-round main event against former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos on a week’s notice. Although he lost the fight and the one before it ( both via S-Dec), fans were still eager to see more of Paul.

Now 37, Felder feels that it is the right time to leave and pave the way for future lightweight greats. Aside from a highlight-reel knockout, Felder also leaves as the last fighter to beat the current lightweight champ, Charles Oliveira.