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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – SEPTEMBER 07: Paul Felder of United States compete against Edson Barboza of Brazil in their Lightweight Bout during the UFC 242 event at The Arena on September 07, 2019 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – SEPTEMBER 07: Paul Felder of United States compete against Edson Barboza of Brazil in their Lightweight Bout during the UFC 242 event at The Arena on September 07, 2019 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
At UFC Vegas 27, the veteran UFC lightweight Paul Felder called time on his career with the promotion. During the broadcast, ‘The Irish Dragon’ shared with fans that he did not have it in him anymore to continue fighting, and therefore, was retiring from the sport.
Felder, who has always been considered one of the top lightweight prospects in the UFC, had put on some incredible fights for the fans. Towards the latter part of his career, he also transitioned well into multiple roles on TV. ‘The Irish Dragon’ was everything from a desk analyst to a play-by-play commentator.
This has ensured that even in retirement, UFC fans will feel his presence during Fight Night weekends.
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Read More:- Ben Rothwell pays tribute to Jorge Masvidal after submitting UFC newcomer Chris Barnett at UFC Vegas 27
UFC fans will always remember Paul Felder for leaving it all in the octagon every single time
While covering UFC Vegas 27 as the commentator, Felder took time to share his thoughts on his journey with the UFC and why he decided to call it quits.
He said, “Yeah you know, it’s been really since February when I fought Dan Hooker down in New Zealand…. I got the fire back when I fought ‘RDA’ on five days notice I thought it was back. Ever since then I have spent most of my days swimming, biking, and running. Enjoying commentary and enjoying my time with my family.”
"I'm retiring officially from the sport of mixed martial arts and the UFC."
On the #UFCVegas27 broadcast @felderpaul calls time on his career. All the best to the Irish Dragon! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/LD8uGgJo4c
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) May 23, 2021
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‘The Irish Dragon’ continued, “I feel like it’s gotten to a point where I just, I don’t have that burning desire to fight up for many more years to become the champion…. I love the UFC with all my heart for everything that they have given me…. And I am retiring officially from the sport of mixed martial arts and the UFC.”
Felder has been in the UFC since October 2014. During his time with the promotion, ‘The Irish Dragon’ competed in thrillers, notable among which were his last two fights against Dan Hooker and Rafael dos Anjos. Although he never fought for the title, Felder, who once sat at #6 in the world, came close on multiple occasions.
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He ended his UFC career with nine wins and six losses. ‘The Irish Dragon’ is also the last man to have defeated the current UFC lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira.
What did you make of Paul Felder’s career in the UFC? Let us know in the comments below!
