Hours After Joining the USADA Pool, Paul Felder Backtracks for Undefeated UFC Star Fighter Sending a Three-Word Response

The zeal to fight burns hot again inside Paul Felder. The American fighter hung up his MMA gloves in 2021 and subsequently transitioned to commentating duties. However, something changed when he saw ‘The Korean Zombie’ Chan Sung Jung bow out of the UFC. He realized he had one more fight left in him. But who would be his opponent if he ever came back? Certainly not an undefeated welterweight fighter.

‘The Irish Dragon’ drew curtains on his career after he succumbed to successive losses. Still ranked in the top 10 of the lightweight division at his retirement, his split decision losses against Dan Hooker and Rafael dos Anjos raised some tough questions. And an answer back then lay in retirement. But he is enjoying MMA again. Ever since he expressed his desire for a comeback fight, the fans have floated some suggestions, playing matchmakers. One such suggestion is Shavkat Rakhmonov.

Paul Felder sends a three-word message to Shavkat Rakhmonov

The 39-year-old turned to his X handle and responded to a fan’s recommendation. The Kazakh fighter is a surging contender who has put the welterweight division on alert with his 5-0 record in the promotion. However, it looks like Felder is not interested in him.

The former UFC fighter wrote, “No thank you!”

Read More: “When Will These Guys Learn” – Almost 40 Years Old, Paul Felder’s Dreams of a Return Gets Destroyed After Ex-UFC Star’s USADA Update

While Felder retired as a lightweight, he once moved up to welterweight but dropped the fight against Mike Perry. That too came as a split decision loss. Therefore, the Philadelphia native doesn’t harbor any desire to move up once again, given his past record. But what about his comeback fight?

Felder’s comeback: tussle between his willpower and his deteriorating body

The 17-6 record holder recently revealed he was back in the USADA pool. “I’m back training. I’m enjoying MMA again… but I am back in the USADA testing pool. That’s exactly where I’m at now,” he declared.

This revelation came just a couple of weeks after he admitted his hip injury woes. While he addressed his USADA update, he also pointed out that his bad hips were no secret. Years of kickboxing had left no soft issues on his hips.

Previously, Felder had announced, “I have the hips of an 80-year-old man. I have no soft tissue left and am grinding bone on bone. I don’t know what’s next!” Further, he mentioned he wanted to focus on his family and work. Hence, despite his willingness to fight once more, his body might not support his aspirations.

What do you make of this comment by Paul Felder? Who do you believe he should face in his comeback fight? Let us know in the comments below.

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