According to fellow commentator Michael Bisping, Paul Felder has lost his commentary gig on Fight Island even though he tested negative for the coronavirus.
Paul Felder was originally scheduled to take up the role of a commentator at Fight Island. He was booked for all the events taking place on the island, starting with UFC 251 and going all the way through to UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. Till on July 25. And Felder looked quite excited for this job.
Unfortunately, Felder will not be present on the sidelines anymore. However, Bisping will be stepping in to cover his absence. He will fill in for 3 out of the 4 Fight Island cards to make up. On his podcast “Believe You Me podcast” Michael Bisping explained the entire situation.
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The former middleweight champion claimed that though Paul Felder didn’t test positive for coronavirus, he will be pulled from the position as a precautionary measure. Felder, while on the flight to the island, was seated next to Din Thomas, who tested positive. And therefore, as a safety measure, Paul Felder will quarantine himself for the next 14 days.
Speaking on the podcast, Bisping explained the entire situation. He said, “Din Thomas tested positive. Mike Brown, he tested positive. There’s been about five or six positive tests. I do know this. Paul Felder, poor guy. He was sat next to Din Thomas on the flight. So, he passed his test. But they’re erring on the side of caution. I think he’s going to be quarantined for 14 f**king days.”
Paul Felder loses his job
Joking about filling in for Felder, Michael Bisping said, “I get his work. I get to stay here a little bit longer now, commentating. I’m sorry, Paul, but I’m not that sorry cause I will be taking your cash, baby boy.”
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Paul Felder seemed very keen on nailing this gig. He recently spoke to MMA Junkie about it and seemed quite excited. He said, “I’m calling every fight. I’m working the desk for every fight and calling every fight. I’m out there all three weeks. So, I’ve got a lot of work to do as well. There’s quite a lot of research when you have to call four fight cards and also talk pre and post-fight shows as well.”
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Paul Felder put in a lot of effort into this. But when the safety of others and himself is at stake, precaution is always better than cure!