Lightweight contender Paul Felder isn’t going anywhere soon and he just signed a new multi-fight deal with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to prove it.
Felder, who is coming off a decision loss to Rafael dos Anjos at UFC Vegas 14 after accepting the fight on just five days notice, will be with the promotion for the foreseeable future. It is unknown at this time how many fights the new deal calls for, but Felder’s team seems more than happy.
Felder’s manager, Brian Butler from Suckerpunch Entertainment, confirmed the news with MMA Fighting earlier this week.
“It’s great to see Paul getting the love and respect from the MMA community and truly becoming the people’s champ,” said Butler. “We are happy to announce that we have extended his contract with the UFC and have eyes set on another run at the title. A lot of fun fights ahead, stay tuned.”
Remember, Felder had hinted at retirement both after his loss to Dan Hooker in a Fight of the Year candidate back in February (highlights HERE) and before his clash with dos Anjos. “Irish Dragon” hadn’t stepped foot inside of a MMA gym before accepting his short-notice bout with RDA earlier this month. Despite the loss, Felder showed up in great shape, successfully cut weight, and made dos Anjos’ return to 155 pounds a hard-fought battle.
In turn, Felder captured the hearts of fight fans everywhere and did enough to prove to UFC that he’s ready to continue his career under a new contract.
Felder, 35, has lost his last two trips to the Octagon but is still 5-3 since the start of 2017. That includes key wins over Charles Oliveira, Edson Barboza, and James Vick. Felder’s most recent loss to RDA shouldn’t count for much given the fact that he literally had no training camp so expect him to land another top 10 opponent his next time out.
Who would you like to see Felder fight next?
Let’s hear it!