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Rafael dos Anjos was very happy that Paul Felder stepped in to fight him, and Felder returned RDA’s compliments on social media.
Paul Felder is a hero. The UFC lightweight contender has always stepped up when the UFC, and its fighters, have needed him, and he just added to that legacy by taking a fight with former lightweight champ Rafael dos Anjos on five days notice. At 155 pounds. Over five rounds. This weekend, at UFC Vegas 14.
It takes a warrior mentality to even consider that, and when RDA heard about it he took to social media to thank Felder for stepping up. Of course, Felder was just as gracious (and humorous) with his response:
The show must go on as they say! This man is a legend. These are the moments I will tell my grandkids about. Or when Aisling tries to bring home a boy! #mainevent https://t.co/HU0IEMYaGG
— Paul Felder (@felderpaul) November 10, 2020
Dos Anjos (29-13, 18-11 UFC) is making his return to the 155-pound decision after an uneven run at welterweight. He was originally supposed to meet Islam Makhachev in the headliner, but that fight was scuttled late Sunday night.
Felder (17-5, 9-5 UFC) is coming off a razor-thin split decision loss to Dan Hooker in February. He doesn’t just step up for short notice fights either – when Jared Gordon didn’t have any cornermen on Fight Island, Felder came straight out of the announce booth to be in his corner. And Gordon won.