Tag: Paul Felder

Paul Felder Pulled From ‘Fight Island’ Commentary Duties

Paul FelderUFC lightweight Paul Felder will no longer be commentating on ‘Fight Island’ events according to former middleweight champion Michael Bisping who claims he will be taking over his duties. Felder was supposed to be commentating on all four events taking place in Abu Dhabi this month, but he has unfortunately now been pulled from the […]

Paul Felder

UFC lightweight Paul Felder will no longer be commentating on ‘Fight Island’ events according to former middleweight champion Michael Bisping who claims he will be taking over his duties.

Felder was supposed to be commentating on all four events taking place in Abu Dhabi this month, but he has unfortunately now been pulled from the commentary team after being exposed to the coronavirus. Speaking on the latest episode of the Believe You Me podcast Bisping told co-host, Luis J Gomez, about his colleagues’ unfortunate 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.

“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,” Bisping joked. (Transcribed by BJPENN.com)

Felder will be disappointed to be pulled from his duties at late notice. He previously told MMA Junkie he was working hard to be fully prepared to commentate each and every ‘Fight Island’ bout, 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.”

“That last one I will have plenty of time, but the first three I’ve got to be ready and ahead of it and start prepping the first couple now,” Felder said. “Then once the first one is done, I’ll freshen up on the second show and starting research on the third show. I’d like to get a little idea of everybody, especially the prelim guys that might slip under the radar on occasion. I want to make sure I’m on point and giving those guys their credit and really showcasing them properly.”

Are you disappointed to hear Paul Felder isn’t commentating on ‘Fight Island’?

Michael Bisping Says Paul Felder Is Off UFC ‘Fight Island’ Commentary Duties

It appears Paul Felder won’t be on commentary duties for the UFC’s “Fight Island” events for precautionary reasons. When he isn’t putting in work inside the Octagon, Felder is often seen in the booth for Fight Night cards …

It appears Paul Felder won’t be on commentary duties for the UFC’s “Fight Island” events for precautionary reasons. When he isn’t putting in work inside the Octagon, Felder is often seen in the booth for Fight Night cards and even pay-per-view events. He was called upon to serve as a color commentator for UFC 251 […]

The post Michael Bisping Says Paul Felder Is Off UFC ‘Fight Island’ Commentary Duties appeared first on MMA News.

Paul Felder Set To Call Every UFC Bout On ‘Fight Island’

Paul Felder will be in the booth for every fight when the UFC makes its return to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The UFC will be holding a series of “Fight Island” events beginning on July 11. UFC 251 will be the featured event on that night. Hea…

Paul Felder will be in the booth for every fight when the UFC makes its return to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The UFC will be holding a series of “Fight Island” events beginning on July 11. UFC 251 will be the featured event on that night. Headlining the card will be a welterweight title […]

The post Paul Felder Set To Call Every UFC Bout On ‘Fight Island’ appeared first on MMA News.

Paul Felder Waiting For The Right Fight To Return, Interested In Poirier, Hooker, Ferguson

FelderPaul Felder is not retired. However, he is benching himself at the moment. Felder’s fighting future has been uncertain ever since he hinted at retirement following his split decision loss to Dan Hooker back in February. Although he would have a change of heart later on, last month, “The Irish Dragon” reflected on some of […]

Felder

Paul Felder is not retired. However, he is benching himself at the moment.

Felder’s fighting future has been uncertain ever since he hinted at retirement following his split decision loss to Dan Hooker back in February.

Although he would have a change of heart later on, last month, “The Irish Dragon” reflected on some of the injuries he had sustained in his mixed martial arts career as he detailed why he loved his gig as a commentator.

But as has been the case, it looks like Felder has changed his mind once again as he appears to be leaning towards fighting.

“I’m benching myself for a second,” Felder told MMA Junkie. “I think that’s the way I would really consider it. I just needed a little break, man. That fight in New Zealand was a tough one. I pour my soul into these fight camps, man. I really don’t hold back. It’s not like I casually take a fight because I’m like, ‘Oh, yeah, I think I can beat that guy. How many weeks do we have?’ I really try to make sure I check all the boxes. I did that for that one.

“It was so close, and your heart gets broken with a decision. It’s not like I’m crying about it. I just needed time. That was a lot. I was gone for a long time. … I just wanted to be home for a little bit.”

Felder Wants Fight That Motivates Him

However, Felder needs a fight that truly motivates him if he is to return to the Octagon.

After UFC Vegas 4 this past weekend, a fight with either Hooker or Poirier certainly counts. As does a fight with former interim champion Tony Ferguson.

“Look at those guys on Saturday night: Hooker and Poirier. Those guys are going to be hurting for a while,” Felder said. “This is a savage sport. If your head is not quite in it, I’m not going to rush back to get into the cage unless it’s something super exciting.

“… That is what would bring me back – a rematch with Dan. Now, it’d just be, ‘Let’s just run it back.’ Listen, I’ve never really sat and whined and complained about the decision. But it was close enough where you could warrant a rematch between us. … So, yeah, (Hooker), Tony Ferguson, Dustin (Poirier). The chances of Conor are probably zero, so I won’t even mention that. That’s just not going to happen. So, yeah, those are the fights that I want.”

Do you think Felder can get any of those fights?

Dan Hooker: Dustin Poirier Doesn’t Have Paul Felder’s Chin

Hooker Dustin PoirierDan Hooker doesn’t believe Dustin Poirier will solely stand up with him. The pair of lightweights are set to headline UFC Vegas 4 which takes place June 27 at the Apex facility. For “The Diamond”, it’s a chance to bounce back from his submission defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov in their title fight last September. For […]

Hooker Dustin Poirier

Dan Hooker doesn’t believe Dustin Poirier will solely stand up with him.

The pair of lightweights are set to headline UFC Vegas 4 which takes place June 27 at the Apex facility. For “The Diamond”, it’s a chance to bounce back from his submission defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov in their title fight last September.

For Hooker, it is a chance to truly cement himself as a potential contender for the lightweight title, having won seven of his last eight outings. And while the New Zealander rates Poirier’s boxing, he believes the former interim champion will mix things up when they fight.

The reason? He doesn’t have the durability that Hooker’s last opponent Paul Felder — who fought him in a back-and-forth 25 minute war — does to keep the fight a striking battle.

“That’s the thing — he’s definitely going to have to adjust his game a little bit,” Hooker told MMA Fighting. “I feel like pressuring me, taking a shot, giving it, taking a shot, giving a shot is just not the way to best approach it. I don’t feel like Dustin can take a shot as well as Paul Felder can. From watching the tape of both of those fighters, I don’t think Poirier has the chin Felder does.

“I feel I can put Dustin away. If I keep touching him, there’s no way that Dustin’s going to be able to eat those shots and be able to recover from the damage I’m generally able to inflict on opponents.”

Hooker: Poirier Fight Is Win-Win

Regardless of the result, Hooker feels he’s in a win-win position when he faces Poirier.

If he defeats Poirier, it would be arguably the biggest win of his career and spearhead him into title contention. If he loses, he would still get a huge paycheck and not drop too low in the rankings, if at all.

“I would have to be stupid to not take this fight,” Hooker said. “The way I look at it, it’s a win-win situation. I’m No. 5, I’m fighting the No. 3 [ranked lightweight]. I plan on going out there, putting on one heck of a show and putting Dustin away and earning myself a title shot. That’s what my mind is set on.

“But worst-case scenario, I get my ass whooped, I don’t move that far down in the rankings and I get to make a bunch of money for my family. So the way I’m looking at it is already a win-win situation. There’s not a heck of a lot of pressure on me if I’m being honest.”

Regardless, “Hangman” is naturally looking to get the victory. And he feels a decisive one could lead to a title shot.

“I definitely have the best resume for a title shot,” Hooker added. “Winning against Dustin Poirier, especially in a good fight. A good back and forth entertaining matchup or via knockout, I solidify myself with the next best resume.”

Do you agree with Hooker?