Tag: Paul Felder

Leon Edwards – Islam Makhachev super fight axed by veteran UFC favorite: ‘Stay in your freaking divisions’

Leon Edwards - Islam Makhachev super fight axed by UFC veteran stay in your freaking divisionsA much discussed welterweight title fight between Octagon champions, Leon Edwards and his lightweight counterpart, Islam Makhachev has been…

Leon Edwards - Islam Makhachev super fight axed by UFC veteran stay in your freaking divisions

A much discussed welterweight title fight between Octagon champions, Leon Edwards and his lightweight counterpart, Islam Makhachev has been firmly axed by former lightweight contender turned color-commentator, who urged fighters to stay in their weight classes and defend their respective titles.

Edwards, the current undisputed welterweight champion, most recently headlined UFC 296 earlier this month, successfully defending his divisional crown for the second time in a one-sided unanimous decision win over arch-rival and former interim titleholder, Colby Covington.

As for Makhachev, the Russian favorite lodged his own successful defense of the lightweight title for the second time back in October, stopping two-time challenger, Alexander Volkanovski with a hellacious opening round high-kick KO win.

And in the aftermath of Birmingham native, Edwards’ one-sided shutout win over Covington, the above-mentioned, Makhachev weighed up a welterweight move, claiming a fight against Edwards must be next for him.

Leon Edwards urged to avoid Islam Makhachev fight

However, as far as Felder – who has been linked with his own return potentially at UFC 300, is concerned, talk of two-weight champions should be put on the back burner indefinitely.

“We established that [Belal Muhammad] is the number one contender, you’re [Leon Edwards] also saying that you want to break Georges St-Pierre [title defense] record, but then we got Islam Makhachev out there saying he should be next for the welterweight belt,” Paul Felder said on the UFC ‘Round-Up’ show. “Guys, stay in your freaking divisions, reign over your dvisions. Can we get dominant champions before you all star wanting to fight for other belts?”

“It didn’t used to be like that this,” Felder explained. “The guys that did this in the beginning – obviously Conor (McGregor) is an exception. He did it, it was craziness. He was a superstar. (Daniel Cormier) did it because he earned it and was a 205’er. Amanda Nunes earned it. Now it’s just like everyone and their mother wants to be able to be a double champ. And it’s like, ‘Well, how about you get a whole lot of title defenses first, then you go and stpe up?’”

Who wins in a future fight: Leon Edwards or Islam Makhachev?

‘Irish Dragon’ Paul Felder Submits First USADA Sample since retiring from the UFC in 2020

Paul FelderPaul Felder has submitted his first USADA sample since retiring from the sport three years ago. The last time…

Paul Felder

Paul Felder has submitted his first USADA sample since retiring from the sport three years ago.

The last time fans saw ‘The Irish Dragon’ in action, it came against former UFC lightweight world champion Rafael dos Anjos in November 2020. In the time since Felder has focused on his career as a color commentator and analyst, but after watching The Korean Zombie’s last stand against Max Holloway in August, Felder admittedly got the itch to get back in the gym.

Shortly after, Felder revealed that he had re-entered the USADA testing pool, though made it clear that he was not committing to compete. He wasn’t simply keeping his options open.

“I have no idea,” Felder said of his MMA future during a UFC Fight Night broadcast in September. “I rolled with Michael (Chiesa) today. Honest to God, it blew up on social. I’m back training. I’m enjoying MMA again.

“For all the people that think I need a complete both hip replacements, I have bad hips, there’s no secret about that. I’ve had bad hips for years, but I am back in the USADA testing pool. That’s exactly where I’m at now, but that is it. That is it. I did it just in case. I’m getting old and there might be some old dudes out there that might want to dust it up in six months. Other than that, I have no idea. I’m enjoying training.”

Paul Felder is ‘By No Means’ promising a return to the Octagon

Per an update on the USADA website, which was confirmed by ESPN, Paul Felder has submitted his first sample since jumping back into the testing pool, though he “by no means” promised a return, noting that his re-entry was more of a “just in case” an opportunity arises.

Felder’s re-entry comes at a time of transition for the promotion. Last month, USADA CEO Travis Tygart revealed that the UFC would no longer partner with the anti-doping agency, ending their eight-year relationship in favor of an in-house system for testing athletes. Under USADA, ‘The Irish Dragon’ would be subject to a required six months of pre-fight screening, but once their agreement expires on January 1, 2024, all bets are off.

Under the new protocols, which have yet to be revealed, Fedler and other fighters currently waiting out their six month testing period, like Conor McGregor, could potentially return to the Octagon immediately in the new year.

Paul Felder calls for trilogy rubber match with Edson Barboza in comeback after UFC Vegas 81 striking win

Paul Felder calls for Edson Barboza trilogy fight after UFC Vegas 81 winExpected to make a return to the Octagon and snap a three-year retirement in 2024, former lightweight contender, Paul Felder is clamoring for a trilogy rubber match with last night’s UFC Vegas 81 main event victor, Edson Barboza, according to desk analyst and welterweight contender, Michael Chiesa.  Calling time on his storied mixed martial arts […]

Paul Felder calls for Edson Barboza trilogy fight after UFC Vegas 81 win

Expected to make a return to the Octagon and snap a three-year retirement in 2024, former lightweight contender, Paul Felder is clamoring for a trilogy rubber match with last night’s UFC Vegas 81 main event victor, Edson Barboza, according to desk analyst and welterweight contender, Michael Chiesa. 

Calling time on his storied mixed martial arts career back in 2020, Felder’s most recent Octagon came in the form of a short-notice clash with former undisputed lightweight champion, Rafael dos Anjos at the UFC Apex facility – suffering a one-sided split decision loss in his second consecutive headliner.

However, earlier this summer, the Philadelphia favorite, who turned 39 years old back in April, announced his return to the USADA testing pool – with the view to a potential slot on the upcoming UFC 300 card next year. 

“I have no idea,’ Paul Felder said. “I rolled with Michael (Chiesa) today. Honest to God, it blew up on social. I’m back training, I’m enjoying MMA again.”

Michael Chiesa touts Paul Felder as interested in Edson Barboza trilogy

“For all the people that think I need a complete both hip replacements, I have bad hips there’s no secret about that. I’ve had bad hips for years, but I am back in the USADA testing pool. That’s exactly where I’m at now, but that is it. That is it. I did it just in case, I’m getting old and there might be some old dudes out there that might want to dust it up in six months. Other than that, I have no idea. I’m enjoying training.” 

And taking in last night’s UFC Vegas 81 action away from the commentary booth, Roufusport staple, Felder, according to the above-mentioned, Chiesa, voiced an interest in rounding out his fight series with the aforenoted, Barboza in the form of a third fight, with both men sitting at one win apiece.

First colliding back in July 2015, Felder was struck with his first professional loss against Barboza, suffering a unanimous decision defeat to the Brazilian striking ace.

And in a rematch four years later at UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi, Felder evened the score between the two, notching himself a close, split decision win over the Nova Friburgo native.

rallying in last night’s win at UFC Vegas 81, Barboza secured his second straight victory for the first time at the featherweight limit, turning in a unanimous decision win over Sodiq Yusuff in his fourth headlining bout under the promotion’s banner.

Would you like to see Paul Felder fight Edson Barboza in his return?

Video: UFC champ Sean Strickland shows off his new shirt before training with Paul Felder

Sean StricklandNewly crowned UFC middleweight world champion Sean Strickland is sporting some new swag as he returns to the gym following his shocking title win earlier this month. Despite stepping into the Octagon as a 7-to-1 underdog, ‘Tarzan’ did the unthinkable and scored a dominant unanimous decision victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 to claim […]

Sean Strickland

Newly crowned UFC middleweight world champion Sean Strickland is sporting some new swag as he returns to the gym following his shocking title win earlier this month.

Despite stepping into the Octagon as a 7-to-1 underdog, ‘Tarzan’ did the unthinkable and scored a dominant unanimous decision victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 to claim the middleweight title. Fans are still trying to come to terms with what exactly happened that night, but the fact remains that Sean Strickland is the new king of the 185-pound division.

Following his victory, the always-outspoken star revealed that he was forced to go on vacation. Now, it appears that Strickland is once again back to work in the gym and has a brand new shirt to show off to his teammates, including ex-fighter turned UFC analyst, Paul Felder.

As Strickland states in the video, the shirt was a gift, but I think we can all agree that it definitely works well with his sometimes controversial personality.

Is a Rematch with Israel Adesanya Next for Sean Strickland?

Following his big win in The Land Down Under, Strickland and his longtime coach, Eric Nicksick, suggested that a December return to the Octagon could be in the cards. With UFC 296 beginning to take shape, that no longer appears to be the case. Speaking about his next appearance inside the Octagon, ‘Tarzan’ made it clear that his only concern is making as much money as he can while he holds the gold.

“My thing is, dude, when it comes to that next fight, everybody’s like, ‘Who do you want to fight?’ I don’t give a f*ck, dude,” Strickland explained on his podcast. “I want to make f*cking money. I get those pay-per-view buys. Give me somebody who’s going to make f*cking money. I don’t want to fight anybody boring. I want to fight, you know, give me someone who’s making money.” 

Of all the potential fights out there, a rematch with Israel Adesanya may very well be the biggest money-making matchup for Strickland. ‘Tarzan’ even hinted that another scrap with ‘The Last Stylebender’ could be next, but in all likelihood, we won’t see it happen until 2024.

Report – Paul Felder returns to promotional roster, fighting return targeted for UFC 300 next year

Paul Felder targeted to make return at UFC 300 next yearFormer lightweight contender, Paul Felder is reportedly expected to make his long-rumored return to the Octagon at UFC 300 next year, as speculation continues to mount regarding a would-be four-year retirement snapping return to combat sports competition. Felder, 39, has been sidelined from active competition since he featured atop a UFC Apex facility card against […]

Paul Felder targeted to make return at UFC 300 next year

Former lightweight contender, Paul Felder is reportedly expected to make his long-rumored return to the Octagon at UFC 300 next year, as speculation continues to mount regarding a would-be four-year retirement snapping return to combat sports competition.

Felder, 39, has been sidelined from active competition since he featured atop a UFC Apex facility card against former undisputed lightweight champion, Rafael dos Anjos back in November 2020, suffering a one-sided split decision loss to the Brazilian in a short-notice main event clash.

The defeat came as Philadelphia native, Paul Felder’s second on the bounce, following a close, debated split decision loss to Dan Hooker in a UFC Fight Night Auckland headliner back in February of that year as the pair turned in a Fight of the Night viewing. 

And calling time on his storied career in the year following his subsequent final outing against dos Anjos, Felder has since switched his focus to color-commentary and analyst work, featuring on countless ‘Fight Night’ billed cards as well as pay-per-view events for the UFC.

However, earlier this summer, reports appeared to suggest that Felder was considering a return to the sport, with the Roufusport staple confirming he had returned to the USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) testing pool, ahead of a potential return to the sport.

“I have no idea,’ Paul Felder said. “I rolled with Michael (Chiesa) today. Honest to God, it blew up on social. I’m back training, I’m enjoying MMA again.”

“For all the people that think I need a complete both hip replacements, I have bad hips there’s no secret about that. I’ve had bad hips for years, but I am back in the USADA testing pool. That’s exactly where I’m at now, but that is it. That is it. I did it just in case, I’m getting old and there might be some old dudes out there that might want to dust it up in six months. Other than that, I have no idea. I’m enjoying training.” 

Paul Felder targeted to make a return to the Octagon at UFC 300 next year

And according to reports earlier this week from The Schmo, Felder is currently targeted to make a return to the Octagon at UFC 300 in the opening quarter of next year, with an opponent or weight class for the former’s return still yet to be disclosed. 

Without a victory since a 2019 appearance in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Felder landed a close split decision win over Edson Barboza in the pair’s lightweight rematch. 

Who would you like to see Paul Felder fight at UFC 300?

Paul Felder shuts down fans call for UFC return fight against Shavkat Rakhmonov: ‘No thank you!’

Paul Felder shuts down fight with Shavkat Rakhmonov UFC return no thank youWhilst remaining non-committal on a potential return to the Octagon following a 2021 retirement, former lightweight contender, Paul Felder most certainly is not entertaining a potential welterweight clash with the undefeated finishing ace, Shavkat Rakhmonov. Felder, a former lightweight contender under the banner of the UFC, has since switched his talents to color-commentary and analyst […]

Paul Felder shuts down fight with Shavkat Rakhmonov UFC return no thank you

Whilst remaining non-committal on a potential return to the Octagon following a 2021 retirement, former lightweight contender, Paul Felder most certainly is not entertaining a potential welterweight clash with the undefeated finishing ace, Shavkat Rakhmonov.

Felder, a former lightweight contender under the banner of the UFC, has since switched his talents to color-commentary and analyst work, after officially calling time on his professional mixed martial arts career.

Ending his combat sports career following back-to-back headlining fights, Philadelphia favorite, Felder most recently took former lightweight champion, Rafael dos Anjos the five round distance back in December 2020, suffering a one-sided split decision loss.

Linked with a comeback fight in the time since, Felder, a staple of Roufusport claimed recent UFC Singapore headliner, Chan Sung Jung inspired him to make a return to the sport following his own retirement from MMA earlier this month.

Providing somewhat of an update on a potential return to the sport, Felder, 39, confirmed he has officially returned to the USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) testing pool. 

“I have no idea,’ Paul Felder said of his chances of a return on the ESPN pre-fight show ahead of UFC Paris. “I rolled with Michael (Chiesa) today. Honest to God, it blew up on social. I’m back training, I’m enjoying MMA again.”

“For all the people that think I need a complete both hip replacements, I have bad hips there’s no secret about that. I’ve had bad hips for years, but I am back in the USADA testing pool. That’s exactly where I’m at now, but that is it. That is it. I did it just in case, I’m getting old and there might some old dudes out there that might want to dust it up in six months. Other than that, I have no idea. I”m enjoying training.” 

Paul Felder skirts calls for return fight against Shavkat Rakhmonov

However, as far as potential return opponents for the veteran striker, Felder has immediately shut down talk and suggestion of a welterweight pairing with Rakhmonov – who retains a spectacular 100 percent finish rate during his professional career.

Felder’s most recent win came back in September 2019 at UFC 242, avenging a prior decision loss to Brazilian striking sensation, Edson Barboza in the pair’s lightweight rematch. 

Who would you like to see Paul Felder fight in a potential UFC comeback?