Tag: Paul Felder

Paul Felder Believes Beneil Dariush’s Style Possess the Biggest Challenge for Charles Oliveira

Paul FelderCharles Oliveira has had incredible success since being the man at the top of the lightweight division. After defeating Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje it’s difficult to assess who will be the next contender to end his notable 11-fight-win-streak. With many being under the impression that Islam Makhachev will be the lightweight contender […]

Paul Felder

Charles Oliveira has had incredible success since being the man at the top of the lightweight division. After defeating Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje it’s difficult to assess who will be the next contender to end his notable 11-fight-win-streak.

With many being under the impression that Islam Makhachev will be the lightweight contender to defeat the Brazillian, Paul Felder is banking on Beneil Dariush to be the one to cause Oliveira problems.

The former contender-turned-analyst thinks the aggressive Dagestan wrestling will play into Oliveira’s favor, with the Jiu-jitsu specialist being comfortable on his back.

Darius was scheduled to face Makhachev earlier this year in a bout that would solidify either competitor as the next in line to challenge for lightweight gold. Unfortunately, Dariush was forced to withdraw due to injury.

Makhachev ended up fighting Bobby Green, which saw the Russian win with ease and continues to make his voice heard of earning the next shot at Oliveira. Since then, Oliveira has been stripped of his title after missing weight at UFC 274 prior to his clash with Justin Gaethje.

Paul Felder Talks Lightweight Division

Felder backed up why he felt Dariush would cause more issues to Oliveira than Makhachev.

‘I am retired, so it can’t be me, but dare I say someone like Beneil Dariush is more of a threat to [Charles Oliveira’s] particular style,’ Felder explained on The Fighter vs. The Writer.

“Because — and vice versa, I said the same thing when Khabib [Nurmagomedov] was still around — I always said that I thought Charles would be one of the bigger threats to him because of his style and the way he grapples and accepts bottom position but is so dangerous from there.”

Do you agree with Paul Felder here?

Paul Felder Makes Shift To Triathlons And Is Featured In Documentary

Paul Felder is stepping out of the cage and into a new competition. After a long and successful MMA career “The Irish Dragon” Paul Felder has retired from the sport. He announced that he would be stepping away from the fighting side of MMA while on commentary for the UFC Vegas 27 event in March…

Continue Reading Paul Felder Makes Shift To Triathlons And Is Featured In Documentary at MMA News.

Paul Felder is stepping out of the cage and into a new competition.

After a long and successful MMA career “The Irish Dragon” Paul Felder has retired from the sport. He announced that he would be stepping away from the fighting side of MMA while on commentary for the UFC Vegas 27 event in March of 2021.

Although Felder is no longer fighting, his competitive nature hasn’t left him. He is now focusing his time and effort on training and competing in triathlons.

Felder’s journey in triathlons is only beginning, but he has high aspirations. His path is being documented in a new docu-series on YouTube. The Professional Triathletes Organisation will be showing the series ‘Fighting Spirit’on their channel, the first episode is out now.

For those who don’t know, triathlons are races consisting of three disciplines, running, biking and swimming. There are different milage and some can be very long. Felder was shown in the first episode of the series jumping in with both feet as he signed up for his first race, a 70 miler called the IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside.

Former UFC fighter Paul Felder's transition to triathlon | MMA News | Sky Sports

During his UFC career, Felder was known for his striking and endurance. He spoke about how he began running and biking to improve his cardio for fighting and now has upped his training for this new kind of challenge.

Felder has a goal to be the winner of his age group in a race one day. He joked during the show that his days of kicking have set him up nicely for the bike and running but needs to get the swimming portion of his race game up to snuff.

In the first episode, he completely shuts the door on ever returning to the UFC but will continue to be heard calling fights as part of the UFC commentary team while pursuing this new passion.

What do you think of this new athletic outlet of Paul Felder?

Continue Reading Paul Felder Makes Shift To Triathlons And Is Featured In Documentary at MMA News.

Rafael Fiziev Out, Islam Makhachev Offers To Fight RDA At UFC 272

Rafael FizievBig news today, as up-and-coming lightweight star Rafael Fiziev has been forced to pull out of his fight against Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC 272 due to the COVID-19 virus. The fight was originally slated to main event UFC Vegas 48 but was pushed back because of VISA issues Fiziev had. Now, it’s officially off, […]

Rafael Fiziev

Big news today, as up-and-coming lightweight star Rafael Fiziev has been forced to pull out of his fight against Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC 272 due to the COVID-19 virus.

The fight was originally slated to main event UFC Vegas 48 but was pushed back because of VISA issues Fiziev had.

Now, it’s officially off, and the MMA world is buzzing to see who steps up to replace him.

The news was originally reported on Ariel Helwani’s The MMA Hour, and it’s sparked the interest of a ton of top names in the 155lbs division.

Rafael Fiziev Out, But Who Steps Up to Take his Spot?

Rafael Dos Anjos is a former champion and also holds one of the most star-studded resumes in the game. A win over him could change your career, and it seems like a well-known secret with all the fighters lining up to step in.

Chief among them would probably be Islam Makhachev. This young Dagestani killer just brutalized Bobby Green in the main event of UFC Vegas 49 but seems to realize another big win could be all he needs to solidify a title shot.

“170 ??? Let’s do it. We have unfinished business RDA @ufc @espnmma @bokamotoESPN @MMAjunkieJohn” Makhahev said on Twitter.

Not only has Makhachev wanted to step up, but names like Paul Felder and Renato Moicano have also voiced their willingness.

“I wonder if the course of the dragon still holds true with an immediate rematch? 174” Felder said. “How many days this time?” He added, referring to his and RDA’s last fight, which was also on very short notice.

Moicano went the video route, recording a short one saying: “Let’s go, Moicano want big money!” He’s coming off a big win over Alexander Hernandez at UFC 271 and is currently riding a two-fight win streak.

Who do you think the UFC will choose to replace Rafael Fiziev? Leave your predictions down in the comments below!

Paul Felder Reacts Strongly To Aleksandar Raki?’s Commentary Snub

UFC light heavyweight contender Aleksandar Raki? took a subtle dig at former UFC fighter turned commentator Paul Felder on Twitter.

Raki? is set to face former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz later this year in his return to the Octagon. …

Aleksandar Rakic, Paul Felder

UFC light heavyweight contender Aleksandar Raki? took a subtle dig at former UFC fighter turned commentator Paul Felder on Twitter.

Raki? is set to face former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz later this year in his return to the Octagon. He most recently defeated Thiago Santos and Anthony Smith in a pair of massive light heavyweight wins.

Raki? has never been afraid to speak his mind, especially when it comes to the UFC commentary team and their supposed bias. He most recently took a shot at Daniel Cormier after Dominick Cruz criticized his fight commentary leading up to UFC 269.

Felder, who has become a notable voice on UFC broadcasts since retiring last year, took exception when Raki? appeared to leave him out of a complimentary tweet towards fight commentators.

Paul Felder Responds To Aleksandar Rakic’s Apparent Jab

“Just say what you gotta say,” Felder said. “Is this a third-grade crush? Tell me you don’t like my commentary and I’ll tell you some of your fights suck.”

In a series of since-deleted tweets, Raki? said he tends to mute the UFC broadcasts when commentators such as Felder are at the desk. Felder took exception to this and even responded to Rakic in the middle of a fight card.

Raki? has emerged as one of the more outspoken light heavyweight contenders, as evidenced by his recent back-and-forths with Ji?í Procházka. Raki? could get the next 205-pound title shot with another impressive win in the Octagon.

Felder also has a history of not letting trolls and critics go unchallenged. He’s notorious for putting harsh critics of his commentary on blast and often engages in Twitter back-and-forths.

What are your thoughts on the UFC commentary team?

Continue Reading Paul Felder Reacts Strongly To Aleksandar Raki?’s Commentary Snub at MMA News.

Felder: Fourth McGregor Fight Would Be “Too Much” For Poirier Right Now

Former UFC lightweight contender Paul Felder believes a fourth fight with megastar Conor McGregor would be “too much” for Dustin Poirier right now.

Poirier is currently coming off his second devastating title defeat in the UFC. Following his first,…

Paul Felder, Dustin Poirier & Conor McGregor

Former UFC lightweight contender Paul Felder believes a fourth fight with megastar Conor McGregor would be “too much” for Dustin Poirier right now.

Poirier is currently coming off his second devastating title defeat in the UFC. Following his first, a third-round submission loss to the great Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2019, “The Diamond” fought his way back to the belt in impressive fashion.

After rebounding with a main event victory over a Dan Hooker in 2020, a bout awarded the Fight of the Night honours and widely considered a Fight of the Year contender, Poirier re-visited his rivalry with a certain “Notorious” Irishman in 2021.

Having leveled the score in the feud by becoming the first man to knock McGregor out at UFC 257, Poirier was seemingly in line for a shot at the vacant belt. Instead, he chose another money fight with the former two-division champion, one that ended with trilogy glory for the Louisianan.

But while most expected him to close out a spectacular year with title success, the formidable underdog presence of champion Charles Oliveira stood in his way. In the final pay-per-view main event of the year, “Do Bronx” submitted Poirier in the third round, a heartbreaking case of déjà vu for the perennial contender.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXXyt0VsRCO/

Felder Says Poirier Needs “Fun” & “Light-Hearted” Fights

Following his latest setback, Poirier was unsurprisingly de-motivated and deflated. He even suggested he may never fight at lightweight again and claimed no potential fight excited him anymore. However, the thought of a clash with veteran fan-favorite Nate Diaz soon brought a glimpse of motivation back for the 32-year-old.

But while both parties appeared to accept the fight for early 2022, a stall in negotiations has seemingly left Poirier back in an uncertain crossroads in his career. That’s much to the confusion of Felder, who believes the Diaz fight was a no-brainer.

During a recent interview with The Schmo, “The Irish Dragon,” who knows a thing or two about losing the hunger to fight, suggested a matchup with an individual like Diaz is exactly what Poirier needs. According to Felder, “The Diamond,” should avoid high-pressure fights with title implications, including a potential tetralogy with McGregor.

“It should be done (Poirier vs. Diaz). That should have written itself right then and there after Dustin lost that fight to Charles Oliveira. He needs a fun fight… He just needs to go out there against somebody and not be worried about titles, not have the pressure. Even a Conor McGregor fight I think is too much for him right now. Just go out there against another top dog, somebody who’s been around for a while, and try to get a W, and if not, go get paid, make people see it. I think he needs a light-hearted fight, not that any of them are easy, but he needs one with no title implications on the line.”

While all parties appeared to agree a fourth Poirier vs. McGregor clash is inevitable soon after UFC 264, the Irishman certainly isn’t short of other options and looks to have his sights set on Oliveira’s lightweight gold. Apart from that, potential bouts with Michael Chandler and Max Holloway also offer intriguing possibilities for McGregor’s comeback.

For Poirier, the options aren’t as clear heading into the new year. He’s previously teased a switch to welterweight, and with his potential departure from the 155-pound division, perhaps we’ll be seeing a grudge match between “The Diamond” and his former teammate Colby Covington in the near future, although that would certainly veer away from the type of fights Felder believes Poirier should be pursuing.

Do you agree with Paul Felder? Would a fourth fight against Conor McGregor be too much for Dustin Poirier at the moment?

Continue Reading Felder: Fourth McGregor Fight Would Be “Too Much” For Poirier Right Now at MMA News.

Felder: I Wouldn’t Fight A YouTuber No Matter How Much They Paid Me

Former UFC lightweight contender Paul Felder has shut down the idea of him ever facing a YouTuber inside the squared circle.

Felder closed the book on his in-Octagon career earlier this year after nearly a decade as an active fighter. In that time,…

Jake Paul, Paul Felder

Former UFC lightweight contender Paul Felder has shut down the idea of him ever facing a YouTuber inside the squared circle.

Felder closed the book on his in-Octagon career earlier this year after nearly a decade as an active fighter. In that time, “The Irish Dragon” experienced championship glory under the CFFC banner, defeated the likes of Stevie Ray, current UFC Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira, James Vick, and Edson Barboza, and picked up six post-fight bonuses on MMA’s biggest stage.

After a late run for the title came to a halt with defeat in a five-round war against Dan Hooker last February, Felder competed once more on short notice against former champ Rafael dos Anjos. Despite the one week-preparation, the 37-year-old went the full five rounds with the Brazilian, ultimately falling short on the judges’ scorecards. He officially announced his retirement during the UFC Vegas 27 broadcast in May.

Paul Felder
Image Credit: JOsh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Felder Wouldn’t Follow In The Footsteps Of Woodley & Askren

Despite only hanging up his gloves six months ago, talk of a Felder return has been present ever since. Rumors of a comeback picked up when the Philadelphian admitted he misses competing “tremendously” while casting an episode of Dana White’s Contender Series.

During a recent appearance on MMA Junkie Radio, Felder revealed there are two scenarios that could see him re-enter the cage. As well as a money fight against Conor McGregor, the color commentator said a Wells Fargo card featuring the Philadelphian athletes in the promotion could draw him back. But one offer that certainly wouldn’t convince him to return to action is a clash against a YouTuber.

In an ongoing trend, celebrities and internet stars have been challenging combat sport athletes inside the boxing ring. As well as Logan Paul vs. Floyd Mayweather, we’ve also seen former UFC welterweights Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley challenge Jake Paul inside the squared circle.

Despite the immense purses available, Felder insisted he would never be tempted to indulge in the trend. “The Irish Dragon” claimed that no amount of money could convince him to fight a YouTuber.

“Hell no. At least in MMA, there’s the Diaz brothers, especially Nate nowadays, and Conor, and money fights that I’m like, ‘Alright, these are guys that I’ve watched and that I respect as MMA fighters.’ I’m not going and fighting a YouTuber, no matter how much he’s gonna pay me. Because it’s just, you’re just promoting the wrong thing, right.”

Felder did, however, admit that his mindset largely derives from his gig as a UFC color commentator and analyst. The 37-year-old noted that he might be in a different position had he not pursued a role as a broadcaster.

“Am I interested in it? Do I see all the crap? Yeah, of course. I cheer all those guys on. Tyron (Woodley) wants to go make money doing that, fuck yeah bro, go do your thing. But it’s just not where I’m at. Not as broadcaster and somebody’s who’s got a job doing that on a more full-time (basis).

“Tyron’s done it for sure, too, but a little less than I am, where I’m doing color on a regular basis. I might be in a different position if I didn’t have the job I have. But I love the job I have, I’m trying to keep the job I have. So no, no YouTube fights.”

Do you think Paul Felder would perform better against YouTube sensation Jake Paul than Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley did?

Continue Reading Felder: I Wouldn’t Fight A YouTuber No Matter How Much They Paid Me at MMA News.