Paul Felder announces his retirement from MMA, UFC fighters react

By Chris Taylor - May 22, 2021

Perennial lightweight contender Paul Felder shocked fight fans this evening when he announced his MMA retirement during the UFC Vegas 27 broadcast.

Paul Felder

Felder (17-6 MMA) had most recently competed this past November where he suffered a split-decision setback to Rafael dos Anjos at UFC Vegas 14. The ruling marked Paul’s third straight split-decision result, as he had previously suffered a loss to Dan Hooker which was preceded by a win over Edson Barboza.

Despite still being in the mix at 155-pounds, Paul Felder announced this evening that he has lost the fire to compete and thus will be hanging up his gloves for good.

“I don’t have that burning desire to fight for many more years to become the champion… I love the UFC with all of my heart for everything that they’ve given me.” – Felder said during tonight’s UFC Vegas 27 broadcast.

Interestingly, Paul Felder remains the last man to defeat newly crowned UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, who he defeated via TKO at UFC 218.

Edson Barboza, Paul Felder

Image via @ufc on Instagram

During his impressive run with the UFC, ‘The Irish Dragon’ scored victories over Danny Castillo, Daron Cruickshank, Josh Burkman, Stevie Ray, Charles Oliveira, James Vick and the aforementioned Edson Barboza.

Paul Felder will now focus on his gig of UFC commentator, a role which he had thrived in thus far.

Check out how the pros reacted to Felder’s surprise retirement announcement below:

What was your reaction to Paul Felder’s surprise retirement announcement during tonight’s UFC Vegas 27 broadcast? Share your thoughts in the comment section PENN Nation!

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