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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – SEPTEMBER 07: Paul Felder of United States compete against Edson Barboza of Brazil in their Lightweight Bout during the UFC 242 event at The Arena on September 07, 2019 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – SEPTEMBER 07: Paul Felder of United States compete against Edson Barboza of Brazil in their Lightweight Bout during the UFC 242 event at The Arena on September 07, 2019 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
UFC lightweight veteran and perennial fan favorite Paul Felder announced his retirement from MMA. Felder, who headlined his past two events participation broke the news while commentating during UFC Vegas 27 event.
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It comes as a bit of a shocker for fans and MMA pundits, as he was still in good shape, health-wise. But clearly, the veteran had figured it out that he won’t be fighting for the championship anytime sooner, so he had to make a call.
After the announcement, he took to Twitter and penned an emotional post, remembering his time and also thanking his fans.
He wrote, “It’s been a great ride! I wanna thank all my supporters. I will miss making that walk, the smell of fresh leather gloves, the countdown to walk. Sh*t… I’ll miss the weight cuts a bit too. But I have really thought this through and it’s time. Thank you.”
It’s been a great ride! I wanna thank all my supporters. I will miss making that walk, the smell of fresh leather gloves, the countdown to walk. Shit… I’ll miss the weight cuts a bit too. But I have really thought this through and it’s time. Thank you https://t.co/BoTP5iLZeu
— Paul Felder (@felderpaul) May 23, 2021
Earlier Paul announced his retirement from MMA during commentary. He said, “I don’t have a burning desire to fight up for many more years and become a champion, I always said if I don’t see that title picture a year or so into my future.
“I would retire and I would do it for my friends, family, and myself. I’m 37 years old and I feel very fresh. I love the UFC with all my heart for everything they’ve given me and the opportunity they’ve given me (for commentating). I’m retiring officially from the sport of mixed martial arts.”
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How did Paul Felder fare in his recent fights?
Felder (17-6) started his UFC career in 2014 with a split decision victory over Jason Saggo. After 7 years in the promotion, he retired after figuring that it won’t be soon getting a title fight opportunity.
He blew hot and cold in his last 4 fights with 2 wins and 2 losses apiece. But the losses came in his last two fights, one against Dan Hooker at UFC Fight Night 168 and the latest one against Rafael dos Anjos at UFC Fight Night 182. Both came last year via a split decision.
Felder apologized for holding certain fights and hoped that some deserving fighters will get a chance to move ahead. His fans though would have wished for a retirement fight. He was ranked No.9 in lightweight rankings while announcing his retirement.
What did you make of Felder’s tweet reminiscing his career?
