Paul Felder should not retire after UFC Vegas 14, no matter the outcome
By Zain Bando
Though he is contemplating retirement, Paul Felder should keep fighting after Saturday’s UFC Vegas 14 main event.
Paul Felder has made a successful transition into the next phase of his life. Along with being one of the top UFC lightweights in the world, Felder has been a frequent voice on many of the shows as a color commentator.
Felder hasn’t competed since February, as he lost a razor-close split decision to Dan Hooker, another divisional mainstay.
Felder has been contemplating retirement ahead of the bout, and in his best interest, it is not a bad idea. However, according to the current ESPN rankings, Felder is the No. 6 lightweight in the world and has competed against some of the division’s best since he made his promotional debut in 2014, including two fights against Edson Barboza. Therefore, he can still make a run at a championship if that’s what he desires.
Since the defeat, Felder has remained active in the broadcasting world, adding to a long list of fighters who have sat cageside as a color analyst. Notable names include former champions Dominick Cruz, Michael Bisping, and Daniel Cormier.
Paul Felder took the main event slot on short notice
At UFC Vegas 14, Felder will take off his headset and step into the Octagon to challenge former lightweight champion, Rafael dos Anjos, in the night’s main event. Felder accepted the bout after Islam Makhachev withdrew due to injury earlier in the week.
With Khabib Nurmagomedov’s uncertain future, the division could eventually have to lean on some new faces to determine a new champion, and Felder is near the doorstep of that opportunity.
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