Paul Felder Announces Retirement From MMA

Fan favorite fighter and Top 10-ranked lightweight, Paul Felder, announced during tonight’s UFC on ESPN+ 46 broadcast that he was retiring from MMA and UFC. Felder noted that since he couldn’t see himself making a direct run to the UFC title, he opted to call it a career.

Felder ends his MMA career at 17-6 at 37 years old. He stated during the ESPN+ broadcast (h/t ESPN), “I don’t have a burning desire to fight up for many more years and become a champion.” He added, “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 [to commentate]. I’m retiring officially from the sport of mixed martial arts.”

Paul Felder made his UFC debut in 2014. Over the course of his career, he scored wins over the current UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, Edson Barboza, and James Vick. At this time, Felder is still ranked No. 9 in the division, solidly in the top 10.

In 2020, he lost two back-to-back fights, losing to Dan Hooker and Rafael dos Anjos in split decisions. Felder also apologized during the broadcast for not making his decision sooner and possibly causing pauses and holdups in the lightweight division. He will continue his career as a top UFC broadcaster.