Paul Felder Isn’t Hanging up The Gloves Yet, But he Has Conditions For Future Fights

Following his crushing loss to Dan Hooker at UFC Auckland last month, Paul Felder turned heads by saying he could be done fighting. Since then, his coach and manager have confirmed the lightweight contender isn’t walking away just yet, but more recently, Felder outlined what it will take to get him back in the Octagon.

Felder has conditions for future fights

Felder and Hooker went to war at the February 23rd card, as many predicted they would, and the latter ended up winning the fight via split decision. Afterward, Felder said retirement was a possibility, and he cited the fact he has a young daughter at home as to why.

Well, as noted above, both Felder’s coach Duke Roufus and his manager Brian Butler proceeded to say that the fighter had been emotional, and that he wasn’t done yet. On the latest episode of Ariel Helwani’s “MMA Show“, Felder confirmed he’s not retiring. But, “The Irish Dragon” also reported the following (quotes via MMA Mania):

“I got a little emotional in there, and I really have been thinking about how many more I have left,” Felder said. “I have not been thinking about hanging the gloves up during training camp, or thinking I am out of contention for really making a run in this division.

“But it has been on my mind at 35 years of age, I’m turning 36 in April,” he continued. “My daughter is getting a lot older and she realizes when I am gone and missing me a lot more.”

“I think at this point it’s safe to say that I am only coming back for things that really entice me. Things that will really make me train the way I did for this five-round fight, huge match ups that really entice me. Other than that, I will just do commentary and wait for that match up.”

Makes sense right?

From a fight fan’s perspective, it’s great to hear that Felder isn’t hanging them up yet. After all, he’s one of the toughest and entertaining lightweights on the UFC roster.

As far as his condition for big fights, that’s completely understandable.

Felder has gone 5-2 since 2016 and his only other loss during that time came against Mike Perry, at welterweight. Right now he’s ranked #7 in the division and if he had beat Hooker (some people think he did), Felder would be one fight away from the title shot mix.

Further, on account of his commentating gig, Felder has another income stream, so he should wait out for the enticing match-ups right. Chances are, however, one will come his way in the not too distant future.