Paul Felder “Cannot Wait to Fight Again”, But Cautions Against Lifting Coronavirus Restrictions Too Soon

Having to be quarantined on account of the coronavirus pandemic, Paul Felder’s realized that he really, really wants to fight again after all. But,  “The Irish Dragon” isn’t calling for governments to lift the restrictions that have been put in place to battle the coronavirus just yet.

Felder “cannot wait” to fight again

The 34-year-old Felder is coming off a split decision loss to Dan Hooker in February, which headlined UFC Auckland. After the thrilling war, Felder surprised many, by announcing he may retire. The lightweight contender cited the fact he has a young daughter, as a key reason why.

Well, more recently, Felder confirmed that if the right fights come along, he’s on board to throw down. While speaking to Jon Anik via Instagram more recently, however, Felder said this (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“After all of this, with what we’re going through, I cannot wait to fight again,” the Philadelphia native said while referring to the pandemic and the self-isolating people are going through..

“Dude, I’m on this bike, I had my manager Brian Butler send me all of these photos,” Felder explained. “I texted him last night.

I said, ‘Man, I’m feeling a little depressed. I’m missing my job, I’m missing my guys, I’m missing commentary.’

“I’m sitting with [my daughter] and we’re having a great time. The family time is great, but I just, I just miss that fire.

You don’t realize how important that is in your life, especially somebody like myself or anybody like myself who’s an athlete that’s been doing this for so long.

Or even someone like you, (Jon), that’s been working, making this company become what it is: You are one of the faces of this company.”

So, from a fight fan’s perspective, this is welcome news. Although the loss to Hooker was a setback for Felder, in his title shot hunt, he was coming off wins over Edson Barboza and James Vick before that.

In other words, if Felder can record a couple of pivotal wins in the coming months, he could be back in the title shot mix.

Felder cautions against opening up society too soon

While Felder is anxious to fight, he clearly understands why the various restrictions on day-to-day life have been put in place, as a result of the pandemic. The fighter and commentator also said this.

“Fu*k, I can’t wait to get back to doing this. But I’m also realistic. I’m not one of these people that’s like, ‘We need to just open everything up.’ I don’t want a second wave, I don’t want any of that stuff.

“When it does come, I can not wait to wait to just (look around). I will never take this for granted ever again. I think that’s something we’re all gonna learn with this craziness, if anything.”

It will be interesting to see who the UFC matches Felder up against next.