Paul Felder Steps up to Save UFC Vegas 14 Headliner

Paul Felder won’t be in the broadcasting booth at UFC Vegas 14; he’s going to be throwing hands in the Octagon. Following the late withdrawal of Islam Makhachev from the card’s main event, ‘The Irish Dragon’ has agreed to face Rafael dos Anjos on just five days’ notice.

Felder is stepping in and will do so at 155

Recently it was announced that Makhachev has been forced to drop out of the November 14th card. 

Due to the short notice, things were looking dicey, in terms of how the UFC could save the headliner. But, ESPN is reporting that Dana White’s confirmed Felder has agreed to step-up and fight RDA. Even more interestingly and impressively, he’s apparently agreed to a fight at 155 pounds and not welterweight.

Felder’s manager, Brian Butler, was quoted saying this in the report.

“Any other time, this would have been impossible. But Paul has been biking and swimming like a mad man. He woke up this morning and his health data says he’s peaking. The universe wanted this to happen.”

There you have it. Felder (17-5) hasn’t fought since February when he dropped a split decision to Dan Hooker, in what was a thrilling, fight. 

Dos Anjos (29-13) is returning to the lightweight division after fighting at welterweight since 2016. In his last outing, this past January, he lost via decision to Michael Chiesa.

UFC Vegas 14 line-up

Here is the line-up for Saturday’s card, which will be hosted by the Apex Facility.

Main Card (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)

Rafael dos Anjos vs. Paul Felder
Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Khaos Williams
Julian Marquez vs. Saparbek Safarov
Eryk Anders vs. Antonio Arroyo

Preliminary Card (ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET)

Kay Hansen vs. Cory McKenna
Miranda Granger vs. Ashley Yoder
Alex Morono vs. Rhys McKee
Louis Smolka vs. Jose Quinonez
Randa Markos vs. Kanako Murata
Geraldo de Freitas vs. Tony Gravely
Don’Tale Mayes vs. Roque Martinez