Paul Felder is entertaining a return to MMA.
The retired fighter turned UFC commentator took the first step needed in order to make a comeback to the octagon. Felder (17-6 MMA, 9-6 UFC), who retired in 2021, says he has re-entered the USADA testing pool and is leaving the door open for future fights. Nothing is set in stone, but Felder is certainly leaving the door open.
“I have no idea,” Felder said on the ESPN+ UFC Fight Night 226 pre-fight show when asked if he was fighting again. “I rolled with Michael (Chiesa) today. Honest to God, it blew up on social. I’m back training. I’m enjoying MMA again.
“For all the people that think I need a complete both hip replacements, I have bad hips, there’s no secret about that. I’ve had bad hips for years, but I am back in the USADA testing pool. That’s exactly where I’m at now, but that is it. That is it. I did it just in case. I’m getting old and there might be some old dudes out there that might want to dust it up in six months. Other than that, I have no idea. I’m enjoying training.”
Paul Felder back in the USADA pool. pic.twitter.com/7DYVhHRNmP
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) September 1, 2023
Felder, 39, competed in the UFC’s lightweight division for six years. He retired in May 2021 after losing a decision to Rafael dos Anjos on short notice. He’s left the sport on a two-fight losing streak, but prior to that was 5-0 at 155 pounds. That run included a TKO win over former champion Charles Oliveira.
Felder currently works as an analyst and octagon-side commentator for UFC and Contender Series broadcasts on ESPN+.
