Video! Felder Announces Retirement During UFC Vegas 27 Broadcast

Paul Felder announced his retirement from MMA earlier tonight (Sat., May 22, 2021) during the broadcast of UFC Vegas 27 live on ESPN+ from inside UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Felder, who was posted up cageside for commentary duties, took a moment before the heavyweight matchup between Justin Tafa and Jared Vanderaa to speak to UFC fans and put an official end to his fighting career. “Irish Dragon” said he didn’t feel the burning desire to continue fighting as a potential shot at UFC gold started to slip away. Felder also believed he’d be holding up the lightweight division if he stayed around.

Check out his official retirement video above courtesy of UFC/ESPN.

Felder, 37, was the No. 9-ranked fighter in the 155-pound division before making his decision to retire. The talented striker lost his last two Octagon appearances in exciting main events against Dan Hooker and Rafael Dos Anjos.

Felder will leave behind a 17-6 record (9-6 UFC) and six UFC post-fight bonus awards. His most notable wins came against Edson Barboza, Danny Castillo, and current UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira.

For complete UFC Vegas 27 results and coverage click here.