Paul Felder Explains Taking Short Notice Fight With Rafael dos Anjos

Paul Felder has spoken out on his decision to accept a bout with Rafael dos Anjos on five days’ notice.

The initial plan was for dos Anjos to share the Octagon with Islam Makhachev this Saturday night, November 14. Plans were changed after Makhachev caught an infection. The UFC was in search of a replacement opponent but they didn’t have to look too far to find him. “The Irish Dragon” is replacing Makhachev.

Felder, who was supposed to provide color commentary for UFC Vegas 14, decided to step up. Felder spoke to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani and he explained why he is fighting on short notice (via MMAJunkie.com).

“I thought about it, and I decided with everything going on in the world and all the sad things going on in people’s lives and losing their jobs and suffering, and we just lost Alex freaking Trebek to pancreatic cancer, I was like, ‘Man, you know you’re still 36. You’re young. You’re in shape. Save the date. Let’s go get paid. Let’s have fun. You’re fighting a legend.’ What do I have to lose?”

Felder went on to note that he’s on pace to make the lightweight limit. “The Irish Dragon” said he wasn’t interested in fighting dos Anjos for just three rounds despite the short notice. Felder noted that he likes fighting for five rounds.

This will be Felder’s first bout since February 23. He dropped a split decision to Dan Hooker. Felder had contemplated retirement after the loss but he decided this was the perfect opportunity to get back inside the Octagon.