MMA fighter Paul Felder has sparked speculation about a possible return to the UFC, despite announcing his retirement in 2021, but remains non-committal about a decision, noting that although he is enjoying training and has entered the USADA testing pool, it doesn’t necessarily confirm another fight.
Paul Felder has left fans of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in suspense with the possibility of one final Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bout. He’s taken significant steps towards that direction, but he clarified that no official decision has been made. He made this revelation on the UFC Paris pre-fight show. He explained, “I have no idea [if I’m fighting],” adding, “I rolled with Michael [Chiesa this week]. Honest to God — I know it blew up on social media — but I’m back training, I’m enjoying MMA again.”
Addressing his health, Felder clarified that contrary to what people might think about his hip conditions, only one was problematic. He said, “For all the people that think I need both [hips replaced], I have bad hips, there’s no secret about that. I’ve had bad hips for years.” Following what seemed like retirement due to continual losses and indications of a waning passion for the sport, he surprised everyone by returning to the USADA testing pool. He emphasized, “That’s exactly where I’m at, but that is it.”
Felder had previously entertained thoughts of retirement after losing to Dan Hooker in a UFC match in Auckland in February 2020. Subsequently, he made a surprising return nine months later, showing up to fight Rafael dos Anjos in the main event of UFC Vegas 14. Sadly, he suffered another split decision loss. In May 2021, he announced his retirement on the broadcast of UFC Vegas 27, stating that the spark to compete in the octagon “just wasn’t there anymore.”
Yet, in an intriguing twist, Felder revealed that Zombie’s inspiring performance in the UFC Singapore main event against Max Holloway might just be enough to spur a comeback. He clarified that joining the USADA testing pool wasn’t a confirmation of fighting again but more of keeping his options open. As he said, “I did it just in case [I do end up fighting again]. I’m getting old, and there might be some old dudes out there that might want to dust it up in six months.” Besides, he also stressed that he’s still committed to doing triathlons thereby indicating that he remains in top-notch shape.