Paul Felder isn’t done yet.
Thursday, during an Instagram live chat with UFC commentary partner Jon Anik, Felder (17-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) indicated retirement isn’t in the cards.
Being stuck in the house during the coronavirus pandemic, Felder said he realized how much he loves fighting after a text conversation with his manager.
“I can tell you that after all of this with what we’re going through, I cannot wait to fight again,” Felder said. “Dude, I’m on this bike. I had my manager, Brian Butler, send me all these photos. I texted him last night. I said, ‘Man, I’m a little depressed.’ I’m missing my job. I’m missing my guys. I’m missing my commentary. … We’re having a great time. Family time is great. But I just miss that fire.”
Felder was last seen inside the cage Feb. 23 at UFC on ESPN+ 26. After an epic war against Dan Hooker, Felder came up on the losing end of a split decision.
In his post-fight interview, Felder hinted the fight may have been his last. It seems Felder has had an epiphany since then.
“You don’t realize how important that is in your life – especially somebody like myself or anybody like myself who’s an athlete that’s been doing this for so long,” Felder said. “… To just have that stripped away from us, it’s like, (expletive), man. (Expletive), I can’t wait to get back to doing this.”
Eager to return, Felder said he’s not calling COVID-19 safety measures to be overstepped in order for him to do so. He’s willing to wait.
“I’m also realistic,” Felder said. “I’m not one of those people like, ‘We need to just open everything up.’ I don’t want a second wave or any of that stuff. When it does come and I see you guys again, I cannot wait to be like, ‘I will never take this for granted ever again.’ I think that’s something we’re all going to learn from this craziness, if anything.”
