UFC: Paul Felder Targets Fight Against Michael Chandler
UFC lightweight contender Paul Felder, has made it clear that he is only interested in big fights. And one such big fight would be welcoming Michael Chandler to the UFC.
The three time Bellator lightweight champion signed a lucrative deal with the promotion and will serve as the backup for the UFC 254 main event, should Khabib Nurmagomedov or Justin Gaethje pull out.
Fighting Only The Top Guys…
Speaking to the media on Fight Island (as transcribed by MMA Junkie), Felder gave a list of names whom he would like to fight next.
“There are only a few names I’d even be interested in coming back to fighting,” Felder said. “It’s the top guys: [Dan] Hooker, [Tony] Ferguson, obviously Michael Chandler is going to come here to ‘Fight Island’ to be a backup. Hopefully that doesn’t happen, right? I think we can all agree we don’t want that to happen. It’s good that it’s in place. God forbid something goes down. But that’s a fight I’d like to come back for in December or early next year.”
Welcoming Chandler To The UFC
As soon as rumours of Chandler signing with the UFC surfaced, Felder was quick to let UFC president Dana White know of his desire to fight the former Bellator champion.
“I would’ve at least asked when the date was and talked to the team and figured out a training camp potentially,” Felder said. “I’ve made it known that’s a fight I’d be interested in. I even texted Dana White when he first was talking to Chandler, saying, ‘Hey, if you need somebody to introduce him to the big show then I’d be interested.’ I have no disrespect toward Chandler. I think he’s a great athlete.”
Can Chandler Succeed In The UFC?
‘The Irish Dragon’ stated that he appreciates the fact that the UFC are signing champions from other MMA organisations, which can only enhance the UFC’s roster.
“I’m actually excited that he’s over here because that ‘what if’ has always been there,” Chandler said. “I’m glad the UFC is doing that and being more interested and kind of reaching out to these other champions and bringing them over. It’s having better guys. Who cares where they’re from? If they’re good, they’re good. Let’s have them compete against the best guys in the world.”
Felder last fought at UFC Auckland, where he lost to Dan Hooker via a split decision. The loss ended his five fight win streak in the stacked UFC lightweight division.
Who would you like to see Paul Felder fight next?
See also: