ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 22: Paul Felder is seen in the broadcast booth during the UFC 280 event at Etihad Arena on October 22, 2022 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Felder back in USADA testing pool, enabling posssible return

3 years ago
Chris Unger / UFC / Getty

UFC broadcaster Paul Felder is back in the USADA testing pool, opening the door for a potential return to competition.

"I'm back training, I'm enjoying MMA again," Felder said Friday on ESPN while getting ready to call bouts at UFC Paris.

He added: "I am back in the USADA testing pool, but that is it. I did it just in case. I'm getting old, there might be some old dudes out there that might want to dust it up in six months. Other than that, I have no idea."

Felder, 39, last fought in 2020, losing a short-notice bout to Rafael dos Anjos at the UFC Apex in an event he was originally supposed to commentate. He sparked buzz about a comeback on social media after watching "The Korean Zombie" Chan Sung Jung retire at UFC Singapore at the end of a spirited loss to Max Holloway.

As a UFC fighter, Felder was a perennial contender in the lightweight division despite never battling for a championship. He owns a 17-6 professional record and holds notable wins over the likes of Edson Barboza and Charles Oliveira.

"The Irish Dragon" has stayed busy since stepping away from fighting, competing in a host of triathlons in between broadcast duties.

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