Michael Bisping says Paul Felder is removed from “Fight Island” commentary as precaution

Paul Felder was in the wrong place. 

According to former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping, Felder has been pulled from his commentary assignments on “Fight Island.” Although Felder tested negative for COVID-19, he sat next to Din Thomas on the flight to Abu Dhabi, who tested positive for the coronavirus. 

On an episode of Bisping’s “Believe You Me podcast,” Bisping said he is replacing Felder as an analyst on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Felder was slated to commentate on all four “Fight Island” events. UFC 251 is the first event, taking place this Saturday, July 11.

Paul Felder off Contender Series commentary because he sat next to Din Thomas who tested positive.

Get ready for a higher rate of "He's hurt" and over exaggerated shrieks of excitement for the DWCS fights. I do like Bisping w/ the prospect fights though, he seems more interested pic.twitter.com/ty1aqoEtvP

— Dusty Andrews (@Fight_Expert) July 8, 2020

“I do know this. Paul Felder, poor guy, he was sat next to Din Thomas on the flight,” Bisping said. “So, he passed his test, but they’re erring on the side of caution. I think he’s going to be quarantined for 14 f**king days.”

Bispings’ work load has increased from two events to three in order to step in for Felder. 

“I get his work,” Bisping said jokingly. “I get to stay here a little bit longer now, commentating. I’m sorry, Paul, but I’m not that sorry cause I will be taking your cash, baby boy.”

According to Bisping’s Instagram, the 41-year-old arrived at the hotel in Abu Dhabi today, Wednesday, July 8. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCYFH9EDUiY/?igshid=1651z8ht97m1p

Thomas joins a long list of coaches and fighters who tested positive for the virus. Jorge Masvidal’s coach Mike Brown will not be in his corner at UFC 251 after Brown tested positive for COVID-19. 

Gilbert Burns, Pedro Munhoz, Vinicius Moreira and Anderson dos Santos are among the fighters who expected to compete on Fight Island,” but were pulled after testing positive for the coronavirus. 

A women’s strawweight matchup between Carla Esparza and Marina Rodriguez was postponed from July 15 to July 25, after one of Rodriguez’s corners tested positive.

Felder is yet to release any statement on the matter.

Connor Northrup

Connor Northrup once covered municipal meetings and promised himself never again. He is now combining his passion for Mixed Martial Arts and reporting all into one.

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