Rafael dos Anjos praises Paul Felder for taking short notice fight: ‘We need more fighters like you’
Rafael dos Anjos has nothing but praise for Paul Felder.
Originally, dos Anjos was expected to face Islam Makhachev in the main event of UFC Vegas 14, in RDA’s return to lightweight. It was an intriguing matchup, but on Sunday, it was revealed the Russian was out of the fight due to an injury. Immediately, people were wondering who was stepping up on short notice, and on Monday, it was revealed it would be Paul Felder taking the fight.
After it was announced Felder was taking the fight, Rafael dos Anjos praised “The Irish Dragon” for taking the fight.
We need more fighters like you @felderpaul thank you for take the fight and save the show. pic.twitter.com/f5tfDoSWRS
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) November 10, 2020
Rafael dos Anjos is making the move back down to lightweight after going 4-4 at welterweight. However, he has struggled as of late losing four of his last five, and is on a two-fight losing skid. The Brazilian fought for interim gold at 170lbs but came up short against Colby Covington. During his run at welterweight, he fought the best of the best and beat the likes of Robbie Lawler, Neil Magny, and Kevin Lee.
RDA is also the former UFC lightweight champion and defeated Anthony Pettis to win the belt. He defended it once against Donald Cerrone before losing the belt to Eddie Alvarez.
Paul Felder, meanwhile, is coming off a decision loss to Dan Hooker in February where after the fight hinted at retirement. However, he has made it clear, he was only looking for big fights that get him closer to the belt, and dos Anjos is just that. Before the loss to Hooker, Felder beat Edson Barboza and James Vick by decision to propel him into the top-10 of the lightweight division.
This is no doubt a big fight for both men’s careers and this Saturday’s card just got more intriguing with Paul Felder stepping up on short notice.
