Paul Felder takes ‘risky’ short-notice fight with Rafael dos Anjos

Paul Felder is the man to replace Islam Makhachev against Rafael dos Anjos this weekend. Felder accepted the fight with “RDA” on just five days’ notice and will slide straight into the main event slot. Felder vs. dos Anjos is a five-round fight in the lightweight division.

Felder was set to commentate the fights on the weekend but will now feature in final bout of the evening instead.

In this video, Patrick Auger and Matthew Wells share their immediate reactions to the news.

Wells wonders why the fight is still scheduled for five rounds considering Felder is taking the fight with just five days’ notice. He also questions why weight cutting is necessary. It was later revealed in an interview with Ariel Helwani that “RDA” requested the fight to be at 155 pounds because wants to make another run in the lightweight division. Felder also said that he accepted the five-round fight because he enjoys fighting in five rounds and that’s the way a main event should be contested.

The matchup now also seems more favorable for dos Anjos. Previously, he was a big betting underdog against Makhachev because of the grappling disparity, but now, dos Anjos finds advantages there against Felder and will now need to shift his concern to the stand-up.

Paul Felder vs. Rafael dos Anjos predictions

Auger: Thinks it’s a risky matchup for Felder. He believes that “RDA” is underrated right now because of his time spent at welterweight where he was undersized. Expects RDA to win.

Wells: Also backing dos Anjos to win. Says that he’s going to come in ready and it’s a must-win fight for him. Expects to see RDA remind people who he is this weekend.