Paul Felder retires from MMA during UFC Vegas 27 broadcast – ‘it’s not right to hold up the division’

No 9-ranked lightweight and UFC commentator Paul Felder officially retired from MMA during Saturday night’s UFC Vegas 27 broadcast.

“The Irish Dragon” (16-7) was part of the broadcast team for the event at the promotion’s Apex facility, and made his announcement to camera during a break in action on the main card.

“I’m retiring officially from the sport of mixed martial arts and the UFC,” said the 37-year-old American, who began his career in December 2011. “I got as high as No 6 in the world, got pretty damn close to fighting for that belt. I fought some of the baddest dudes in this division, and I want to thank all of them, my opponents.

“I want to say my apologies for holding up my division, to all the guys behind me, you young guns out there who are chomping at the bit to fight me, to be able to get to the belt. Well I’m officially stepping down because it’s not right to hold up the division.

“I wish more people would do this. When it’s time, it’s time. I feel it, I trust it. I’m confident in it. Yeah, that’s it from me. I wish I had some gloves to chuck up into the Octagon but I pretty much did that in New Zealand, and I pretty much meant it back then.

“And it’s been a struggle to get motivated and get back in the gym since then. You’ll be seeing me around, you’ll see this ugly mug on TV for a long time.”