Paul Felder Returns to USADA Testing Pool, Submits First Sample

Paul Felder (17-6) has taken another step towards coming out of retirement.

After confirming a return to the UFC’s drug testing pool in September, the Ultimate Fighting Championship competitor turned commentator has now submitted his first test samples. The news was reported this week by Damon Martin of MMA Fighting.

Felder hasn’t fought since dropping a split verdict against Rafael dos Anjos in November 2020. It was the Philadelphia native’s second split decision loss in a row, and “The Irish Dragon” announced his retirement while on commentary duty during a UFC Fight Night broadcast in May 2021, citing the lack of a drive to compete anymore.

However, an iconic clash of veterans Max Holloway and Chan Sung Jung at “UFC Singapore” in August got Felder thinking about a possible return to the Octagon. The 38-year-old wrote on social media in the aftermath of the fight, “@KoreanZombieMMA got me wanting to go once more… damn you zombie. Seeing him face that crowd one last time. Epic moments. Can’t get that main event out of my mind.” Despite his newfound enthusiasm to compete, Felder, who has fought for the UFC at 170 as well as 155 pounds, was quick to turn down a fan’s suggestion that he take on undefeated welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov.

Felder confirmed his return to the testing pool in September while working alongside fellow former fighter Michael Bisping at the pre-fight broadcast for UFC Fight Night 226 in Paris. However, he clarified at the time that it didn’t necessarily guarantee a return to action:

“I did it just in case [I do end up fighting again]. I’m getting old, and 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. I’m enjoying training, I want to help out Michael, I really want to get back in the gym in Philly as well and start getting on the mat with those guys. I’ve truly missed it.”

Per current protocols, Felder will have to undergo six months of testing before being cleared to fight, unless the UFC’s drug testing policy undergoes major changes with its change in testing partners. The promotion will be parting ways with the United States Anti-Doping Agency starting 2024, with the testing program being taken over by Drug Free Sport International.