UFC – Paul Felder On Conor McGregor: Get Him Out Of Our Way

When the UFC officially announced Conor McGregor vs ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone two weeks ago, it signified the return of the Irish superstar, after over a year away from the Octagon. Interestingly, the fight was made at welterweight and not at lightweight, where it was expected to take place.

Paul Felder, who has called out McGregor in recent months and who is set to face Dan Hooker in the main event of UFC Auckland on February 23rd, doesn’t see any problem with that and thinks that it will be beneficial for the lightweight division.

“That’s what I’m hoping, because he wants to fight at 170 [pounds] and he’s hunting that Jorge Masvidal fight, then let him do that. Take him lower down the rankings so that guys like me and Dan Hooker, who are putting in work at 155 pounds, guys like Justin Gaethje, get him out of our way and let us fight for the belt in those big fights,” stated Felder to MMA Junkie.

“If he’s still in the rankings in the top three, top five, guys are going to want to fight him, guys are going to want to call out. They’re going to wait to try to fight him and it just mixes things up. It muddies stuff up for us.”

The ‘Irish Dragon’ went on to say that he doesn’t think that top contenders should wait for a title shot or their turn against McGregor. Adding that he was surprised to see Gaethje recently say that he plans on waiting for his title shot.

“I’m surprised that an active guy like Justin wants to wait but he’s put in the work. Let him do his thing. I don’t see that happening. I don’t see him just being able to sit around and wait for a title shot. Poirier is still looking for a fight.

But for now, Felder is just concentrating on himself. Knowing that a win over Hooker in New Zealand would earn him a number contender fight at the very least.

“Depending on how things go on February 23rd it could be a quick turnaround and maybe a number one contender spot could open up. I would love to fight Dustin. I have nothing but respect for that guy. But as you’ve seen I can have nothing but respect for a guy and it won’t stop me from getting in your grill and letting you know that I’m here to smash your face.”

How do you see Paul Felder vs Dan Hooker going down at UFC Auckland?


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