P. Felder (center) agreed to face R. dos Anjos with less than a week to go UFC Las Vegas 14. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
The fact of 'saving' the UFC Las Vegas 14 and replace Islam makhachev against Rafael dos Anjos in the main fight this Saturday (14) certainly gives morale to Paul felder. However, you are mistaken if you think that the North American accepted the challenge just to 'comply with the schedule'. In a video conference with the press, the athlete warned the Brazilian about the dangers of the confrontation and guaranteed focus to emerge victorious in this weekend's confrontation.
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“He (Rafael) has to know that, if he gets close to me, he will be hit with something heavy. If he wants to take me down, he'll be crushed by my hip and, if I get up, he'll be kneed in the face. He has to know that he will be violent all the time. He fights like that a little. The fans will see a show”, said the athlete.
Paul – who would work as a commentator for the event this Saturday – was announced as Dos Anjos' opponent last Monday night (9). The news took many by surprise, as the North American had been retired since February this year, after losing the battle against Dan Hooker. Felder then explained the decision to replace Makhachev and face the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg).
“It's a strange coincidence, because I had put MMA out of my mind, but it forced itself back into my life. It's incredible, because I didn't want to take MMA out of my life, but I was kind of bitter about the division. I no longer saw the path to the top and, if I don't see it, why should I keep getting hit in the head if I'm not going to be the best? I'm not just fighting for money, I'm fighting for opportunities for good things in the future, and this fight presents that. I'm going to face a legend. If I lose, I'll lose my place in the rankings (7th) and maybe I won't deserve to fight for the title anyway. But, if I win, how can they deny me a fight against one of the top fighters in the category?”, concluded the fighter.
This weekend's duel, in addition to marking Paul's return to MMA, will bring the return of Rafael dos Anjos to the division where he experienced the best moments of his career. Between 2015 and 2016, the Niteroi native occupied the most desired position in the category, holding the belt in the 70,3kg division. In recent years, the Brazilian has performed at welterweight (up to 77kg).
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