Paul Felder Officially Retires From Professional Mixed Martial Arts

Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari - Zuffa LLC

The #9 ranked UFC lightweight contender, Paul 'The Irish Dragon' Felder has officially announced his retirement from professional mixed martial arts with immediate effect, as he looks to continue with his broadcast career as a colour commentator for the organization. Felder officially confirmed his retirement from the sport during the broadcast of UFC Vegas 27 tonight. 

Felder, who began his professional mixed martial arts career back in December of 2011, and following a 23 fight professional career, calls time on his run with a record of 17-6. 

Sitting at #9 in the official lightweight pile upon the time of his retirement, Felder stepped in on fight week last November to tackle former lightweight champion, Rafael dos Anjos in a main event tilt at UFC Vegas 14 -- having been previously slated to feature in the commentary booth. 

The 37-year-old Philidelphia fan favourite has featured under the UFC's banner since October of 2014, establishing a promotional record of 9-6 during his Octagon run.

Once reaching as high as #6 in the official 155lbs rankings, Felder has headlined once under the UFC's scrutiny; in February of last year at UFC Fight Night Auckland where he produced a Fight of the Year contender opposite hometown hero, Dan Hooker.

Claiming three Performance of the Night bonuses as well as a further three Fight of the Night honours, Felder has scored notable career wins over the likes of Khama Worthy, Danny Castillo, Josh Burkman, Stevie Ray, James Vick, Edson Barboza, and is the last opponent to defeat recently minted undisputed lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira -- who has since embarked a division-leading nine-fight undefeated streak.