Photos: The Paul Felder Story

Paul Felder, born on April 25, 1984, is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional since 2011, Felder has also competed for the Cage Fury Fighting Championships.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Irish American parents, Felder began training in martial arts at the age of 12 starting with Tae Kwon Do and Karate. He was talented, competing in the Junior Olympics for Tae Kwon Do. During college, Felder began training in Muay Thai before later transitioning into mixed martial arts.

Felder compiled an amateur MMA record of 3-1 and began his professional mixed martial arts career in 2011. He competed entirely in his native Mid-Atlantic states, with most fights for the regional promotion Cage Fury Fighting Championships.

He ultimately became Lightweight Champion for the promotion, earning the title with a second-round knockout of Marc Stevens. Felder then defended his title once, with a second-round knockout of Craig Johnson, before signing with the UFC in August 2014.

Felder made his promotional debut in October 2014 at UFC Fight Night 54 where he face Jason Saggo and won the fight by split decision.

He then defeated Danny Castilloon in January 2015 at UFC 182 via second-round knockout, which earned Felder a Performance of the Nightaward.

He next faced Edson Barboza in July 2015 at UFC on Fox 16 and lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Felder faced Ross Pearson in September 2015 at UFC 19 and lost the back-and-forth fight by split decision.

He faced Daron Cruickshank in January 2016 at UFC Fight Night 81 and won the fight via submission in the third round.

Felder next faced Josh Burkman in May 2016 at UFC Fight Night 88 and won the fight via unanimous decision.

He then faced Francisco Trinaldo in September 2016 at UFC Fight Night 95 and lost by TKO.

Felder faced Alessandro Ricci on February 19, 2017 at UFC Fight Night 105. He won the fight via TKO in the first round due to a combination of an elbow and punches. The win also earned Felder his second Performance of the Night bonus award.

He then faced Stevie Ray in July 2017 at UFC Fight Night 113 and won the fight by knockout in the first round after The win also earned Felder his third Performance of the Night bonus award.