The reaction of the former hunter to the latest Apex Main Event received some criticism online.
UFC Vegas 102 saw the promotion returning to the fighting capital of the world where Jared Cannonier in the headliner produced a remarkable comeback to stop Gregory Rodrigues.
'Killa Gorilla' proved that he still belongs in the middleweight ranking by overcoming a tough start of the fight to put the Brazilian in the fourth round.
The commentary cabin, consisting of John Gooden, Daniel Cormier and Paul Felder, all praised Cannonier to reverse the time of 40 years to end a heavy series of results.
Despite the praise sent by the road of the former 185-pound title-seconder, some fans had one of the reactions to the last fight of the night on the broadcast.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Paul Felder responds to fankritic on social media that he was biased in the main event
When Herb Dean entered Jared Cannonier to explain the winner within 21 seconds of the fourth round, Paul Felder gave a quick explanation about the Victor before he broken down the finish.
“Unreal. What a comeback. What a performance of Jared Cannonier, with which he again proves why he is in this big place.”
WHAT. A. Vecht 😱
Four knockdowns in a back and forth fight between Jared Cannonier and Gregory Rodrigues in the UFC Middleweight Division 🔥
View the official #UFCVEGAS102 Fight highlights now ▶ ️ pic.twitter.com/0weirasrmm
– UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) February 16, 2025
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When the camera showed the video reaction of the comment boat on the finish, it was seen brighter who threw his pen down at the time of the interruption.
This led to various messages on X who wondered if this was a frustration of the 15-Fight UFC veteran.
Felder has since responded to these posts the day after the fighting, and has completely rejected every idea that he was rooted for Gregory Rodrigues or had money on the matchup.
“For everyone who said that I was 'angry' when Jared won his main event … you are so wrong. I have been one of his greatest fans. I thrown my pen down after a big finish, try 100 times. I don't bet either !! Idiots. I literally said 'that's all she wrote' '
To everyone who said that I was 'angry' when Jared won his main event … you are so wrong. I have been one of his greatest fans. I thrown my pen down after a big finish, try 100 times. I don't bet either !! Idiots. I literally said “that's all she wrote” 🤦 agrees
– Paul Felder (@felderpaul) February 16, 2025
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If Paul was a bright bias, he hid it well during the fight
Every statement that Paul Felder was biased against Jared Cannonier or Gregory Rodrigues based on one short video without any audio seems like a considerable reach.
It was an aggressive and passionate response, but “the Irish dragon” gave Cannonier his flowers both before and after the interruption.
'Killa Gorilla' set up an impressive version to turn his fortunes and it didn't look that this would be the case after the way the first round played.
Felder and the rest of the commentary team have done well to convey how rare it is to see a 40-year-old hunter who still competes at the highest level, regardless of which division they are.
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