Marvin Vettori and Paul Felder went a few rounds on Twitter over the quality of Felder’s commentary at UFC 266.
Vettori was apparently none too happy about the way Felder called his unsuccessful bid for Israel Adesanya’s UFC middleweight title at UFC 263, and he voiced his opinion during the broadcast for Saturday’s pay-per-view event in Las Vegas.
Although Felder was calling the fights at T-Mobile alongside ex-champ Daniel Cormier and Jon Anik, he wasn’t about to back down from an online slap to the face, leading to a terse exchange with Vettori.
Am I using too many big words? I’m sorry Marvin
— Paul Felder (@felderpaul) September 26, 2021
Why? Because I have a job? Or because I called it like it was in your last fight?
— Paul Felder (@felderpaul) September 26, 2021
Well I’ll do my best not to do that on October 23. I think you are a talented fighter Marvin. I don’t mean to upset you but I call what I see. If you don’t like it that’s not my job. Talk soon.
— Paul Felder (@felderpaul) September 26, 2021
As the UFC 266 analysts previewed the promotion’s upcoming schedule and mentioned a Fight Night event scheduled to be headlined by Vettori and fellow one-time title challenger Paulo Costa, Felder quipped, “Can’t wait to call that one.”
Felder, who in May retired from MMA as an active fighter, has previously drawn the ire of his colleagues for moments onscreen. Former interim lightweight champ Justin Gaethje reacted angrily to his proposal for a fight after a win at UFC on ESPN 2, and Gaethje accused Felder and UFC broadcaster Karyn Bryant of trying to “steal his thunder” after a fight. Felder defended his overture as an honest reaction to Gaethje’s win and a show of respect.
Whether Vettori ultimately gets on the same page with Felder remains to be seen, but the fighter turned commentator is adamant that he has to do his job whether or not it ruffles a few feathers.