After spending six rounds in the Octagon together, there's still no clear cut winner in the Paul Felder and Edson Barboza rivalry. After losing to Barboza back in 2015, Felder
got revenge this past weekend with a split decision victory at UFC 242.
But not everyone was happy with the decision, and the win very easily could've gone to Barboza. In fact, Barboza's management team even filed an appeal with the UFC over what they feel was a bad judges score. The decision is unlikely to be overturned, leaving the rivalry split 1-1.
For his part, Felder took to social media to give his view on the fight and defend his win. Felder pointed out that he was aggressive the entire fight and was actually the one who did more damage, despite being taken down to the canvas. He also pointed out that his cut was due to a headbutt.
But perhaps most importantly, he recognizes that not everyone is sold on the decision. Felder added that he'd be willing to fight Barboza for a third time, but it has to be a five-round fight.
I’ve been spending the last few days with my little girl. These fight camps take me away from her and I notice after every fight she has grown up a little more. I’m thankful that I can do what I love and provide for her... she is my “why”. As for my fight and what seems to have turned into a controversial decision amongst fans.. It was a war... a close fight between 2 skilled people that wanted to finish each other. I have nothing but respect for Edson. We both go out and put on fights to entertain the fans... With that said, I will say this... I walked him down the entire fight, I threw at him the entire fight, I never stalled the entire fight, if he landed, I landed... the entire fight. When he took me down, he took the damage... the entire fight. I never gassed or slowed my pace the entire fight. I got cut due to a head butt, Edson got cut due to strikes. Both of us put our bodies through so much during that fight that whoever came out with the loss would understandably be upset but the numbers don’t lie. If we need to run it back I would be happy to, but this trilogy needs to be 5 rounds because someone was about to break and that someone was not me. If the fans and Edson need a clear ending to this then it’s main event or bust.
Speaking to
MMA Fighting, Barboza seemingly accepted Felder's challenge.
Just say the date and send me the contract. Of course I’d do it, man,” Barboza told MMA Fighting. “I won the first fight, no question, and gave him the rematch, and everybody knows I won again. If he thinks he won, let’s do it again. Let’s make this trilogy and put on another great fight. I’m interested, he’s interested, and I’m sure fans would be interested as well.
Barboza was also willing to make it a five-round fight, adding that he wasn't gassed and could've easily gone two more rounds if he needed to.
Do you want to see a rematch between Paul Felder and Edson Barboza?