Paul Felder's Advice For Nick Newell: 'Just F***ing Go For It'

It’s D-Day for Nick Newell and one man who will be front and centre this evening to see how he performs is DWCTNS commentator Paul Felder.

Newell (14-1) will feature in the main event of the evening when he takes on Alex Munoz (4-0) as they both look to impress UFC President Dana White and earn a UFC contract. Felder, who recently fought at UFC 226 when he was defeated Mike Perry after coming in as a late replacement, already has 11 fights in the UFC and knows exactly what it takes to compete under the bright lights and on the biggest stages.

Both Munoz and Newell will be putting it all on the line this evening, but unsurprisingly Newell’s congenital amputation of his left arm has been a large part of the media focus in the lead up to the fight. Whilst some think that the spotlight and the pressure could negatively affect Newell this evening, Felder believes Newell will be used to the attention and that he will be ready to bask in the limelight.

“I think the good thing for Nick is that he’s not afraid of the spotlight because he’s been forced into that since day one,” Felder said. “He’s been overcoming adversity and overcoming challenges his whole life so I think he’s one of those athletes that’s going to have a knack for shining when it counts. I think he’s going to be able to take in the moment and shine.

“Whether he wins or loses or gets a contract or doesn’t, I think we will see a ballsy fight and a tough fight from him. He’s tough man. There’s nothing you can say about him.”

Whilst the majority of the focus is on Newell heading into this evening, Felder isn’t discounting the chances of Munoz. The Team Alpha Male fighter is widely regarded as a high level fighter and capable both on the feet and on the mat. Felder believes the UFC have done this so that Newell is tested across all areas of the game.

“He’s got a tough opponent tonight and I think that’s smart by the UFC,” Felder said. “There’s a lot of controversy behind him (Newell) fighting in the UFC and they need to know how he’s going to stack up against really good grapplers, really good wrestlers with that arm.

“That’s going to be tested tonight for sure.”

Whilst wanting to see Newell fulfil his potential, Felder wouldn’t go as far as saying he wants him to win. “The Irish Dragon” simply wants to Newell and the other contenders do one thing this evening; leave it all in the cage.”

“You can help to want him to at least do well, but at the same time I can’t say I want him to win over Munoz because he’s a guy that also wants his shot too,” Felder said. “I just hope he does perform. I’ve been in this game for a long time now and I’ve been in the UFC for four years.

“When I call these fights I can’t help but just want to see these young guys do well. My advice tonight is I just want to see Nick f***ing go for it, I want them all tor just f***ing go for it. Wins and losses, sure they matter, but seriously, putting on a show and testing yourself will be what you’ll regret and will haunt you if you let the opportunity slip you by.”