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TMZSports.com
Everyone wants to know why UFC star Paul Felder is volunteering to fight a killer like Rafael dos Anjos on just 5 days’ notice.
Well, Paul just gave us the answer — and it’s about as gangster as it gets.
“This is the crazy stuff that will either set me up for a major fight and move my career forward or I’ll prove that I got balls that are bigger than anybody else’s in the division.”
No lies detected.
Paul — who hasn’t fought since February — stepped up to replace Islam Makhachev in the main event on Nov. 14 … after Islam was forced to withdraw this week due to a staph infection.
Felder says UFC firmed up the fight on Monday night — giving him less than a week to prep himself for war.
Fortunately, Felder says he’s been training like a maniac recently for a triathlon — which means his cardio is insane at the moment.
So, he weighed the pros and cons of fighting a legend like dos Anjos — and quickly came to the decision that it’s worth the risk.
“If he beats me, he’s a former champion! I don’t give a sh*t! It’s Rafael dos Anjos!”
Felder continued, “I mean, I’ve got nothing to lose other than some brain cells and some broken bones and things as usual but I will heal up and I’ll be fine.”
Don’t get it twisted, Paul says he wouldn’t have taken the fight if he wasn’t 100% confident he can win.
“I’m fully capable of beating him, that I will make everyone clear of! I’m not coming in here to get a payday.”
Felder says there’s a real chance this could be the last fight of his career — but he’s not worried about that. He’s just getting himself ready to fight.
Dos Anjos is the former UFC lightweight champ — with signature victories over stars like Nate Diaz, Robbie Lawler, Kevin Lee and “Cowboy” Cerrone.
Paul’s record ain’t too shabby either — with wins over guys like James Vick, Edson Barboza and Charles Oliveira.