Many of the best mixed martial artists grow up by developing skills in boxing, karate, or wrestling early in life. Before becoming a professional martial artist, Florian was a soccer standout who played for Boston College. Once Florian finished at Boston College, he became interested in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and earned a black belt from Roberto Maia.

While Florian was still interested in pursuing law school, he suffered a near-death experience while traveling in Brazil and decided to pursue a career in MMA. Dana White would discover Florian at a Combat Zone event in 2004. 

Even though Florian lost his fight, his performance against Drew Fickett would impress Dana White. Florian was given a UFC contract and lost his debut by knockout against Diego Sanchez. However, Florian would win three straight fights between welterweight and lightweight.

Florian Gets Title Shot

Florian got his first opportunity to fight for the lightweight championship at UFC 64 against Sean Sherk. Florian was only seven fights into his professional career, while Sherk had fought 34 times. The fight was close, but Sherk won a unanimous decision.

Florian was a well-rounded fighter. He became known for using his elbows in his striking and was an effective wrestler. Following the loss to Sherk, Florian put together six consecutive wins, including one over another future UFC broadcaster, Din Thomas, before earning another championship fight against B.J. Penn against UFC 101.

Florian didn’t fare as well against Penn as he did Sherk. He was submitted in the fourth round in the championship fight at UFC 101. Florian would close his career, winning three of his final five fights.

Florian had one more opportunity at a championship, challenging Jose Aldo for the featherweight title at UFC 136 in a decision. Florian finished his career with a 14-6 record. He won four fights by knockout and eight by submission.

Florian got into broadcasting after his career. He currently does a podcast with UFC play-by-play man Jon Anik and does color commentary for PFL fights, according to MMA breaking news. 

Felder Starts with Tae Kwon Do, Pursues Acing

MMAfighting latest updates show that Felder grew up in the Philadelphia area and entered the AAU Junior Olympic games for Tae Kwon Do. After graduating high school, he attended the University of the Arts to study acting. Felder turned professional in 2011, debuting with a TKO win.

Felder won the first ten fights of his career. He made his UFC debut in October 2014, winning a split decision over Jason Saggo. Felder’s record was 10-0 before he lost consecutive fights against Edson Barboza and Ross Pearson.

Felder was known for his durability throughout his career. He was only knocked out once in 23 career fights. 

Felder Gets Best Win, Decision to Retire

Felder made a career of fighting the top contenders at lightweight. While Felder was a fan favorite, he ended up being on the wrong side of more than a few split decisions. Felder also was willing to step in and fight, even when the matchup wasn’t favorable.

Felder’s best win came at UFC 218 against future lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. Utilizing vicious elbows, Felder earned a stoppage in the second round. Felder also won a split decision against Barboza at UFC 242.

In Felder’s last career fight, he stepped in on less than two weeks’ notice to the main event against Rafael dos Anjos. Felder, who competes in triathlons, was in good enough shape to go all five rounds. Felder retired after fighting dos Anjos in November 2020 but has since expressed a desire to return.

However, Felder has always feared hanging on past his expiration date, so there is a chance he may decide to stick at the broadcast table.

Florian and Felder Could Make Good Dance Partners

Florian and Felder both seem like friendly guys who love a challenge. Pairing up two lightweights with a tradition of taking on tough competition seems like a strong match. Felder and Florian were both good strikers with the capacity to use elbows to make life difficult for their opponents.

Both men are also articulate speakers who would be able to promote the fight well. Felder and Florian enjoy watching tapes and trying to break down the styles’ of other fighters. This would be a fight that fans could appreciate.

Felder never really got close to a championship fight in his career. It is fair to wonder if Felder came along with a deeper pool of talent than Florian faced during his career. Florian retired right around when Felder started. If the two men were to fight, there would likely be a lean on Florian to utilize his experience in big fights to win.

However, Felder should be able to hold his own. 

Written by Dean McHugh