Former UFC star Paul Felder will be the star of an exclusive content series being filmed by the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO). The series that will take viewers behind the scenes on the new PTO Tour as he ‘eats, sleeps and breathes triathlon’.
Paul Felder’s next step competing as an age grouper will be this Sunday (15 May) on Venice Beach at the PTO Pro Am Herbalife Los Angeles, a mixed relay race held over the Olympic distance – 1500m swim, 40km bike and 10km run.
“We had been watching Paul’s entry into the sport with great interest,” explained PTO Head of Content, Nick Shakinovsky, who formerly worked as Director of Content EMEA for UFC.
“It’s such a strong storytelling opportunity when an elite athlete from another sport looks to take on the challenging world of triathlon; so we reached out to explore working together.
“Finding compelling stories that entertain the world of triathlon but also appeal to, and inspire, global sports fans to watch, engage and even participate is something we’re passionate about. Paul’s an incredible character and a natural storyteller and his journey into triathlon is one we can’t wait to share.”
The first 10-minute teaser introducing Felder drops today, Wednesday 11 May. Called ‘Fighting Spirit’, the episode covers reflections on his career to date; how he got into triathlon; and what he hopes to achieve in the sport.
“I look back on my UFC career and I’m happy with it,” said Felder, who was known as ‘The Irish Dragon’ until he retired from fighting in May 2021 with a record in the Octagon of 17-6 and is now a UFC colour commentator.
“I didn’t get to where I wanted to. I wanted to become a champion. But there’s only a few guys that ever get to say they were a champ.
“I got to number six in the world. I never quit. I’d like to think I was a bit of a fan favourite for my style and the way I brought it, I always kept true to myself. I always fought for something more than just me, but I think it was time to go. I feel like I went out leaving a little bit left.”
Felder cites Canadian star Lionel Sanders and his epic story as the inspiration for his new swim/bike/run obsession.
“I get really obsessed with looking at the people that are really good at something,” continued Felder. “If they [the professional triathletes] can do that, what do I have to do to do that? And slowly but surely, day after day, you push a little bit more.
“So, for me, it’s that process. It’s never really even been about the event. It’s been about the day in and day out. I like that. I like living that lifestyle.”
He continued, “When triathlon started creeping into my life, for sure, the thing that really got me noticing the sport was my man, Lionel Sanders. Mr No Limits himself. The work outs and the numbers he was doing were incredible.
“The Arizona desert run where it’s 100 degrees and he absolutely murdered it. That’s cool, so I started getting into the sport. Full distance, half distance, whatever. I found triathlon through Lionel… and now want to eat, sleep and breathe it.”
Lionel Sanders, as an MMA fan himself, has taken Felder under his triathlon wing. “The thing I love about Paul is that he’s approaching triathlon in the same way he embraced MMA. Full on and no holds barred,” said PTO pro triathlete Sanders, who’ll also be competing in LA.
“Doing a triathlon of any kind is an amazing endeavour. When you toe the start line, you can only be prepared to give it everything.”
