UFC on ESPN+ 41: Paul Felder vs. Rafael dos Anjos Play-by-Play

Stepping in on less than a week’s notice, Paul Felder took the place of Islam Makhachev in a five-round main event against Rafael dos Anjos. Here’s how the lightweight fight went.

Bout 9: Paul Felder (17-5) vs. Rafael dos Anjos (29-13) (Lightweight)

Both fighters were putting together hard shots in the opening minute. Dos Anjos shot for a takedown in the second minute of action, getting Felder down after putting him against the cage. Dos Anjos held half guard on top. Felder was able to work up to his feet halfway through the round, although dos Anjos kept pressed on him. After striking for a minute, they nearly clashed heads as they both shot for a takedown at the same time. Dos Anjos was able to get a takedown with 30 minutes to go. Felder returned to his feet, although dos Anjos kept him against the cage, letting go in the final seconds of the round to land some punches.

Dos Anjos put Felder against the cage early in the second round, landing an elbow to the head while leaving the clinch. Felder was connecting with loud, slapping leg kicks. Dos Anjos shot for another takedown in the second minute of the round, although Felder was able to back up against the cage to resist the attempt. Both fighters were connecting with fast and hard punches to the head and body. Dos Anjos was able to get a trip takedown from the clinch in the fourth minute of the round. Felder worked back up to his feet with a minute to go in the fight. Dos Anjos kept pressed against Felder until the final moments of the round. Dos Anjos closed the round with a left hand that snapped Felder’s head back.

Dos Anjos looked for another takedown in the first minute of the third round. After persisting with keeping Felder against the cage, dos Anjos scored a takedown in the second minute. The fight returned to the feet halfway through the round, although dos Anjos kept Felder against the cage. Dos Anjos slammed Felder down for a takedown in the final minute of the round. Dos Anjos kept in control until the round ran out of time.

Felder had aggressive striking to open the fourth round. Dos Anjos put Felder against the fence in the second minute of the round after failing to land a takedown. Felder scored a takedown in the final minute of the round. Dos Anjos was able to take the back of Felder before they worked back up to the feet. Felder started to bleed from the forehead in the latter half of the round.

The fighters traded punches in the opening moments of the fifth and final round. Felder was able to resist two takedowns in the first minute. Dos Anjos landed a takedown in the second minute of the round. Felder got back to his feet with a minute to go in the fight. Dos Anjos tried to get another takedown, holding a body lock on Felder. Dos Anjos landed another takedown in the final seconds of the fightm holding control on top until the round ran out of time. After 25 minutes of action dos Anjos got the win (48-47 Felder, 50-45 dos Anjos & 50-45 dos Anjos).

RESULT: Rafael dos Anjos def. Paul Felder via Decision, Split

My Scorecard:

Live coverage of the entire card can be viewed here.