Michael Bisping: Paul Felder will miss ‘Fight Island’ shows due to possible COVID-19 exposure

Michael Bisping | Esther Lin, MMA Fighting

Michael Bisping finds himself with an extra gig on “Fight Island.”

The former UFC middleweight champion announced on his Believe You Me podcast that fellow fight commentator Paul Felder will be absent from the broadcast desk at upcoming shows in Abu Dhabi after possibly being exposed to the COVID-19 virus. According to Bisping, Din Thomas tested positive for COVID-19 (Thomas appeared to confirm this news via his Instagram) and Felder was seated near Thomas on a flight to Las Vegas.

Though Felder himself didn’t test positive, Bisping said Felder is being quarantined in Las Vegas for precautionary reasons.

“Paul Felder, poor guy, he was sat next to Din Thomas on the flight, so he passed his test, but they’re erring on the side of caution and I think he’s gonna be quarantined for 14 fu**king days,” Bisping said.

A two-week quarantine would keep Felder from commentating at UFC 251 this Saturday and at the subsequent UFC event on July 15. MMA Fighting reached out to Felder’s management and were told that they are still optimistic that Felder can travel Abu Dhabi later in the month to call the July 18 and July 25 events, but nothing is guaranteed.

Felder would undergo further testing upon arrival in Abu Dhabi.

With Felder’s situation being sorted out, Bisping is currently set to take his place if Felder remains unavailable. He sympathized with “The Irish Dragon,” but still took time to poke some fun at his friend.

“I get his work,” Bisping said. “I get to stay a little bit longer now commentating fights, I’m sorry Paul. But I’m not that sorry because I will be taking your cash, baby boy. I’m joking, I’m joking, I wish him the best. I’m not that sorry. I am sorry. I’m kidding, I’m kidding, but I’m now doing three of the four events. Before I was just commentating two, now I’m commentating three, so I’m gonna be here a little bit longer.”