Paul Felder says he’s hanging up his gloves for good.

The long-time UFC lightweight contender has decided to retire and put an end to his 10-year career as a professional fighter. Felder (17-6 MMA, 9-6 UFC) made the announcement on Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 188 broadcast while working as a color commentator.

Felder noted a lack of desire to continue pursuing the UFC lightweight title as the main reason he’s stepping down.

“It’s been, really since February since I fought Dan Hooker in New Zealand,” Hooker said on the UFC Fight Night 188 broadcast. “I got the fire back a little bit when I fought RDA on five days’ notice. I thought it was back and ever since then I’ve spent most of my days swimming, biking, enjoying commentary, and enjoying my time with my family.

“I feel like it’s gotten to a point where I don’t have that burning desire to fight up for many more years and become the champion. I always said if I don’t see that title picture in the next year or so in my future then I’d retire, and I’d do it for my friends and family and myself. I’m 37 years old. I feel very fresh. I love the UFC with all my heart for everything that they’ve given me, for every opportunity I ever had and sitting here on this desk and doing television. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and I’m going to keep doing this.

“I’m retiring officially from the sport of mixed martial arts and the UFC. I got as high as No. 6 in the world and got pretty close to fight for that belt. I fought some of the baddest dudes in this division, and I want to thank all of them. My apologies for holding up the division for all the guys below me and the young guns. I’m officially stepping down because it’s not right to hold up the division. I wish more people would do this. When it’s time, it’s time, and that’s it for me.”

Felder had flirted with retiring in early 2020 after losing a close split decision to Dan Hooker. He remained on the sidelines until November of 2020 when he decided to welcome back Rafael dos Anjos to the lightweight division, picking up the fight on just five days’ notice. He lost by split decision and didn’t compete again.

Felder fought for the UFC from 2014 to 2021. “The Irish Dragon” walks away from the sport with notable wins over Edson Barboza, James Vick, and current champion Charles Oliveira.