Brian Butler, Paul Felder`s manager, is setting the record straight regarding recent allegations made by Colby Covington about his client.
In a recent interview, Colby Covington discussed Felder`s comments on the “Believe You Me” podcast, where Felder, along with Michael Bisping, suggested Covington`s persona was losing relevance. Covington responded with a story about a 2017 military base visit where both were present.
Covington claimed Felder was disrespectful, drank excessively, and was ultimately handcuffed to a toilet by military police due to his drunken behavior. He described Felder as a “self-loathing, drunk asshole” and questioned his professionalism as a UFC commentator.
Butler became aware of Covington`s accusations through Felder and other fighters. He expressed surprise, noting that Covington had previously expressed respect for Felder.
Butler acknowledged Covington`s public persona as controversial but stated that in his personal interactions, Covington has always been respectful and genuine. However, he believes Covington`s story about Felder goes too far and is largely untrue.
While confirming that there were elements of truth regarding alcohol consumption during the military base visit, Butler refuted the more sensational aspects of Covington`s account.
Butler explained that during a military tour with Miesha Tate, Colby Covington, Paul Felder, and Stitch Duran, the group spent an evening socializing in the hotel lobby after a day of activities with troops. They were drinking whiskey and enjoying themselves, possibly to excess.
Butler described Felder as self-deprecating and jokingly explained that he was teasing Felder about his weight class, as Felder was considering fighting at both 170 and 155 pounds. Felder, seemingly jokingly irritated, announced he was going to bed and left for his room.
Later, Butler received a call from Felder who reported a problem in his hotel room. It was discovered that water was leaking from under Felder`s door.
Concerned, Butler and others went to Felder`s room. After some difficulty getting Felder to open the door, they entered to find water flooding from the bathroom. Felder explained he had broken the toilet by slamming the lid.
Butler clarified that while Felder was intoxicated and the toilet was broken, the situation was handled without military police involvement or handcuffs. He appreciated Covington`s gesture of entering the room with him, but emphasized that the situation was never dangerous or as dramatic as Covington portrayed.
Butler concluded that the incident was blown out of proportion and has become a running joke between them and the military base personnel. He confirmed that Felder was never arrested or tied to a toilet and that Covington embellished a minor event.
