Brian Butler, Paul Felder`s manager, is speaking out to provide clarity regarding recent claims made by Colby Covington about his client.
In a recent interview, welterweight fighter Colby Covington referenced Felder`s comments on the “Believe You Me” podcast, where Felder, along with Michael Bisping, suggested Covington`s persona was losing impact and seemed forced for relevance.
Covington responded by recounting a story from a 2017 military base visit they both attended.
Covington alleged that Felder, while at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, drank excessively, verbally abused his manager Butler, and trashed his hotel room, ultimately leading to military police handcuffing him to a toilet.
Butler learned about Covington`s accusations from Felder and fighters at Suckerpunch Entertainment. He expressed surprise, noting Covington had previously publicly “respected” Felder.
Butler acknowledged Covington`s public persona as an antagonist often differs from his private demeanor, describing him as generally respectful and genuine in personal interactions. However, he admitted Covington can sometimes go too far, which was evident in this story about Felder.
Butler stated that while Covington`s story contains some truth, the handcuffing incident is fabricated. He aimed to clarify what actually occurred that night.
Butler explained that during a military tour with Miesha Tate, Colby Covington, Paul Felder, and Stitch Duran, after a day spent with troops, they gathered in the hotel lobby, drinking whiskey late into the night. Miesha Tate joined them while working on her laptop. Butler admitted they all consumed perhaps a bit too much alcohol.
Butler described Felder as self-deprecating and jokingly irritable. He mentioned teasing Felder, who was between fights and eager for another, about his weight, as Felder could compete at both lightweight and welterweight. Felder, known for his humor, seemed to take the ribbing in stride initially.
Later, Felder abruptly announced he was going to bed and headed for the elevator. The group continued joking, and from the elevator, Felder jokingly called back, “I can still hear you,” which further amused everyone.
Later, Butler received a call from Felder reporting a broken hotel room. Concerned about potential issues, Butler and others went to Felder`s room, finding water leaking into the hallway. Felder was unresponsive to knocking and warnings about calling military police.
Eventually, Felder unlocked the door. Butler, cautious and unsure of Felder`s state, entered the room, followed by Covington.
Butler discovered water flooding from the bathroom and Felder in a disoriented state, explaining he had broken the toilet by slamming the lid. Butler focused on resolving the situation, getting Felder moved to another room.
Butler commended Covington for being the only one to enter the room with him, offering support in a potentially tense situation. After the incident, Butler thanked Covington for his gesture.
The next morning, the group, including military personnel, playfully teased Felder about the incident. Butler confirmed that there were no military police involved, Felder wasn`t handcuffed, and there was no altercation with him. He clarified Felder was simply irritated by the playful teasing, exacerbated by whiskey.
Butler reiterated his appreciation for Covington`s supportive action, emphasizing that the situation was ultimately harmless and has become a humorous anecdote they still share with base personnel.
Marcus Blakely