Brian Butler, Paul Felder`s manager, is speaking out to clarify the recent story shared by Colby Covington about his client.
In a recent interview, welterweight fighter Colby Covington discussed Felder`s comments on the podcast “Believe You Me,” which Felder co-hosts. Felder had mentioned that Covington`s public persona was “fading” and that he only engaged in trash talk to “stay relevant.”
Covington responded strongly, recounting a story from a 2017 visit to a military base where both he and Felder were present.
Covington claimed that Felder had been “talking trash” and then told a story about the visit to Joint Base Langley-Eustis, alleging that military police handcuffed a drunk Felder to a toilet in his bathroom on base. Covington used this story to criticize Felder`s behavior and professionalism.
Butler became aware of Covington`s accusations through Felder and other fighters from Suckerpunch Entertainment. He expressed surprise, noting that Covington had previously expressed “respect” for Felder.
Butler acknowledged that while Covington is often perceived as an “asshole” due to his public persona, his personal interactions have been respectful and genuine. He suggested that Covington`s character sometimes goes “too far,” including in his story about Felder.
Butler stated that while Felder was not particularly upset by Covington`s story, they wanted to correct the record and clarify that Felder was never arrested or handcuffed to a toilet.
Regarding Covington`s narrative about Felder drinking excessively on the base, Butler admitted some parts were true but others were exaggerated. He then provided his account of the evening.
Butler explained that during a military tour at Joint Base Langley-Eustis with Miesha Tate, Colby Covington, Paul Felder, and Stitch Duran, they had spent a day with the troops. Later, in the hotel lobby, they were having drinks with others from the tour. They were drinking whiskey and enjoying themselves late into the night. Miesha Tate joined them while working on her laptop.
Butler described Felder as self-deprecating and someone who can both give and take jokes. He mentioned teasing Felder, who was between fights and eager for a new one, about his weight, as Felder could fight at both lightweight and welterweight. Butler would playfully mock him, even filming himself eating to tease Felder.
Later in the evening, Felder seemed irritated by the jokes and abruptly announced he was going to bed and headed for the elevator. The group continued joking, and from the elevator, Felder called out, “I can still hear you,” making everyone laugh more.
Afterwards, Butler received a call from Felder saying his “hotel room is broken.” Concerned, Butler and others went to Felder`s room and found water leaking into the hallway.
They banged on the door, and Butler, trying to get Felder to open up, jokingly said the “military police are coming.” Felder eventually opened the door.
Butler cautiously entered the room, finding water coming from the bathroom. He was surprised to see Covington was the only one who followed him, which he appreciated.
Butler asked Felder what happened, and Felder explained he had slammed the toilet lid, breaking the toilet. Butler believed Felder had too much whiskey and was not fully coherent. He was concerned Felder might become aggressive if pressed.
Butler commended Covington for being the only one who entered the room with him, suggesting Covington was there to offer support. They cleaned up the room, moved Felder to another room, and the incident ended.
The next morning, Felder faced good-natured teasing from the group, including soldiers and base employees. Butler told Covington he appreciated his support that night. The incident became a funny memory, and they have been invited back to the base since.
Butler reiterated that the story about military police and handcuffs was false. Felder was simply annoyed by jokes, amplified by whiskey. Butler appreciated Covington`s gesture of support and confirmed that he and Felder have joked about the incident since, maintaining good relations with the people at the base.
