The Wait is Finally Over
Payton Talbott has been stuck in the sidelines for way too long this year, and the vibes have been off. After putting the sport on notice by retiring Henry Cejudo back in December, the 28-year-old bantamweight has spent 2026 watching potential matchups against big names like Sean O’Malley and Cory Sandhagen fall through. Real talk: it’s been a frustrating wait, but Talbott is ready to turn the page at UFC 332 this Saturday in Salt Lake City.
The Figueiredo Challenge
Talbott is stepping into the cage against Deiveson Figueiredo, a two-time flyweight champ who definitely isn't looking to play nice. While the main event features Natalia Silva vs. Wang Cong, the buzz surrounding Talbott is undeniable. He’s already established himself as a main character in the bantamweight division, and he’s clearly not intimidated by Figueiredo’s championship pedigree. When asked if he’s worried about Figueiredo’s striking, Talbott was quick to shut it down: "I don't think he can strike with me, to put it simply."
Learning from the Past
Talbott’s only pro loss—a 2025 defeat to Raoni Barcelos—has aged interestingly. While Barcelos has gone on a wild late-career surge, Talbott isn't making excuses. He acknowledges Barcelos was the better man that night, even reflecting on the scary incident where Barcelos collapsed during a recent fight. It reminded Talbott of his own struggles with vertigo, and he expressed relief that his former opponent has since been discharged from the hospital.
Why it matters
Talbott is hunting for a high-ranking opponent to kick off 2027. By taking down two former champions back-to-back, he’s trying to force his way into the top 10 and prove he’s the real deal. He wants to stay active, stay aggressive, and prove that his performance against Cejudo wasn't just a flash in the pan. Catch the action live on CBS or Paramount+ this Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.
