UFC president Dana White expressed his thoughts on Payton Talbott’s impressive victory over Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 332. Talbott, considered one of the bantamweight division’s rising stars, faced former UFC flyweight champion Figueiredo in the event’s co-main bout. It took Talbott just 2 minutes and 9 seconds to defeat Figueiredo through striking, marking the most significant win of his UFC career so far.
After the fight, White spoke highly of Talbott’s dominant showing. “Payton Talbott was a big favorite going into this match, and he looked absolutely outstanding and commanding. He was fantastic,” White remarked to the media.
With this decisive win, Talbott has positioned himself for a potential matchup with a top contender at 135 pounds. Following UFC 332, Talbott called out former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley. Should this fight happen, it would feature two of the division’s best strikers facing off, as O’Malley is known for his striking skills and willingness to engage, making the fight an exciting prospect for fans.
However, O’Malley’s interest in the fight remains uncertain since he aims to challenge for the title in his next outing. He may be reluctant to face Talbott, who is a formidable opponent, as it might be seen as a step back in rankings. Ultimately, UFC matchmakers have the final say in arranging bouts, so if the promotion decides to make this fight happen, it could be booked.
Regardless of the opponent, Talbott has clearly made a strong statement in the bantamweight division. He appears just a couple of significant wins away from earning a shot at the UFC bantamweight championship and proving himself as the best at 135 pounds.
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Fan Take: This breakthrough win by Talbott is a thrilling development for fight fans, as it signals the rise of a new elite contender in the bantamweight class. A potential showdown with Sean O’Malley could electrify the division and bring some of the most dynamic striking into the Octagon, raising the sport’s excitement to another level.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
