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The bantamweight prospect isn’t shying away from high-profile matchups, even at the outset of his UFC journey. Payton Talbott made waves by calling out Adrian Yanez following his impressive victory on the preliminary card of UFC 303 this past Saturday. Talbott (9-0) showcased his striking prowess by stopping Yanis Ghemmouri (12-3) in a mere 19 seconds, setting the stage for his bold challenge.
In his post-fight interview, Talbott didn’t hold back.
“Adrian Yañez, let’s see if you belong in that top 20,” Talbott declared. “I know I feel I belong there, and I know that’s a good fight for me.”
This callout underscores Talbott’s confidence and ambition, as he seeks to prove himself against one of the division’s most respected strikers.
Later, during the UFC 303 post-fight press conference, Talbott elaborated on his challenge to Yanez.
“I just think that’s a dogfight,” Talbott explained. “I just think that’s a tough fight, and we would put on a really good show, and it would just be fireworks. I respect the dude.”
His words reflect not only his desire for a challenging bout but also his respect for Yanez’s skills.
Talbott’s quick finish on Saturday has undoubtedly caught the attention of the MMA community, adding to the hype surrounding his rising career. Despite the rapid victory, Talbott expressed a desire for a longer contest to showcase more of his abilities.
“Everything is happening super fast,” he said. “It’s kind of bittersweet. I kind of wanted to get more of that fight than I did, but it’s always good to come over-prepared.”
Talbott’s rising profile and willingness to take on tough competition make him a fighter to watch in the bantamweight division. His unbeaten record and confident callout of Yanez suggest he is ready for bigger challenges and higher stakes.
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