
UFC president Dana White called Payton Talbott's performance against Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 332 "incredible" after the bantamweight prospect dominated the former flyweight champion.
Talbott, who entered as a heavy favorite, lived up to expectations with a lopsided finish that has positioned him as a serious contender at 135 pounds. The win marked another statement performance for the rising fighter, who immediately called out Sean O'Malley after the stoppage.
"Obviously, Payton Talbott was a big one. He was like a huge favorite in the fight, though," White told reporters at the UFC 332 post-fight press conference, per MMA Junkie. "But he looked incredible, absolutely dominant, and it was awesome. Tonight was a big night for all these kids because the thing was on CBS."
White emphasized the value of network television exposure for developing talent. "When you get on network television, the goal is always to highlight your best talent and best up-and-coming talent, people you want the world to hear about, and that happened tonight," he said.
Talbott has suggested his next fight could be against O'Malley if Merab Dvalishvili reclaims the bantamweight title. The matchup would pit two of the division's most charismatic fighters against each other in what could be a pay-per-view attraction.
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