Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Payton Talbott

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Payton Talbott made an impact.

Payton Anthony Talbott is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He turned professional in 2021 and secured his UFC contract through Dana White's Contender Series. He is a rising prospect in the world of MMA.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2017: Started MMA Training

In 2017, Payton Talbott started training in mixed martial arts at the Reno Academy of Combat after being inspired by Conor McGregor's highlights.

March 2018: Amateur Debut

In March 2018, after training for approximately seven to eight months, Payton Talbott made his amateur debut at King of the Cage: Future Legends.

August 2021: End of Amateur Career

By August 2021, Payton Talbott ended his amateur career with a 5-0 record and became a two-time KOTC Amateur Bantamweight Champion.

November 27, 2021: Professional Debut at FirePower 3

On November 27, 2021, Payton Talbott made his professional debut at FirePower 3: Magnum Force in Sacramento, California, winning the fight in the second round.

2021: Professional MMA Debut

In 2021, Payton Talbott became a professional mixed martial artist and eventually earned a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) after participating in Dana White's Contender Series.

May 28, 2022: A1 Combat Bantamweight Championship Win

On May 28, 2022, Payton Talbott won the A1 Combat Bantamweight Championship in Wheatland, California, by defeating Hector Fajardo via technical knockout in the second round.

October 22, 2022: First A1 Combat Title Defense

On October 22, 2022, Payton Talbott successfully defended his A1 Combat Bantamweight title by defeating Anthony Jimenez with a flying knee and punches in the second round.

March 18, 2023: Second A1 Combat Title Defense

On March 18, 2023, Payton Talbott defeated Cristhian Rivas with punches and elbow strikes in round three, marking his second successful defense of the A1 Combat Bantamweight title.

August 8, 2023: Dana White's Contender Series Victory

On August 8, 2023, Payton Talbott faced Reyes Cortez Jr. on Dana White's Contender Series: Season 7, Week 1 and won the fight via unanimous decision, earning him a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

November 18, 2023: UFC Promotional Debut

On November 18, 2023, Payton Talbott made his UFC debut against Nick Aguirre at UFC Fight Night 232, winning by submission via rear-naked choke in the third round.

March 23, 2024: Victory Against Cameron Saaiman

On March 23, 2024, Payton Talbott faced Cameron Saaiman at UFC on ESPN 53, winning the fight by technical knockout in round two and earning his first Performance of the Night bonus award.

June 29, 2024: Victory Against Yanis Ghemmouri at UFC 303

On June 29, 2024, Payton Talbott fought Yanis Ghemmouri at UFC 303, winning by knockout in 19 seconds of the first round and earning another Performance of the Night award.

January 18, 2025: Loss Against Raoni Barcelos at UFC 311

On January 18, 2025, Payton Talbott faced Raoni Barcelos at UFC 311, losing the fight by unanimous decision, marking his first loss in mixed martial arts.