Dana White had high hopes for a potential UFC star who was able to hit the ground running inside the Octagon.
UFC 317 features some of the most exciting fighters on the roster with Ilia Topuria colliding with Charles Oliveira in the main event with the vacant lightweight title on the line.
Along with the likes of Joshua Van and Renato Moicano, who have become real fan favorites in recent years, the main card opener looks to be a potential show-stealer.
It was clear that Payton Talbott had star potential from the moment that he first put himself on UFC fans’ radars.
His contract-winning performance on Dana White’s Contender Series led to high expectations, which he delivered on in his first few outings.
Payton Talbott put on a show against Tracy Cortez’s brother to earn high praise from Dana White
On the debut episode of season 7 of Dana White’s Contender Series, Payton Talbott showed that he was one to watch.
Entering the series with an undefeated record of just 5-0, the young bantamweight would deliver a flashy performance that certainly got Dana White excited.
His opponent at the UFC Apex would be making his second appearance on the series having fallen short in 2021 where he was beaten by Christian Rodriguez.
Reyes Cortez looked to join his sister, Tracy Cortez, on the UFC roster, with his sibling also being set to compete at UFC 317 alongside Talbott.
Unfortunately for Cortez, August 8 of 2023 wasn’t his night as Talbott registered a stunning 145 significant strikes to win two of the three rounds on each scorecard.
White spoke highly of both men when announcing the contract winners at the end of the night.
“This kid is an absolute predator. He keeps moving forward, he seems unfazed by everything that happens. He plays the mental game, he keeps talking to his opponent, which by the way, Reyes Cortez Jr is as tough as they come, tough as nails… He’s only 24 years old. If this kid can keep his head together, I can’t wait to see him at 27. Get over here Payton.”
Payton Talbott will look to get back on track as a future bantamweight star at UFC 317
While Reyes Cortez’s sister Tracy will feature on the UFC 317 prelims against Viviane Araujo, Payton Talbott has been given the role of opening the main card.
After an electric start to his UFC career where he produced three wins and two finishes (with back-to-back bonuses), Talbott suffered his first loss last time out when he was beaten by Raoni Barcelos at UFC 311.
However, as is often the case in the UFC, his next outing doesn’t appear to be any easier as the 26-year-old takes on Felipe Lima in a phenomenal bantamweight matchup.
The 27-year-old Brazilian has a record of 14-1, with his only loss coming on his pro debut in 2015.
As a former OKTAGON champion, he has produced back-to-back wins inside the Octagon, submitting Muhammad Naimov on his debut before beating Miles Johns last time out.