Payton Talbott steps into the brightest spotlight of his young career at UFC 323, tasked with welcoming former dual-division champion Henry Cejudo into retirement in what will be the Olympic gold medalist’s final professional fight.
Talbott (10-1) says he’s grateful that the former champion accepted the matchup. With Cejudo set for his final MMA appearance, the rising bantamweight expects to face the best version of ‘Triple C.’ After struggling to secure an opponent, landing a bout with a two-division world champion feels like an ideal opportunity for Talbott.
“Really nice to know that it’s his last fight, and he’s going to come in there with everything that he has. That’s amazing for me. If my opponent is doing better, and looks better, then I’m going to rise to the occasion just as well,” Talbott told reporters on Wednesday.
“Went down the line, got a lot of nos, but Henry said yes.”
After Cejudo’s previous fight against Song Yadong being a loss, Talbott assumed he wouldn’t be the one standing across from the former two-division champion. Yet when the matchup materialized, Talbott couldn’t help but reflect on what it meant for both their careers.
“I didn’t think that it was going to get made. It was funny because after that fight happened I remember watching and just being like really bummed. Henry needs to go out on a win, and now I’m going to have to stand in the way of that,” he said.
Talbott has spent time training and learning from Cejudo in the past. He reflected on lessons he’s taken from the veteran, especially the ones nearing the end of their careers. He says those insights go far beyond technique or fight IQ, and instead touch on longevity and life outside the cage.
“I think he really just left me with you got to take care of yourself financially, and you really have to take care of your people. Fighting’s just a selfish sport, and the people that are around you that are continuously pouring into you are the ones that are going to make the difference for your career long term,” he said.
“That makes all the difference.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Payton Talbott above. He faces Henry Cejudo at UFC 323 on Saturday night.
