Payton Talbott set for career-defining bout against former UFC champion at UFC 332

UFC bantamweight contender Payton Talbott is reportedly on the verge of facing the most significant challenge of his professional fighting career. It is rumored that Talbott will compete at UFC 332 against a former UFC champion.

Following his first professional mixed martial arts defeat, Payton Talbott has demonstrated resilience, securing consecutive victories against Felipe Lima and Henry Cejudo in 2025. This promising fighter, who previously shone on Dana White’s Contender Series, appears to be on a trajectory towards a potential Top 15 ranking in the bantamweight division with another win.

The bantamweight division is currently brimming with exciting talent. While UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan is anticipated to have a trilogy fight with Merab Dvalishvili, fighters like Talbott are seeking to make a strong impression before the year concludes.

After an extended break from competition, Talbott is expected to confront a former UFC champion, marking what is widely considered the biggest test of his career to date.

Payton Talbott's career-defining test reportedly set for UFC 332

According to MMA journalist Leo Guimaraes, a matchup between Talbott and former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo (record: 25 wins, 7 losses, 1 draw) is in the works for UFC 332. The event is scheduled to take place in Salt Lake City on October 3rd.

Figueiredo will be making his return to the Octagon, aiming to rebound after a somewhat inconsistent run since moving up to the bantamweight division. He has suffered losses in four of his last five outings, most recently against Song Yadong at UFC Macau in May.

The 38-year-old Figueiredo is striving to recapture the form that once established him as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in mixed martial arts. His last victory was a split decision win over Montel Jackson in October of the previous year.

UFC 332 will signify the promotion's return to Salt Lake City, a venue they last visited for UFC 307 in October 2024. That event was headlined by a light heavyweight title bout between Alex Pereira and Khalil Rountree Jr.

As of now, the UFC has not officially announced the main event for the upcoming UFC 332 card.

What are your predictions for the Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Payton Talbott fight? Share your thoughts in the comments below!