The bantamweight division just went through a dramatic shift at UFC 323. Petr Yan shocked the MMA world by defeating Merab Dvalishvili and reclaiming UFC gold.
On the same night, another major moment took place in the division Payton Talbott put on the best performance of his young career by beating former two-division champion Henry Cejudo in dominant fashion.
With these two results happening on the same card, the big question arises: Is Payton Talbott next for Petr Yan?
A lot of signs point toward YES, and there are several strong reasons why the UFC may be getting ready to book this matchup. Let’s break it down in a clean, organized, SEO-friendly format.
Petr Yan Reclaims the Bantamweight Title at UFC 323
Petr Yan entered UFC 323 hungry, focused, and determined to prove that he is still one of the most complete fighters at 135 lbs.
His win over Merab Dvalishvili was not only impressive, it changed the entire picture of the bantamweight division.
Yan’s striking, timing, and defensive wrestling were sharp, and he managed to stop a fighter who many believed was impossible to beat.
With this victory, Yan once again sits on the throne as the UFC Bantamweight Champion, and the division is wide open with fresh contenders ready to step in.
But out of all the names on the list, one stands out more than the others — Payton Talbott.
Payton Talbott Dominates Henry Cejudo and Steals the Spotlight
The co-main storyline of UFC 323 was the retirement fight of Henry Cejudo. Most fans tuned in thinking the Olympic gold medalist and former two-division UFC champion would leave the octagon in style.
Instead, Payton Talbott turned the night into his own highlight reel.
A Statement Win Against a Legend
Beating Henry Cejudo is already huge. Dominating him is even bigger. Talbott showcased:
- Mature striking
- Sharp timing
- Strong takedown defense
- High fight IQ
- Incredible composure for someone so young in their UFC career
Talbott looked unfazed even though he was facing a fighter with one of the greatest resumes in UFC history.
A True Passing of the Torch Moment
Cejudo’s retirement could have been the emotional moment of the night, but Talbott took over the narrative. His performance made headlines immediately.
This type of win does not happen often. When a young prospect beats a former champion decisively, the UFC takes notice and fans take notice even faster.
Why Payton Talbott Might Be Next for the Bantamweight Title
After UFC 323, the bantamweight rankings and the fan discussions shifted overnight. Talbott beating Cejudo changed everything. Let’s break down the major reasons Payton Talbott may be the next title challenger.
1. Beating a Former Two-Division Champion Instantly Boosts His Resume
Henry Cejudo is not just any contender, he is one of the most accomplished fighters in UFC history. A win over him is equal to beating multiple top contenders combined.
When a young fighter beats a legend in dominant fashion, the UFC rarely slows down their push.
Examples from past divisions:
- Conor McGregor beating Dustin Poirier early
- Khamzat Chimaev rising fast with early finishes
- Alex Pereira getting a title shot quickly after big wins
Talbott beating Cejudo puts him in the same category of fast-rising stars.
2. UFC Loves Momentum — Payton Talbott Has It
The UFC pays very close attention to trend and momentum. Right now:
- Talbott is undefeated.
- He just beat a superstar.
- His fanbase is growing rapidly.
- His performances are exciting and finish-heavy.
He is exactly the type of fighter the UFC wants in a title fight young, dangerous, fan-favorite, and improving every fight.
3. He Is Becoming Popular Among Young Fans
One of the biggest advantages Payton Talbott brings is his popularity with younger MMA fans. He is active on social media, interacts well with his audience, and is relatable.
The UFC knows how important the youth audience is. They want fighters who can grow the sport, bring attention, and keep fans interested.
Talbott checks all those boxes.
If he fights for the title, the UFC can market him heavily in the United States, especially among the younger demographic.
4. The UFC Currently Has No American Champion in the Men’s Divisions
This is extremely important from a business point of view. As of now, the UFC has no American male world champion. The company always prefers having at least one U.S. champion because:
- The U.S. is the UFC’s biggest pay-per-view market
- American fighters help boost domestic PPV sales
- The UFC can create stronger storylines for American fans
- Sponsors respond well to U.S. champions
A young, marketable American fighter like Payton Talbott fighting for the title creates huge domestic interest.
The UFC knows this and they will use it.
5. The Timing Is Perfect
Petr Yan just won the belt. The division is wide open. No other contender currently has more momentum than Payton Talbott.
Timing matters a lot in matchmaking, and right now the timing favors Talbott more than anyone else.
The top-ranked fighters have fought recently or don’t have big storylines attached to them. Talbott has the storyline, the hype, and the victory over a legend.
6. UFC Matchmaking Strategy Supports Big, Exciting Fights
The UFC often books fights that:
- Have strong fan interest
- Have a big marketing angle
- Can generate hype on social media
- Highlight a rising star
A fight between Petr Yan and Payton Talbott does exactly that. It would be:
- A fight between a young rising star and a technical champion
- A style matchup that fans would love
- An opportunity for Yan to prove he can beat the new generation
- An opportunity for Talbott to shock the world again
From a matchmaking perspective, it’s perfect.
Does Payton Talbott Deserve a Title Shot Based on Skill?
Let’s talk purely about skills — not hype, not marketing.
Yes, Payton Talbott has the skills to compete for the title.
His performance against Cejudo showed:
1. Strong Striking
Talbott’s boxing is crisp, his counterpunching is improving, and he has excellent accuracy.
2. Good Wrestling Defense
If you can defend takedowns from Henry Cejudo, you can defend takedowns from almost anyone at bantamweight.
3. Fight IQ Beyond His Age
He makes smart decisions. He doesn’t rush. He controls the pace.
4. Composure
Even in a high-pressure fight, he stayed calm.
5. Growth Every Fight
Each performance is better than the last.
Skill-wise, Talbott is not just hype, he is the real deal.
Why Petr Yan vs Payton Talbott Is a Huge Fight for the UFC
Here’s why this matchup can become one of the biggest bantamweight fights in the last few years.
1. New Generation vs Champion Narrative
Fans love these types of matchups:
- The established champion
- The young, hungry contender
- A potential passing-of-the-torch moment
These storylines always do well.
2. U.S. Market Boost
With Talbott being American, the UFC gets a massive push in the domestic audience. It’s good for business and great for PPV buys.
3. Stylistically Exciting Fight
Petr Yan is one of the cleanest strikers in UFC history. Talbott is fast, sharp, and aggressive. Stylistically, this could be a technical and high-paced fight.
Fans want action — this fight guarantees it.
4. Perfect Timing for Both Fighters
Yan needs a fresh challenger. Talbott needs a big opportunity. The division needs a new direction.
Everything fits perfectly.
Will UFC Actually Book This Fight?
While nothing is confirmed yet, the chances are very high. The UFC has a pattern:
- When a young star defeats a legendary fighter, they often move them into a top spot.
- The UFC wants to push new talent quickly.
- Talbott has a storyline and a fanbase.
- Yan needs a challenger with star power.
Also, there are not many contenders with a bigger win than Talbott right now.
The UFC loves organic excitement and right now, Payton Talbott has more buzz than any other bantamweight besides Petr Yan himself.
Potential Challenges Before Making This Fight
While the fight makes sense, there are a few possible hurdles:
1. UFC Might Want Talbott to Fight One More Contender
- Sometimes the UFC gives a rising star one more test before a title shot.
- But based on his win over Cejudo, he may skip that step.
2. Yan May Prefer a More Experienced Challenger
- Some champions want to defend against top-ranked fighters only.
- But Yan has never ducked anyone in his career.
3. Timing of Events
Pay-per-view scheduling may affect when the UFC announces the fight.
However, none of these challenges are major roadblocks.
Conclusion: Is Payton Talbott Next for Petr Yan?
Everything points toward Payton Talbott being the next title challenger for Petr Yan:
- He beat Henry Cejudo in dominant fashion
- He has huge fan momentum
- The UFC needs an American star
- Talbott’s style is exciting
- He is young, marketable, and improving
- The division needs new challengers
- The storyline writes itself
While the final decision belongs to the UFC, from every angle business, ranking, storyline, timing, fan interest, and performance, Payton Talbott is the strongest option for Petr Yan’s first title defense.
If the UFC books this fight, it will be one of the most talked-about bantamweight fights in recent years.
About the Author
