Payton Talbott draws inspiration from McGregor in pursuit of UFC title

Payton Talbott, a psychology graduate inspired by Conor McGregor, is aiming to become UFC champion. On Saturday at UFC 332, he will face former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo, with the goal of moving closer to the bantamweight belt. Talbott has an 11-1 record, while his opponent stands at 25-7-1.

The event has been criticised for lacking a main event considered worthy of the occasion. But several bouts on the card are meeting expectations, and Talbott’s matchup carries significant implications for his progress. A win over Figueiredo would leave him one or two victories away from a title opportunity.

Talbott is charismatic and has a style that sets him apart from many fighters; he is described as one of the best strikers in his division. As a child, however, he did not dream of competing in MMA. Meeting Conor McGregor led him to see the sport as an art form.

At 18, he joined Reno Academy of Combat. The beating he took on his first day was what drew him into the discipline: training helped him forget the other difficulties in his everyday life. He later earned a psychology degree in Reno, before eventually choosing to leave that path behind as his career progressed.

Inspired by McGregor, Talbott wanted his performances to express something personal, not simply deliver a victory. That approach earned him a call-up to Dana White's Contender Series. After securing his contract, he won his first three UFC bouts by stoppage, building interest around him. Against Figueiredo, he now has the chance to take another step towards a title.