Dana White had high expectations of a potential UFC star who was able to run the ground in the Octagon.
UFC 317 has some of the most exciting hunters on the Roster with Ilia Topuria who collide with Charles Oliveira in the main event with the empty lightweight title on the line.
Together with people like Joshua van and Renato Moicano, who have become real fan favorites in recent years, the main card opener seems to be a potential showstealer.
It was clear that Payton Talbott had the star potential from the moment he first placed himself on the radars of UFC fans.
His contract -winning performance on the Contender Series of Dana White led to high expectations, which he delivered in his first few outings.
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Payton Talbott set up a show against the brother of Tracy Cortez to earn a lot of praise from Dana White
In the debut episode of Season 7 of the Contender Series of Dana White, Payton Talbott showed that he was one to watch.
The young Bantam weight would enter the series with an undefeated record of just 5-0 and would yield a flashy version that certainly became Dana White enthusiastic.
His opponent at the UFC Apex would make his second performance in the series after he fell short in 2021, where he was defeated by Christian Rodriguez.
Reyes Cortez looked at his sister, Tracy Cortez, at the UFC Roster, where his brother or sister was also set to compete on UFC 317 next to Talbott.
Unfortunately for Cortez, August 8, 2023 was not his night, because Talbott registered a stunning 145 important attacks to win two of the three rounds on each score card.
White spoke very much about both men when announcing the contract winners at the end of the night.
“This boy is an absolute predator. He keeps moving forward, he doesn't seem to be surprised by everything that happens. He plays the mental game, he keeps talking to his opponent, who, by the way, Reyes Cortez jr is as heavy as they come, tough when they are.
Payton Talbott will try to get back on the right track as a future Bantamweightwoman at UFC 317
While the sister of Reyes Cortez Tracy will appear on the UFC 317 Prelims against Viviane Araujo, Payton Talbott has received the role of opening the main map.
After an electric start of his UFC career where he produced three victories and two finishes (with back-to-back bonuses), Talbott suffered his first loss last time when he was defeated by Raoni Barcelos on UFC 311.
However, as is often the case in the UFC, his next outing does not seem to be easier, because 26-year-old Felipe Lima accepts a phenomenal Bantam weight matchup.
The 27-year-old Brazilian has a record of 14-1, with his only loss on his pro-debut in 2015.
As a former Octagon champion, he produced back-to-back victories in the Octagon and submitted Muhammad Naimov on his debut before beating Miles Johns previous time-out.