A pivotal bantamweight clash takes place at UFC 332 as former two-time UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo looks to halt the rise of surging contender Payton Talbott. Figueiredo enters the fight on a two-fight losing streak, while Talbott has emerged as one of the division’s most promising young talents after victories over Felipe Lima and former champion Henry Cejudo.
Deiveson Figueiredo
Last 3 Bouts
Lose. Song Yadong — Submission (Guillotine Choke)
Lose. Umar Nurmagomedov — Unanimous Decision
Win. Montel Jackson — Split Decision
Strengths
Elite championship experience
Devastating knockout power
Dangerous submission game
Strong counter-striking
Excellent finishing instincts
Tough and durable veteran
Proven ability to perform under pressure
Weaknesses
38 years old and showing signs of decline
Has lost three of his last four fights
Can struggle against high-volume strikers
Gives up size and reach to larger bantamweights
Sometimes waits too long for counters
Cardio can fade in high-paced fights
Keys to Victory
Pressure Talbott early
Force clinch and grappling exchanges
Attack the body to slow Talbott’s movement
Capitalize on counter opportunities
Mix striking with takedown attempts
Avoid getting trapped in a high-volume kickboxing match
Payton Talbott
Last 3 Bouts
Win. Henry Cejudo — Unanimous Decision
Win. Felipe Lima — Unanimous Decision
Lose. Raoni Barcelos — Unanimous Decision
Strengths
Excellent striking volume
Strong athleticism
Good footwork and movement
Effective range management
Youth and speed advantage
Durable and difficult to finish
Momentum from recent wins over elite opposition
Continually improving grappling game
Weaknesses
Less championship experience
Can be vulnerable to powerful counters
Has not faced many submission specialists of Figueiredo’s caliber
Occasionally leaves openings while attacking
Still relatively inexperienced in five-round-caliber matchups
Keys to Victory
Use movement and range
Keep a high pace throughout the fight
Avoid extended grappling exchanges
Attack with combinations rather than single strikes
Make Figueiredo work defensively
Force the veteran to fight at Talbott’s tempo
Odds
Payton Talbott -750
Deiveson Figueiredo +525
