UFC 311 star Payton Talbott getting outclassed is ‘great learning lesson’ for future title aspirations
Largest betting favorite Payton Talbott's perfect record broken by Raoni Barcelos in massive upset at UFC 311, but it's not a bad thing.
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Payton Talbott's hype train imploding after UFC 311 loss could be great learning moment (Source: IMAGO/X)
Payton Talbott suffered a massive upset at UFC 311 PPV (Pay-per-view) from inside Intuit Dome last weekend. The once-surging bantamweight dropped a lopsided decision to veteran Raoni Barcelos. However, all hope might not be lost. Prime MMA notables/analysts think this could be a great learning curve for Talbott.
It’s the same tale all over. A young prolific striker joins the UFC. He styles on a few UFC/MMA opponents who usually don’t have mammoth UFC records. However, about two after, a prime veteran goes to defeat the unheralded (although pretty good) talent and prove their competition bar. Then, there’s the call for a fraud check. Payton Talbott and his UFC 311 anti-wrestling incapability might not be the same.
The control, the ground and pound he (Barcelos) looked fantastic. I know it’s a loss. I know it sucks, but man you (Talbott) were in there with a veteran who took you through it and you were still getting up. You were still trying to get the KO…he was just a step better than you but that is a great learning lesson for a young kid like that.
Paul Felder on ‘BELIEVE YOU ME’ Podcast 619: UFC 311 Wrap Up Show Ft. Eric Nicksick & Brad Peyton (@bispingpodcast)
The DWCS alum, Talbott, was a -1600 favorite over Yanis Ghemmouri before the UFC 303 PPV. This time, he was -1200 favorite against Barcelos. Unfortunately for Talbott, he learned the hard way that momentum can be taken as quickly. The 26-year-old was taken down several times over the course of three rounds, rarely having time to unload his punches.
However, it might really not be the world’s end. Current lightweight champ Islam Makhachev once had a loss, too. But, now on a 15-fight win streak, he won again at UFC 311. Payton Talbott wants to face and even takes cues from neo-era former champ Sean O’Malley. The standout striker has had his pitfalls, but remains undeniable. So could be Talbott; the fighter has released a first statement after the loss.
Payton Talbott issues first statement, says he learned ‘valuable lessons’ at UFC 311 upset loss
Payton Talbott walked into UFC 311 PPV with much hype – and walked out with not just loss, but his first scar. In Saturday’s undercard at the Inuit Dome in Inglewood, California, Talbott (9-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) suffered a loss to veteran Raoni Barcelos.
It was easily a top-five biggest loss on odds in UFC competition history! Upsets above him in rankings are: Holly Holm over Ronda Rousey (-1600), Shana Dobson over Mariya Agapova (-1400), and Matt Serra over Georges St-Pierre (-1200). Up until now, the young bantamweight made quick work of other opponents. However, BJJ black belt Raoni Barcelos just topped that ceiling in a major way.
Other than a bit of a Round 2 wiggle room, his relentless pressure was just something else. Barcelos defeated Payton Talbott via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27). After four days of silence and introspection, Talbott finally broke silence on socials.
The vet gave me my first scar. May the skin heal itself to be strong and never split again. lucky to have such people in my life. fortunate to be able to learn valuable lessons. still had fun.
Payton Talbott via IG (@paytontalbott)
According to Best Fight Odds, the 26-year-old Talbott was an average -1209 favorite at the major online sportsbooks. Barcelos’ return averaged +750. To many, Talbott is still a rising star. However, prior to Saturday’s result, he had only gone the distance once. Now, he has quite a difficult road ahead due to the lost hype.
Related: UFC Vegas 89 star Payton Talbott reveals how he wasn’t an MMA fan before the rise of Conor McGregor
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