Payton Talbott gears up for his long-awaited return at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City on Saturday, having faced a frustrating year with fights against Sean O'Malley and Cory Sandhagen failing to materialize. Talbott, who last fought in December 2026 and defeated former two-division champion Henry Cejudo, seeks to avoid another lengthy hiatus after this bout against the seasoned Deiveson Figueiredo.

Talbott emphasizes his desire for a more active schedule in 2027, aiming to climb the rankings and face notable opponents. He mentioned discussions about potential fights with O'Malley and Sandhagen, though logistical issues prevented those matchups.

Key points from Talbott's preparation include:

• Cejudo's defeat marked a significant milestone, showcasing Talbott's capacity to take down elite fighters.
• A victory over Figueiredo, another former champion, would solidify Talbott's standing in the division.
• Talbott feels confident in his striking abilities, dismissing Figueiredo's chances of outpunching him.

The young contender reflects on his first professional loss to Raoni Barcelos, which has aged well in hindsight as Barcelos continues to perform impressively in the UFC. Talbott acknowledges the lessons learned from that experience, emphasizing his commitment to performance regardless of his opponent's capabilities.

As the fight approaches, Talbott remains focused on showcasing his skills and returning to a more active fighting schedule, eager to capitalize on his growing popularity within the UFC.