In the fiercely competitive world of the UFC, a new star is rising: Payton Talbott. Just months ago, Talbott dazzled in Dana White’s Contender Series. There, he set a record with 145 significant strikes. Fast forward, and Talbott has now floored Cameron Saaiman, marking a meteoric rise, as Joe Rogan, UFC’s voice, watched in awe. This victory was not just another win for him; it was a statement. Days later, on his podcast, Rogan hailed Talbott’s technique and timing as extraordinary. But what made Rogan tag Talbott as a “future superstar”?

The knee strike that left Joe Rogan in admiration

On March 23, 2024, Payton Talbott turned heads with a stunning victory over Cameron Saaiman, sealing the deal in the second round. This win, a testament to Talbott’s prowess, caught the keen eye of Joe Rogan. “This is the end of the fight when he’s f**ing him up,” Rogan vividly described on his podcast, emphasizing Talbott’s domination. Going to the standup brilliance displayed in the first round, Rogan couldn’t contain his admiration. “In the first round is some of the most impressive sh*t. He moves so good, man, and he’s got high power,” Rogan noted, lauding Talbott’s agility and strength.

A particular moment captured Rogan’s fascination—a knee strike that Talbott delivered with lethal precision. Rogan recounted the impact, saying, “Look at that knee right there…boom and if you hear it, it sounds like a baseball bat hitting a coconut.” This description painted a vivid picture of Talbott’s ability to time his strikes perfectly. Rogan continued to praise Talbott’s technique, highlighting a “tight left hook” that further showcased the fighter’s skill.

Joey Diaz, equally impressed, could only exclaim, “Holy sh*t,” a succinct endorsement of Talbott’s performance. Rogan’s enthusiasm was palpable as he projected Talbott’s future, asserting, “This kid’s 25 years old, right? So this kid, when you look at him, he’s got this very interesting personality…you’re looking at a future superstar.” Rogan’s detailed commentary not only celebrated Talbott’s current accomplishments but also firmly placed him as a formidable force within the UFC. Soon after his win, he was compared with Sean O’Malley, to which he responded in his own style.

Talbott rejects O’Malley comparisons, aims for unique legacy

Payton Talbott firmly distances himself from comparisons to UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley, despite their shared Contender Series roots. After his emphatic victory at UFC Vegas 89, Talbott expressed his frustration on The MMA Hour. “I hate that s***,” he stated, underscoring the differences in their fighting styles.

“People just do it all the time… I don’t like being compared to him because I don’t think we fight very similar,” Talbott elaborated, highlighting his preference for a more aggressive approach in the Octagon. He emphasized his desire to carve out a distinct path, valuing uniqueness over parallels with O’Malley or anyone else. “I don’t want to be compared,” he asserted, aspiring to stand out for his individuality and prowess.

What do you think sets him apart as he climbs the ranks in one of the most competitive divisions in the UFC?

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