Payton Talbott Will Face Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 331

The 28-year-old fighter takes on Figueiredo in Salt Lake City on October 3, 2026.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts

Payton Talbott Will Face Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 331

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Payton Talbott is set to compete against Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 331, which takes place in Salt Lake City on October 3, 2026. This bout follows a period of inactivity for the 28-year-old fighter, who previously defeated Henry Cejudo in December 2025.

Why it matters

Talbott hopes this high-profile matchup will serve as a definitive breakthrough into the Bantamweight Top 10 rankings. The fight marks his return to the octagon after struggling to secure bouts, citing a recurring issue with opponents withdrawing due to alleged foot injuries.

Payton Talbott is 28 years old and enters this event with 5 total UFC victories on his professional record. He looks to leverage this performance to climb into the Bantamweight Top 10.

The players

Payton Talbott

He is a 28-year-old professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC Bantamweight division.

Deiveson Figueiredo

He is an experienced professional mixed martial artist and former UFC champion known for his high-level grappling and striking.

Henry Cejudo

He is an Olympic gold medalist and former two-division UFC champion who suffered a loss to Talbott in December 2025.

The details

Talbott addressed his recent career inactivity through a video on his personal YouTube channel, pointing to a trend of canceled bouts caused by opponents reporting broken feet. He now shifts his focus to Figueiredo, aiming to maintain his momentum after his victory against Henry Cejudo late last year.

December 2025: Talbott defeated Henry Cejudo in his last major bout.
October 3, 2026: Talbott faces Figueiredo at UFC 331 in Salt Lake City.

Season Trajectory

This fight serves as a critical junction for Talbott in his attempt to secure a permanent spot among the elite Bantamweight Top 10 rankings. A win would significantly elevate his status and shift his position in the division's hierarchy for the remainder of the season.

A victory for Talbott would mathematically strengthen his candidacy for a top-tier ranking in the Bantamweight division. The outcome will also dictate whether his winning streak continues, directly impacting his future matchmaking opportunities.

The takeaway

Fighters often face significant hurdles in maintaining momentum when injury-related cancellations delay their competitive schedule. Talbott's ability to remain focused through these disruptions is a key factor in his push toward the top of the division.