UFC 323: Henry Cejudo vs Payton Talbott Preview & Prediction
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Experience meets youth as talented Americans Henry Cejudo and Payton Talbott collide in a pivotal bantamweight showdown.
Henry Cejudo vs Payton Talbott facts
What time are Henry Cejudo and Payton Talbott expected to walk out?
Where is UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs Yan 2? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs Yan 2? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs Yan 2
What TV channel is UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs Yan 2 on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+
Where can I stream UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs Yan 2? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs Yan 2 main card
Merab Dvalishvili vs Petr Yan (Bantamweight)
Alexandre Pantoja vs Joshua Van (Flyweight)
Brandon Moreno vs Tatsuro Taira (Flyweight)
Henry Cejudo vs Payton Talbott (Bantamweight)
Jan Błachowicz vs Bogdan Guskov (Light Heavyweight)
UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs Yan 2 prelims
Grant Dawson vs Manuel Torres (Lightweight)
Terrance McKinney vs Chris Duncan (Lightweight)
Maycee Barber vs Karine Silva (Women’s Flyweight)
Nazim Sadykhov vs Fares Ziam (Lightweight)
Marvin Vettori vs Brunno Ferreira (Middleweight)
Edson Barboza vs Jalin Turner (Lightweight)
Iwo Baraniewski vs Ibo Aslan (Light Heavyweight)
Mansur Abdul-Malik vs Antonio Trocoli (Middleweight)
Muhammad Naimov vs Mairon Santos (Featherweight)
Henry Cejudo: Legendary champion relying on elite pedigree and experience
Henry “Triple C” Cejudo (16-5-0) enters this contest as one of the most accomplished fighters in the history of mixed martial arts. The former Olympic freestyle wrestling gold medallist and two weight UFC champion brings a level of experience and competitive knowledge that very few athletes in the sport can match. Across his career he has combined world class wrestling with sharp, compact boxing which has produced eight career knockouts and numerous tactical decision victories. His championship wins over Demetrious Johnson, Marlon Moraes and TJ Dillashaw highlight his ability to perform at the highest level against elite opposition.
Cejudo’s recent form has been more difficult. He has suffered consecutive decision defeats against Aljamain Sterling, Merab Dvalishvili and Song Yadong, although each of those opponents represents top tier contenders in the division. Even in those losses Cejudo showed durability, resilience and flashes of the technical sharpness that once carried him to the top. At thirty seven years of age this bout is an opportunity for him to prove he remains a world class competitor. His ability to manage distance, time entries and control momentum with wrestling remains a major threat for any rising contender.
Payton Talbott: Dynamic young striker rising quickly but still largely untested at the elite level
Payton Talbott (10-1-0) arrives as one of the most intriguing young fighters in the bantamweight division. Tall for the weight class and possessing a seventy inch reach, he has built his résumé through aggressive, fluid striking and fight ending power with seven knockouts on his record. His performances in the UFC so far have showcased both creativity and confidence in stand up exchanges. His victory at UFC 317 helped him regain momentum following his stoppage defeat to Raoni Barcelos, a fight that highlighted both his potential and the developmental gaps that come with youth.
Talbott’s style revolves around long straight punches, athletic movement and a willingness to exchange at high tempo. However he has never faced a competitor with the technical pedigree, wrestling acumen or championship experience of Cejudo. His career has been spent learning on the job against fellow prospects while this marks his first encounter with a true legend of the sport. To succeed he will need to prevent Cejudo from controlling grappling phases, maintain range and remain disciplined for fifteen minutes against a fighter who excels in forcing opponents into mistakes.
Henry Cejudo vs Payton Talbott prediction
This matchup is a compelling study in contrasting career stages. Talbott brings youth, speed and the momentum of a rising prospect while Cejudo carries a depth of experience that cannot be replicated. Although Talbott’s length and striking arsenal offer real danger in open space, Cejudo’s wrestling background and tactical understanding position him well to neutralise those weapons. The veteran’s ability to mix levels, break rhythm and impose physical control remains a significant advantage.
Talbott is still developing his defensive grappling and has not yet faced an opponent who can blend striking and wrestling with the efficiency of Cejudo. If Cejudo can force grappling exchanges and maintain top pressure he can gradually slow Talbott’s movement and take command of the contest. The younger fighter may have moments of success on the feet but sustained discipline against a technician like Cejudo is a difficult task. With experience, judgement and proven calibre on his side, Cejudo has the clearer and more reliable paths to victory.
Prediction: Henry Cejudo to win by decision
