Payton Talbott landed two takedowns and the biggest victory of his career against former two-division titleholder Henry Cejudo at UFC 323.
It immediately became clear that Talbott was the faster striker, connecting with a big right hand early. Perhaps even more shocking was Talbott’s slick inside trip takedown of Cejudo in the first. That allowed the up-and-comer to notch some valuable control time over the Olympic gold medalist and bank the first round.
Talbott’s advantage on the feet continued to pay dividends in the second, as he clipped ‘Triple C’ with another solid right. That prompted Cejudo to shoot for a panic takedown, getting Talbott’s back to the mat.