UFC 332 is hitting Salt Lake City this week, bringing all the hype of a numbered event, but it’s the backstory of one of the co-main event fighters that’s really got us talking. Payton Talbott, currently ranked No. 11 in the UFC bantamweight division, isn’t your typical lifelong martial artist. Turns out, this guy was a psychology major at the University of Nevada, Reno, who just missed having a sport in his life!
From Psychology Textbooks to the Octagon
Seriously, how cool is that? Talbott reportedly spoke to the Deseret News in September, sharing how his journey into the brutal world of MMA started with him, a fresh-faced college student, simply missing the thrill of competition. He caught some MMA highlights on TV and boom, the rest is history. It’s a wild origin story for a guy who’s now stepping into the Delta Center as the No. 11 bantamweight to face the No. 9 ranked Deiveson Figueiredo in a high-stakes co-main event. You’ve gotta respect that hustle, going from studying the human mind to actively engaging in one of the most physically demanding sports on the planet. This isn’t some manufactured hype, this is a real dude who found his calling because he missed the game.
UFC 332: More Than Just Fights, It’s an Experience
This isn’t just another fight night; UFC 332 is a full-blown spectacle, a numbered event, which means it pulls in massive attention. The Delta Center sold out back in 2024 for UFC 307, and with all the action planned, you can bet Salt Lake City is ready for more. We’re talking a stacked card with Natalia Silva (No. 1 women’s flyweight) vs. Wang Cong (No. 8) headlining, plus a ton of pre-fight festivities. Fans can hit up the press conference this Thursday, October 1st, at the Salt Palace Convention Center, with doors opening at 3 PM MDT. You’ll get to see Talbott, Figueiredo, Silva, Wang, and more fighters face off before the weigh-ins. Then on Friday, October 2nd, the ceremonial weigh-ins are also public and free at the same venue, starting at 4 PM MDT. It’s all about building that energy!
And for those who want to get up close, Saturday, October 3rd, brings a massive fan experience to the Delta Center Plaza from 11 AM to 3 PM MDT. You can snag a selfie with the Legacy Championship Belt, try out a UFC Striking Challenge, and even meet some UFC athletes between 11 AM and 12:30 PM, and again from 1 to 2 PM. It’s a total immersion into the fight week vibe before the main event kicks off. The early prelims start at 2 PM MDT on Paramount+, with the main prelims hitting at 4 PM, leading into the main card live on Paramount+ and CBS. Don’t miss out, because if Talbott’s journey is any indication, anything can happen when the cage door closes!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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