UFC 323 Live Updates: Henry Cejudo Faces Payton Talbott
The UFC 323 event featured a highly anticipated bantamweight fight between Henry Cejudo and Payton Talbott, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This marked a significant moment for Cejudo, a two-division UFC champion and Olympic gold medalist, as he announced his retirement after this match.
Fight Overview
- Event: UFC 323
- Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
- Main Fight: Henry Cejudo vs. Payton Talbott
- Cejudo’s Record: 16 wins, 5 losses
- Talbott’s Record: 10 wins, 1 loss
- Date: Saturday, 2025
Cejudo entered this fight having lost all three of his previous matches in 2023 against elite opponents. His recent losses were to former champion Aljamain Sterling, future champion Merab Dvalishvili, and contender Song Yadong. At 38 years old, Cejudo decided to retire from active competition, concluding a storied career.
Talbott: The Rising Star
Payton Talbott, aged 27, is recognized as a promising fighter in the bantamweight division. After experiencing his first professional loss earlier against Raoni Barcelos, Talbott bounced back with a decision victory over talented fighter Felipe Lima. The matchup against Cejudo presented a chance for Talbott to solidify his reputation by defeating a legendary fighter.
Match Highlights
The fight commenced with Cejudo displaying his leg kicks early on while Talbott utilized a long jab to measure distance. The exchanges escalated quickly, with Talbott executing a hard 1-2 punch combination. Both fighters traded strikes, with Talbott’s knees to the body and Cejudo’s aggressive approach keeping the action dynamic.
Takedowns and Ground Game
Mid-fight, Talbott successfully executed an inside trip takedown, causing Cejudo to regroup on the ground. After some back and forth, Cejudo managed to regain his feet but continued to engage actively, showing resilience despite the pressure from Talbott. Talbott ended the first round with another takedown, displaying his dominance.
Scoring and Future Implications
- Round 1 Score: 10-9 in favor of Talbott
- Cejudo’s Strategy: Aggressive exchanges, emphasizing his striking ability
- Talbott’s Performance: Effective movement and strategic combinations
As the match progressed, Talbott continued to add to his lead, showcasing his effective striking and composure. The competitive nature of the fight heightened the stakes, particularly for Cejudo, who aimed to leave a lasting legacy.
Fans looked forward to witnessing if Talbott could continue his momentum against a seasoned veteran. UFC 323 was not only a pivotal fight for Talbott but also a historic moment marking the end of Cejudo’s illustrious career.
