Payton Talbott is one of the most promising talents in the UFC with an undefeated record of nine wins. Known for his explosive fighting style, the 26-year-old delivered a jaw-dropping knockout win at UFC 303. As he prepares for his next match against Raoni Barcelos at UFC 311 in Los Angeles, Talbott is already thinking ahead. His next target might not be a UFC contender but a polarizing figure from outside the octagon.
Andrew Tate, the former kickboxer turned internet personality, has gained infamy for his controversial views. Talbott did not shy away from addressing his issues with Tate during a recent interview. He expressed his frustration with Tate’s rhetoric, pointing out how their values could not be more different. Talbott described Tate as a negative influence and suggested that his issues with women seem deeply personal.
A Fighter with a Message
Talbott sees himself as more than just a competitor in the cage. For him, challenging Tate would mean standing up for what he believes is right. He dismissed Tate’s fighting history, calling it outdated, and said he would welcome him back to combat sports for a real test.
“Man, he’s [Andrew Tate] just like the antithesis of me,” Payton Talbott told Ariel Helwani. “Yeah, he is. It’s like what I said in that video. It just seems like somebody cheated on him when he was younger, and now he has this vendetta against women.”
“I feel like he takes himself super seriously, and it’s just like he’s kind of a poison for masculine culture,” Talbott concluded.
The rising star also hinted at a possible fight with motivational figure David Goggins in the future. However, it is clear that he sees Tate as a more pressing target. For Talbott, this is not just about fighting but also about representing positive values in and out of the octagon.
Payton Talbott is down for a matchup with Andrew Tate and David Goggins 😂 pic.twitter.com/BZQ5Pi2ij6
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) January 8, 2025
The Road Ahead
Before any of this can happen, Talbott must face Barcelos at UFC 311. The Brazilian fighter brings years of experience and a well-rounded skill set to the matchup. Still, Talbott’s confidence is evident as he looks to extend his undefeated streak.
Whether or not Tate decides to return to fighting, Talbott has already made his stance clear. He is ready to take on any challenge while standing firm in his beliefs.
