A former UFC double champion wants to see a battle between two of the best strikers in the bantamweight division. This past weekend at UFC 332, when Payton Talbott knocked out Deiveson Figueiredo in Round 1, “Triple C” was super impressed.

After Talbott’s latest win, the latter immediately called out former champion Sean O’Malley. He quipped:

“I just mopped the floor with two champions back-to-back, and now I want another one. Andrew Garfield, I mean, Sean O’Malley, you can’t run forever. Give the people what they want.”

Check out Payton Talbott’s comments below:

Even Cejudo, who supports Talbott’s idea, took to X to back it. He wrote:

“Nobody wants to fight Payton Talbott. He’s been ignored for a year. You have to give him the best competition and they need to stop protecting Sean O’Methly. Talbott vs O’Methly next sign the contract!!”

Check out Henry Cejudo’s comments below:

Talbott has now secured back-to-back wins over two former UFC champions. He also revealed that the UFC wanted him to lock horns with Sean O’Malley at UFC Freedom 250, but the bout ultimately did not come to fruition.

Talbott believes the UFC is protecting “Suga” and that O’Malley is avoiding him. O’Malley, however, has denied Talbott’s claim that the two were supposed to fight on June 14.

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – OCTOBER 03: Payton Talbott punches Deiveson Figueiredo of Brazil in a bantamweight fight during the UFC 332 event at Delta Center on October 03, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

Sean O’Malley makes it clear why he is “ducking no one”

Sean O’Malley has responded to Payton Talbott’s callout. This past weekend, after Talbott accused the former champ of ducking him, O’Malley responded by posting a screenshot of his fight record featuring several big names and wrote:

“4 out of last 7 fights have been against 3 of the greatest bantamweights of all time. Ain’t duckin no one.”

Check out Sean O’Malley’s comments below:

Subham

Subham is a writer and editor with experience spanning MMA, Health & Fitness, true crime, and pop culture. He has previously worked with Sportskeeda MMA, SK True Crime, and SK Pop, Movies, and Shows.
He currently covers the UFC for LowKickMMA and MMA Pros Picks.