LAS VEGAS – Peyton Talbot is still in the early stages of his UFC career, but he's not afraid to call out the big names.
The bantamweight prospect was critical of combat-experienced Adrian Yanez following his win last Saturday on the preliminary card of UFC 303. Talbot (9-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC), who stopped Yannis Ghemri (12-3 MMA, 0-2 UFC) in just 19 seconds, was critical of Yanez, one of the division's better strikers, during his post-fight interview inside the cage.
“Adrian Yañez, let's see if you're in the top 20,” Talbot said on the microphone. “I feel like I belong there and I know it's going to be a good match for me.”
Speaking to reporters afterwards at the UFC 303 post-fight press conference, Talbot explained why he had Yanez in mind.
“I think it's going to be a tough fight,” Talbot said. “I think it's going to be a tough fight. It's going to be a really good show, it's going to be real fireworks. I have a lot of respect for him.”
Performance-wise, Talbot is garnering attention in the MMA community. He is aware of the hype he is beginning to generate, and while the quick finish to Saturday's bout lived up to those expectations, he wishes the fight could have lasted longer.
“It's all happening so fast,” Talbot said. “It's bittersweet. I would have liked to win more games, but it's always good to go in prepared.”
For more on the card, check out MMA Junkie's UFC 303 event hub.
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