As UFC 317 approaches on Saturday, June 28, 2025, all eyes are on rising bantamweight prospect Payton Talbott as he prepares to face fellow contender Felipe "Jungle Boy" Lima at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This bout is more than just another fight on the card; it’s a pivotal moment for Talbott, who is looking to bounce back after his first professional loss earlier this year.
Talbott, 26, enters the cage with a professional record of 9-1, carrying the weight of high expectations from his early UFC tenure. Once considered one of the sport’s brightest prospects, his momentum took a hit following a decisive defeat to veteran Raoni Barcelos at UFC 311 in January 2025. Barcelos dominated the fight, landing 91 of 115 total strikes and 62 of 85 significant strikes, handing Talbott a unanimous decision loss that many did not anticipate. This defeat has shifted Talbott’s standing in the bantamweight division, and the upcoming matchup against Lima offers a chance for redemption.
Felipe Lima, 27, is no easy task. The Brazilian fighter, based out of Sweden, boasts a record of 14-1 and has impressed since stepping into the UFC cage. Known for his durability and well-rounded skill set, Lima has demonstrated a patient yet aggressive approach, evidenced by his recent unanimous decision win over Miles Johns. Lima’s ability to absorb strikes while defending 72% of significant shots thrown at him, coupled with his 42% takedown accuracy and 83% takedown defense, makes him a formidable opponent. His first official bantamweight weight cut in the UFC adds an extra layer of intrigue to this contest.
The betting odds reflect the challenge Talbott faces, with Lima favored at around -195 to -205, while Talbott is the underdog at approximately +150 to +170. Despite this, Talbott remains confident and motivated. Speaking at the UFC 317 media day, he acknowledged the UFC’s initial hesitance to match him with Lima, stating, “I don’t think they really wanted to matchmake us. If I had control over when I fight, where it is, who it is, and could have everything be super certain, that would be a perfect world, but I’m happy to fight this guy. This is a tough fight for me, and that’s what I’m here to do.”
Talbott’s approach to the fight is grounded in realism and determination. “This isn’t a ‘build-the-star’ business,” he said. “So, I wasn’t surprised at all [by the matchup]. If we’re both doing our jobs well, maybe we’ll meet again in a year or two.” His respect for Lima is clear: “I think he’s legit, durable, super well-rounded. So I think it’s a really good opportunity to show what I can do as well with a high-level opponent.”
Statistically, Talbott is a high-output striker, landing 6.73 significant strikes per minute with 55% accuracy. However, he also absorbs 3.75 significant strikes per minute and defends 44% of shots aimed at him. His grappling numbers show a more cautious approach, with 0.32 takedowns per three rounds at 33% accuracy and 75% takedown defense. In contrast, Lima lands fewer strikes per minute (3.50) but defends 72% of incoming shots and has a higher takedown success rate (42%) with an 83% defense rate. Lima also attempts more submissions, averaging 1.1 per three rounds compared to Talbott’s 0.3 per 15 minutes.
Talbott’s recent media attention has surged, partly due to a viral moment involving singer Frank Ocean, which he humorously likened to being “like a polar bear at the zoo” with people staring intently. This extra spotlight has added pressure but also motivation. “I’m still not over the loss, I don’t think I’ll ever be over that. That’s been my motivating factor every time I’ve been to the gym,” Talbott shared candidly.
While Talbott’s trajectory has been interrupted, his earlier UFC performances were impressive. He quickly overachieved with wins over Nick Aguirre, Cameron Saaiman, and Yanis Ghemmouri, building a hype train that positioned him as a long-term prospect to watch. His appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2023 marked him as a fighter with pace and pressure in his arsenal, though his defensive lapses hinted at potential challenges ahead.
On the other side, Lima has steadily built his UFC resume with notable victories, including a late-notice submission win over featherweight Muhammad Naimov and a methodical decision win against Miles Johns. His style combines patience with effective striking and grappling, making him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.
Beyond Talbott vs. Lima, UFC 317 features other compelling bouts, such as Jack Hermansson facing Gregory Rodrigues in a middleweight clash and Hyder Amil taking on Jose Delgado in the featherweight division. These matchups add to the excitement of what promises to be a stacked event.
As the fight week unfolds, anticipation builds around Talbott’s performance. Will he seize this opportunity to reignite his career and restore his standing as a top prospect? Or will Lima’s steady rise continue, further establishing him as a force in the bantamweight ranks? The answer will unfold inside the Octagon at T-Mobile Arena.
Fans can catch the UFC 317 prelims starting at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+, with the main card kicking off at 10 p.m. ET. Comprehensive live coverage and analysis will accompany the event, ensuring no moment is missed in this crucial night of fights.
