Sean O’Malley Denies Avoiding Fight With Payton Talbott

Following his victory over Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 332, rising contender Payton Talbott challenged Sean O’Malley and alleged that the former champion had previously ducked a bout against him at the White House-hosted UFC Freedom 250 event. O’Malley has publicly refuted these claims, stating that no such offer was ever presented to him. He suggested the narrative may have stemmed from a miscommunication or that the story was fabricated.

O’Malley noted he is open to a future matchup with Talbott, but his current priority remains a potential fight against Petr Yan, depending on the outcome of Yan's upcoming title bout against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 333. O’Malley, who praised Talbott's skills and potential as an opponent, emphasized that he does not avoid difficult competition and is currently focused on the most significant challenges available in the division.