Dustin Poirier is going against the popular pick for one of UFC 332’s biggest fights. The former interim lightweight champion sees a path for Deiveson Figueiredo against Payton Talbott.The Dustin Poirier UFC 332 prediction differs from two former UFC stars backing Talbott. Poirier believes Figueiredo’s championship experience and well-rounded game could cause serious problems for the younger contender.
Dustin Poirier Backs Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 332
Dustin Poirier 30-10-0, 1 NC discussed the bantamweight co-main event during his UFC 332 breakdown. He sided with Figueiredo despite Talbott entering the matchup as a significant favorite.
Poirier believes Figueiredo’s experience against elite opposition matters in this matchup. The Brazilian has spent years competing in high-level UFC fights and previously ruled the flyweight division.
His pick goes against the growing support behind Talbott. The 28-year-old has rebuilt his momentum after suffering the first defeat of his professional career.
Two Former UFC Champions Are Backing Payton Talbott
Former UFC champions Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo have discussed the matchup on their Pound 4 Pound podcast. Their analysis leaned toward Talbott as the fighter with the physical tools and momentum to win.
Cejudo has particularly relevant experience with Talbott. The rising bantamweight defeated him by unanimous decision at UFC 323 in December 2025.
That performance helped Talbott recover completely from his earlier loss to Raoni Barcelos. He now enters UFC 332 with another former champion standing across from him.
Poirier sees the matchup differently. He believes dismissing Figueiredo because of his recent results could prove dangerous.
Deiveson Figueiredo Brings Championship Experience
Deiveson Figueiredo 25-7-1 enters UFC 332 after losing four of his last five fights. That record makes his recent form difficult to ignore, but the level of opposition provides important context.
Figueiredo became a two-time UFC flyweight champion before moving to bantamweight in 2023. He immediately produced wins over Rob Font, Cody Garbrandt and Marlon Vera.
His recent struggles have come against established names near the top of the division. That experience remains central to Poirier’s argument ahead of Saturday’s matchup.
Figueiredo has also prepared differently for Talbott. He completed his UFC 332 camp in Thailand while sharpening his striking and grappling for the younger contender.
Payton Talbott Has Rebuilt His Momentum
Payton Talbott 11-1-0 entered the UFC as one of the promotion’s most highly regarded bantamweight prospects. Three consecutive UFC finishes quickly increased expectations around him.
Raoni Barcelos then handed Talbott his first professional defeat in January 2025. Instead of derailing his rise, the setback forced him to adjust.
Talbott responded by beating Felipe Lima before earning a dominant decision victory over Cejudo at UFC 323. Those performances pushed him back toward the bantamweight top 10.
The UFC currently lists Talbott at No. 12 in the division, with Figueiredo sitting at No. 9. Their matchup therefore carries real consequences beyond the prospect-versus-veteran storyline.
Poirier Sees More Than Figueiredo’s Recent Record
Poirier’s argument centers on what Figueiredo can still bring into a difficult matchup. The Brazilian remains dangerous in striking exchanges and can change fights with his grappling.
Talbott holds clear physical advantages. He stands 5-foot-10 compared with Figueiredo at 5-foot-5, giving the American a significant frame and reach challenge to exploit.
Figueiredo must therefore find ways to close distance without allowing Talbott to establish his preferred rhythm. His wrestling and submission threat could become particularly important if striking exchanges become difficult.
That tactical variety appears to be one reason Poirier believes an upset remains possible.
Figueiredo vs Talbott Gets Heated at Final Faceoff
The tension between the bantamweights increased during Friday’s ceremonial weigh-ins. Their final staredown became heated enough for UFC CEO Dana White to intervene.
Talbott moved close during the faceoff before Figueiredo reacted. The former champion shoved his opponent, and officials quickly separated them.
Both fighters had already successfully made weight. Figueiredo weighed 135 pounds, while Talbott came in at 135.5 pounds.
The confrontation added another layer to a matchup already positioned as the co-main event on the UFC 332 card.
What Is at Stake for Figueiredo and Talbott?
The stakes differ considerably for both fighters. Talbott has an opportunity to defeat another former champion and continue climbing the bantamweight division.
Figueiredo needs to reverse a difficult stretch. Another loss would leave him with five defeats across six appearances.
However, the Brazilian has already discussed another possible direction for his career. He has expressed interest in returning to flyweight and pursuing current champion Joshua Van.
That possibility makes UFC 332 especially important. A victory over Talbott could give Figueiredo several options instead of forcing him further away from bantamweight contention.
When Is Figueiredo vs Talbott?
Figueiredo and Talbott meet Saturday, October 3, at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Their bantamweight fight serves as the UFC 332 co-main event.
The main card begins at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+. Natalia Silva and Wang Cong compete for the vacant women’s flyweight championship in the main event.
Figueiredo enters as the No. 9-ranked bantamweight, while Talbott holds the No. 12 position. Talbott is also the betting favorite heading into fight night.
Final Thoughts
The Dustin Poirier UFC 332 prediction adds another perspective to a matchup many expect Talbott to control. Poirier is placing greater emphasis on Figueiredo’s experience and complete skill set than his recent losing record.
Talbott brings youth, size and momentum into Saturday’s co-main event. Figueiredo brings championship experience and several ways to attack. UFC 332 will determine whether Poirier’s faith in the former flyweight champion proves justified.
FAQs
Who does Dustin Poirier pick between Figueiredo and Talbott?
Poirier is backing Deiveson Figueiredo against Payton Talbott at UFC 332.
Who are Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo picking?
Usman and Cejudo have backed Talbott in their analysis of the UFC 332 co-main event.
Is Deiveson Figueiredo a former UFC champion?
Yes. Figueiredo is a former two-time UFC flyweight champion.
When is Deiveson Figueiredo vs Payton Talbott?
The fight takes place on October 3, 2026, at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City.
Is Figueiredo vs Talbott the UFC 332 co-main event?
Yes. Their bantamweight matchup serves as the co-main event before Natalia Silva vs Wang Cong.
