Event: UFC 311 | Prelims Location: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California Date: January 18, 2025.
Fighter Overview
- Raoni Barcelos
- Record: 18-5
- Weight Class: Bantamweight (135 lbs)
- Height: 5′ 7″
- Reach: 67″
- Stance: Orthodox
Raoni Barcelos, a seasoned fighter from Brazil, holds a professional MMA record of 18-5. Having competed in the UFC since 2018, Barcelos has faced and triumphed over numerous formidable opponents, including Chris Gutierrez, Said Nurmagomedov, and Trevin Jones. His recent submission victory over Cristian Quinonez showcased his grappling prowess. Barcelos brings a diverse fighting background, combining his kickboxing and BJJ skills.
- Payton Talbott
- Record: 9-0
- Weight Class: Bantamweight (135 lbs)
- Height: 5′ 10″
- Reach: 70.5″
Payton Talbott is a rising star and undefeated prospect with a perfect record of 9-0. Since earning his UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series, the 26-year-old American has quickly made a name for himself. Talbott boasts a switch stance and an explosive style. He has won all three of his UFC fights by knockout, including a recent first-round finish vs. Yanis Ghemmouri.
Fight Breakdown and Analysis
Striking:
- Barcelos delivers roughly 5.22 significant strikes per minute with a 51% accuracy rate. His orthodox stance and kickboxing foundation make him a potent striker.
- Talbott lands an impressive 8.38 significant strikes per minute with a 55% accuracy. His switch stance and aggressive approach allow him to overwhelm opponents with volume and power.
Wrestling & Grappling:
- Talbott maintains an 85% takedown defense, emphasizing his ability to keep fights standing and utilize his striking. However, his offensive grappling remains a work in progress.
- Barcelos exhibits solid grappling with a takedown accuracy of 32% and a versatile submission game. His grappling experiences include dominating opponents on the ground and securing finishes.
Game Plan:
- Talbott will likely aim to use his striking volume and power to control the fight standing, leveraging his height and reach advantage over Barcelos. Maintaining distance and avoiding grappling exchanges will be crucial.
- Barcelos may look to exploit Talbott’s inexperience on the ground, pressuring him with takedowns and utilizing his BJJ skills to secure advantageous positions. Capitalizing on any openings during transitions will be key.
