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Why Aiemann Zahabi doesn't see himself as Payton Talbott's next fight

Bantamweight contender Aiemann Zahabi has made it clear he does not view Payton Talbott as his next fight, despite the UFC’s recent push for a potential showdown between Talbott and Sean O’Malley. Talbott, who recently defeated Deiveson Figueiredo in the UFC 332 co-main event, has been vocal about his desire to face O’Malley, even referencing a past offer for a matchup at UFC Freedom 250 that never materialized.

Meanwhile, O’Malley—who has a UFC bantamweight title shot on the line if Petr Yan wins his upcoming bout—has repeatedly denied avoiding Talbott, insisting any fight would only happen if it made strategic sense. The debate over their potential matchup has drawn support from figures like UFC commentator Daniel Cormier, who has publicly advocated for the pairing, while others, including former champion Aljamain Sterling, have questioned the UFC’s matchmaking decisions in the bantamweight division.

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