Figueiredo Throws Fake Punch At Talbott During UFC 332 Faceoff

Former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo threw a fake punch at Payton Talbott during Friday's UFC 332 ceremonial weigh-ins, nearly turning their final faceoff physical before Saturday's bantamweight co-main event.

The two fighters came face-to-face in Riyadh following the weigh-in formalities, and Figueiredo appeared fired up despite no obvious bad blood between the pair heading into fight week. As MMA Mania reported, the Brazilian feinted a punch that drew a reaction from Talbott and forced UFC staff to step in before the situation escalated further.

What The Faceoff Tension Means For Saturday's Co-Main Event

Talbott enters as the betting favourite against the 37-year-old former champion, but Figueiredo has shown flashes of his old form at bantamweight. The bout represents one of the strongest matchups on a UFC 332 card that has been criticised for lacking depth, pitting a decorated veteran against one of the promotion's hottest prospects.

Figueiredo may view the fight as a final chance to prove he belongs in title contention at 135 pounds. Talbott recently told media he has reinvented himself during a frustrating layoff and feels he is back to his roots heading into the biggest test of his career.

UFC 332 takes place Saturday night with the Figueiredo-Talbott co-main event scheduled for five rounds.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Bad blood? Figgy vs. Talbott faceoff nearly turns ugly as former champ throws fake punch | UFC 332 video