The UFC and Dana White have always attracted criticism for their treatment of their fighters. Most of the time these complaints are regarding fighters’ pay and favoritism. However, upcoming bantamweight prospect, Payton Talbott has a different complaint about the promotion.
Payton Talbott recently got his third consecutive win in the UFC at 303 preliminary card. Talbott secured an impressive 19-second knockout win over opponent Yanis Ghemmouri. After the win, the undefeated fighter talked about his night with Ariel Helwani. During the interview, Talbott shockingly revealed that he wasn’t allowed to watch the main card of UFC 303 after his fight.
No, they kick you out. They were like do you have a ticket? And I was like I just fought. They are like, no exceptions man. They would not let me back in. As soon as you’re done with your media, you’re out.
Payton Talbott via The MMA Hour Show
Helwani couldn’t believe what he just heard and mentioned that earlier there used to be a VIP room. According to the popular reporter, fighters after their bout were allowed to stay and watch the rest of the card with ice cream and all other desserts. However, it seems like things have changed a lot since Helwani was banned from attending UFC events.
Talbott continued by saying that until he finished his fight, he had no idea that there were changing rooms. The 25-year-old claimed that after his bout, he went to the media, changed into new clothes, and was promptly led by UFC representatives out of the arena. However, Talbott wasn’t the only one to face such a situation in the history of UFC.
When Dana White’s UFC kicked out Johnny Walker from the T-Mobile Arena after his fight
In the first bout of the UFC 279 main card in Las Vegas, Johnny Walker submitted Ion Cutelaba to bounce back from a two-fight losing streak. The Brazilian’s joy was short-lived when he found himself in the streets after the bout. The fighter was still wearing his combat gear when the UFC officials asked him to leave the arena.
Johnny Walker was left stranded outside the T-Mobile Arena after his win at UFC 279 (via Imago/X)
While talking about the incident, Walker revealed that everything happened so quickly that he couldn’t comprehend it. According to the fighter, he won the fight, did his press conference, and was asked to leave while in fighting shorts.
I didn’t have the time to dress me up, it happened so quickly. I was very hyped after the win, then I went to check with the doctor, I hurt my foot a little bit. I started doing interviews…They just kicked me out to the hotel and that’s what you see in video, I was with my coach and everybody back there.
Johnny Walker via Helen Yee Sports YouTube channel
Walker was with his coach John Kavanagh, who is also the coach of Conor McGregor. Kavanagh recorded the whole scenario and posted it on social media accounts. The video later got a lot of attention from fight fans who criticized Dana White for such treatment of fighters.
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