Felipe Lima seeks revenge against Payton Talbott and admits health problems on the eve of the fight

Felipe Lima in action at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

Considered one of the biggest prospects in the bantamweight division (up to 61,2 kg), Felipe Lima, better known as 'Jungle Boy', ended up suffering the bitter taste of defeat after 10 years of career. Overcome by Payton Talbott No. UFC 317, the Brazilian opened up for the first time since the episode and admitted he had difficulty digesting the setback he suffered against the American. On that occasion, the Manaus native was defeated by the judges' unanimous decision.

Speaking exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS, Felipe recalled the nightmare he experienced after the confrontation, but guaranteed that he will use the fact as a 'school' to return stronger to the octagon in his next appearance.

"It wasn't good, no (dealing with the loss). But I believe things happen for a reason, and I'm learning a lot from this loss. I couldn't sleep for a month, I couldn't sleep. But now I'm treating this loss like a lesson, I'll try to learn more from the mistakes I made. Of course, there were some unforeseen events before the fight, but that happens. I'll definitely be a better fighter after this fight."

Out of the ordinary performance

When asked how he judged the performance in UFC 317Jungle Boy revealed he had issues before and during the fight against Talbott. In addition to being mentally disconnected from the fight, the Brazilian also highlighted an allergic reaction on the eve of the event.

"What happened in that fight was that I went blank. Nobody knows, I've never said anything, but I had an allergic reaction, I was very swollen the night before. I was very swollen, I was kind of sick. And I don't remember much about the fight; my mind wasn't on the fight. I don't know why I was going down, because that wasn't the strategy."

Payton Talbott imposed defeat on Felipe Lima No. UFC 317. Photo: Reproduction X/UFC news

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"He didn't surprise me at all. 'Oh, he's a knockout artist and all that,' I didn't feel his hand. I was doing well standing up, and it was more of a technical error, but my body wasn't there, I wasn't healthy, and my mind wasn't there on fight day. It was a close fight (...) It really intrigued me because I don't fight like that, it wasn't me. That's why I went a month without sleeping. That wasn't me, I don't fight like that. I was 'asleep' during the warm-up, I couldn't warm up. It was so strange, I can't explain it, but it was very strange. I couldn't warm up, and during the fight, I didn't feel nervous, not at all. That touch of nervousness that keeps you alert wasn't there. It was very strange, but that's how it is, you just have to learn."

Consequences of allergy

In addition to the unexpected allergy attack, Felipe revealed that his weight ended up hindering him on the day of the match and indicated difficulty with arm mobility. Despite this statement, the athlete didn't want to use this as an excuse for defeat.

"That's the problem. I was very heavy, I weighed 73 kg, because I had inflammation. The fluid was retained in my body. I couldn't bend my arm; it stopped at the bicep. I have a picture of my face being very swollen, but unfortunately, it happens. It's like that, we learn and life goes on."

Allergic reaction in Felipe Lima on the eve of UFC 317. Photo: Reproduction/Felipe Lima

More problems

In addition to the allergy he suffered on the eve of the fight, Felipe also revealed to SUPER LUTAS a complication with a staph infection. When accepting the fight five weeks beforehand, the fighter emphasized that he had to undergo treatment while preparing for Talbott.

Leg of Felipe Lima five weeks before the UFC 317. Photo: Reproduction/Felipe Lima

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Search for revenge

Determined to avenge his defeat, Lima says he won't take easy paths to get another chance to face Talbott. In his next fight, if possible, the Brazilian wants to face a ranked opponent.

"I definitely want to fight him again. I want to make amends for that loss. He said we'd be back at the top, that I have a great future, and that we'd see each other at the top again. And I said that without a doubt. So, let's see what to do at bantamweight now, because you can't pick and choose your fights. I was supposed to fight a ranked guy, and I want the UFC to send me the same way, in my next fight, another ranked guy—I don't know, a good fight. I don't want to fight just anyone, I want a top 15 finish, give me a top 10 finish too, because I'm ready."

Fan pressure

Seen by many as a strong contender for the division's throne, the Brazilian admitted he has no problem carrying high expectations and assured that his biggest goal is to live up to expectations.

"I take it naturally because it's my job. I'm not very good at social media, keeping up with what people are saying. I'm more focused on family and career, so I don't pay much attention to things. But of course, the fans, the people of Brazil, I go there to do my best, to represent Brazil in the best way possible."

Felipe Lima in a duel against Payton Talbott No. UFC 317. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

Category summary

Despite having already ventured into the featherweight division (up to 65,7 kg) on two occasions, Felipe guaranteed that his place is currently at bantamweight, reinforcing his desire to become champion in the future.

"The UFC bantamweight division has always been competitive. The same goes for featherweight. These divisions are very competitive, with several names in the bantamweight division. It's a division that interests me a lot. Many people have talked about moving up, but I've said no yet. I want to be champion in this very competitive division. I can't wait to break into the top 10."