rewrite this title Dana White’s Contender Series 57 live results

Result: Peyton Talbott def. Junior Cortez via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-29-28, 29-28)
Photos: Dana White’s Contender Series 57: Best photos
Records: Junior Cortez (7-3), Payton Talbott (5-0)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Kerry Hatley

These guys are trading already. They’re right in the pocket, slinging. Cortes targets the lead leg. Talbott is establishing himself as a forward-only fighter. He’s a bit reckless in these exchanges, but he’s landing. Reyes is on the back foot more often than not, but he’s remaining poised and resetting when he needs to. Talbott has some unorthodox offense. Both guys have really only been interested in trading punches thus far. 10-9 Cortez.

Talbott is really taking over here in Round 2. He’s maintained, or even increased, his speed and output. He’s beating Reyes to the punch. A wicked left punch cracks Cortez. Then, Talbott lands an uppercut. Talbott utilizes his length well. He’s flowing. Cortez is staying tough, as his sister, UFC fighter Tracy Cortez, watches on. If Cortez wins, they’ll become the first brother-sister tandem in UFC history. Talbott tops off the round with a big combination. Cortez is bleeding from above his left eye. 19-19.

Talbott picks up right where he left off. He cracks Cortez a few times. Cortez elevates and takes him down. Talbott pops up. Cortez lands a good right hand. Talbott connects on a beautiful standing elbow. A big right hand down the pipe clatters Cortez’s brain. Cortez lands a spinning backfist. Referee Hatley calls timeout. He wants Cortez’s cut to be examined. That is a nasty gash, but the physician approves the action continues. Seconds after a time-in is called, Talbott drills Cortez in the groin with a kick. Cortez crumples over in pain. After a brief timeout, the action resumes. Talbott continues his push. He intermittently lands punches until the bell. MMA Junkie scores it 29-28 Talbott.