UFC Star Payton Talbott Reveals the Anime That Shaped His Worldview

UFC bantamweight Payton Talbott has always embraced his idiosyncrasies in the media, and his latest anime confession is another instance of the fighter sharing his uniqueness with the public. The up-and-coming MMA competitor recently revealed four anime titles that have helped shape his worldview, from the most renowned ghost-hunting sagas to the deepest philosophical science fiction.

Payton Talbott Names His Anime Influences

During a José Youngs podcast, the UFC star was asked, "What are some anime that shaped Payton Talbott's worldview?" Talbott offered a fascinating list: Yu Yu Hakusho, Serial Experiments Lain, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Ghost in the Shell.

The simple yet fascinating selection of anime gives fans an idea of the kind of stories that captured Talbott's attention. Moreover, rather than simply naming mainstream anime favorites, his choices included anime that explored identity, human connections, technology, and existential questions. 

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Yu Yu Hakusho follows a teenager, Yusuke Urameshi, who gets involved in the supernatural world after an unexpected death and resurrection. Meanwhile, Serial Experiments Lain goes on a surreal journey to understand identity and reality via its connection technology. Talbott has previously discussed his fascination and admiration for Lain in a recent MMA Fighting Interview.

Similarly, Neon Genesis Evangelion breaks the mecha genre to explore trauma, human connection, alienation, and identity. 

Finally, Ghost in the Shell is an interesting franchise that brings another philosophical layer to Talbott's list. The franchise explores artificial bodies, consciousness, and their connection to technology and identity. 

The UFC fighter is known for his unconventional personality, and his anime choices are certainly fitting. His list suggests an interest and fascination with stories that explore humanity rather than simply deliver action. Overall, each series offers a unique perspective on what it really means to be human.