The event at UFC 324 demonstrated that Sean O’Malley still possesses the qualities of a champion.
Participating in his initial bout in half a year, the ex-UFC bantamweight titleholder secured a victory over burgeoning talent Song Yadong through a unanimous judges’ decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28), thus ending a streak of defeats against previous champion Merab Dvalishvili.
The initial segment was universally scored in favor of O’Malley by the judges. The subsequent segment was entirely given to Song, who started accumulating offensive blows with low kicks while successfully evading strikes from his formidable opponent.
The contest appeared poised for a Song victory during a specific moment in the third round; however, O’Malley unleashed his characteristic offensive techniques, inflicting substantial harm with the distinctive panache that has endeared him to both the UFC organization and its audience. Though it was a narrow victory, it secured the American’s first triumph since March of the current year.
Following the match, O’Malley commented, “His speed was considerably less than my anticipation. I had mentally prepared myself, envisioning him possessing a similar quickness to mine, but that turned out not to be the case.”
Securing a victory was imperative for O’Malley to retain any prospect of contending for the bantamweight championship title soon. He promptly challenged the current UFC bantamweight titleholder, Petr Yan, who unexpectedly unseated Dvalishvili in December, yet O’Malley acknowledged that Dvalishvili could potentially be the first challenger for the Russian. Nevertheless, O’Malley unequivocally stated his readiness to compete whenever called upon.
O’Malley declared, “Petr Yan possesses something I covet. With full deference to Merab, should he earn the subsequent title opportunity, it is entirely merited. However, Petr Yan, if you desire that rematch, and I desire that championship — let us arrange it. Proceed and deal with Merab, if that is indeed the immediate plan. Otherwise, let us compete, my friend!”
Yan delivered his reply shortly thereafter. The titleholder’s tone did not convey enthusiasm.
Considering accomplishments solely, it is challenging to dispute that Yan’s initial defense of his championship should be against Dvalishvili. The fighter from Georgia recently completed what might be considered the most impressive streak in the history of UFC bantamweight competition—a series of triumphs that encompassed victories against both Yan and O’Malley (on two occasions) before concluding at UFC 323, where he was attempting an unparalleled fourth title defense within one calendar year.
O’Malley triumphed over Yan via a split decision at UFC 280 in 2022 and subsequently claimed the bantamweight championship from Aljamain Sterling in his next bout. He successfully defended his title once against Marlon Vera prior to encountering Dvalishvili, who decisively defeated him at UFC 306 and later secured a submission victory against him at UFC 316.
Umar Nurmagomedov, who remains unbeaten in all his contests except those against Dvalishvili, also emerges as a potential contender after his recent Saturday triumph over ex-flyweight titleholder Deiveson Figueiredo. The UFC organization now faces several choices, but O’Malley’s victory at least ensures his continued relevance in these discussions.
Discover the full outcomes, notable moments, and detailed round-by-round commentary for UFC 324 by following this link.
