Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong prediction, odds, pick for UFC 324

The UFC 324 Co-Primary Event is finally here as we bring you a betting prediction and pick for this high-stakes bout within the Bantamweight (135) Division. Former champion No. 3 Sean O’Malley takes on serious contender No. 5 Song Yadong of China in top-of-the-line matchups on the fight card. Check our UFC odds series for the O’Malley-Song prediction and pick.

Sean O’Malley (18-3) has gone 10-3-0-1 while becoming UFC’s former Bantamweight Champion. After losing his title to Merab Dvalishvili, he fell throughout the rematch and can now begin a brand new path to the title as he welcomes one in every of the division’s most promising contenders. O’Malley stands 5-foot-11 with a 72-inch reach.

Song Yadong (22-8-1) has gone 11-3-1 contained in the UFC since 2017. After losing to current champion Petr Yan in a good effort, Song bounced back with a dominant win over former champ henry Cejudo. A win over Sean O’Malley could earn him a title shot due to his impressive record to date. Song stands 5-foot-8 with a 67-inch reach.

UFC 324 Odds, courtesy of DraftKings. 

UFC 324 Odds: Sean O’Malley-Song Yadong Odds

Sean O’Malley: -205

Song Yadong: +170

Over 2.5 rounds: -245

Under 2.5 rounds: +185

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Why Sean O’Malley Will Win

• Last Fight: (L) Merab Dvalishvili – SUB (north south choke, R3)
• Last 5: 3-2
• Finishes: 11 KO/TKO, 2 SUB

Sean O’Malley will put his rivalry against Merab Dvalishvili on hold for some time as he look to re-establish himself because the division’s top contender. O’Malley simply did not have a solution for the wrestling of the previous champion and in realizing there’s still more he can improve on, he should return to motion a significantly better version of himself. He’ll even have a willing striker standing across from him, so O’Malley can return to a number of the techniques that made him so dangerous in the primary place.

While Song Yadong is a dangerous striker with relentless forward pressure, it won’t be a glance O’Malley hasn’t seen quite a few times previously. O’Malley’s biggest advantage can be his reach and height over his opponent, allowing him to land at range while minimizing his own damage. During this fight, O’Malley can definitely control the dance by slipping out of range and keeping Song whiffing on his punches.

While it could take more finesse, O’Malley continues to be lethal together with his own offense and may definitely knock out a durable fighter like Song. Still, O’Malley can have to be cautious together with his offense and never allowing Song any clean shots down the center.

Why Song Yadong Will Win

• Last Fight: (W) Henry Cejudo – DEC (technical, eye poke)
• Last 5: 3-2
• Finishes: 9 KO/TKO, 3 SUB

Song Yadong’s last fight ended moderately controversially as he inadvertently poked his opponent in the attention throughout the third round. Henry Cejudo couldn’t proceed following the injury, however the fight was late enough to be scored for nearly all of three rounds. Song was clearly ahead within the fight and controlling the motion, offering surprising wrestling within the face of a legend like Henry Cejudo.

Guided by the coaching of UFC legend Urijah Faber, Song Yadong has an incredible corner and camp to proceed improving his skills. This may definitely be his hardest test to-date, but he’s faced serious competitors like Chito Vera, Petr Yan, and other en path to a widely dominant record. If he’s able to take care of his same aggressive and frantic style, he could have a likelihood to notch the upset here.

Song’s best advantage during this fight may very well be his durability and although O’Malley has grown increasingly popular from his viral knockouts, Song Yadong definitely won’t be on any highlight reels. Expect an especially tough showing from the young fighter as he’ll attempt to prove himself in the most important spot of his life.

Final Sean O’Malley-Song Yadong Prediction & Pick

This fight has all of the makings of an easy classic as each fighters are incapable of a boring showing. Sean O’Malley has a ton to prove following back-to-back losses and we should always expect him to get back to a number of the skills that got him to this spot in the primary place.

Song Yadong may even be in an ideal spot to advance his stock as his run up so far has been nothing in need of impressive. He’s easily one in every of the more durable fighters O’Malley has needed to face and positively won’t make things easy for the previous champ.

Still, I feel O’Malley’s length and distance control can be the important thing to success during this fight. Song Yadong will prove why he’s some of the exciting fighters on the roster, but it surely’s ultimately Sean O’Malley who comes away with the win in a three-round classic.

Final Sean O’Malley-Song Yadong Prediction & Pick: Sean O’Malley (-205); OVER 2.5 Rounds (-245)