Sean O’Malley reclaimed his status as a title contender in waiting on Saturday night, dispatching Song Yadong by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) within the UFC 324 co-main event on the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The victory marked O’Malley’s triumphant return to the win column after a devastating two-fight skid, during which Merab Dvalishvili dismantled the previous bantamweight champion in consecutive title bouts.
pic.twitter.com/9tD9gq4O4u Sean O’Malley defeated Song Yadong by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
— Clout (@playclout) January 25, 2026
For the higher a part of three rounds, O’Malley controlled the striking exchanges, deploying his trademark movement and precision to outpace the explosive but somewhat predictable Song. The “Kung Fu Kid” got here with clear intentions to disrupt O’Malley’s rhythm with aggressive combos and leg kicks, but the previous champion’s superior footwork and distance management proved decisive. O’Malley kept Song at bay with well-timed counters and accurate volume, particularly finding success together with his signature right hand.
“IT FEELS SO ******* GOOD!!,” O’Malley reflected post-fight, his characteristic confidence starting to resurface. The performance wasn’t a knockout showcase—something O’Malley had emphasized wanting to offer before the fight—but it surely was the form of clinical, technical masterclass that reminded observers why he had captured the bantamweight throne in the primary place. Song provided legitimate resistance, especially within the second frame where he threatened takedowns and mixed in effective clinch work, yet O’Malley’s sharper striking output ultimately controlled the momentum.
What made this victory much more significant was the broader context. O’Malley had been written off by some after back-to-back losses to Dvalishvili exposed real deficiencies against elite wrestling. Returning to the co-main event slot after the canceled Kayla Harrison fight, there was palpable pressure on O’Malley to reveal that he hadn’t fundamentally declined. He answered that challenge methodically.
What made Saturday much more significant was O’Malley’s callout during his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan. Despite acknowledging Merab’s next title shot as “well deserved,” O’Malley directly called out reigning champion Petr Yan, telling “No Mercy” to “care for business” before they meet again. It is a calculated strategy—O’Malley still harbors a contentious win over Yan of their previous matchup, and with Dvalishvili seemingly on the title treadmill, a Yan rematch represents O’Malley’s clearest path back to championship gold.
This victory marks O’Malley’s first win in nearly two years. It’s an announcement that cannot be ignored in a division watching closely because the landscape shifts. Whether the UFC grants him one other crack at Yan stays to be seen, but Saturday proved one undeniable truth: the “Suga Show” still has foremost event moments left.