Sean O’Malley Makes Surprising UFC ‘Ducking’ Admission
Sean O’Malley has made it clear he isn’t afraid of fighting Payton Talbott, but there is one scenario that would make him pass on the rising UFC bantamweight.
Talbott put himself in the conversation after scoring a first-round TKO over former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 332. Following the victory, Talbott called out O’Malley, telling the former bantamweight champion he “can’t run forever.”
O’Malley initially pushed back against the idea that he was ducking Talbott. Now, “Suga” has revealed exactly what would make him choose another fight.
Sean O’Malley Wants Another Shot at Petr Yan
During an appearance on The MMA Guru, O’Malley revealed private Instagram voice messages exchanged with current UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan.
O’Malley told Yan he hoped he would defeat Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 333 so he could “beat your ass again.” Yan responded by telling O’Malley to come to Abu Dhabi, adding that after beating Dvalishvili, “you will be next.”
That potential title opportunity changes O’Malley’s plans for Talbott.
“Petr goes out there and loses, let’s squabble. Me and Payton, let’s make it happen,” O’Malley said during his appearance on The MMA Guru. “Petr goes out there and wins, I’m ducking him. I’m ducking him for a tougher fight. I’m ducking him for Petr Yan.”
UFC 333 Could Determine O’Malley’s Next Fight
Yan will defend the bantamweight championship against Dvalishvili in their trilogy fight at UFC 333 on Oct. 24 in Abu Dhabi. O’Malley already owns a split-decision victory over Yan from their first meeting at UFC 280 in 2022.
That leaves O’Malley with two intriguing paths. If Dvalishvili wins, O’Malley appears ready to settle things with Talbott. If Yan retains the title, O’Malley has made his priority clear: He wants another fight with Yan, this time with UFC gold on the line.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Oct 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.