Sean OMalley Pushes for Petr Yan Rematch After UFC 333
Petr Yan’s next title defense is already generating discussion following UFC 333, and Sean O’Malley is making his case for another shot at the bantamweight champion.
Following Yan’s victory over Merab Dvalishvili, UFC CEO Dana White revealed that the promotion had spent considerable time discussing two potential opponents: O’Malley and Song Yadong.
“We were texting the entire night about Song Yadong and O’Malley,” White said during the UFC 333 post-fight press conference, calling the situation “a good problem to have,” according to Combat Sports UK.
While the UFC weighs its options, O’Malley isn’t waiting around.
Sean O’Malley Sends Petr Yan a Message
O’Malley responded by sharing photos highlighting his previous victories over both Yan and Song, making his case for the next title opportunity.
As Bloody Elbow reported, the former champion also posted a video of himself running through a hailstorm while delivering a direct message to Yan.
“Petr Yan, while you’re out there celebrating your victory I’m out here training,” O’Malley said.
With the UFC still deciding who will challenge Yan next, O’Malley is already making his case for the rematch, reminding fans of his previous victories while showing that he’s continuing to train.
O’Malley previously defeated Yan by split decision at UFC 280 in October 2022. The result was heavily debated, with many observers believing Yan had done enough to win despite two judges awarding O’Malley the fight.
O’Malley also defeated Song earlier this year, giving him victories over both fighters involved in White’s matchmaking discussions.
Interestingly, Yan had already expressed interest in revisiting their rivalry before UFC 333.
“We have history, so why wouldn’t that be the fight?” Yan told MMA Fighting on October 21.
With Song also in contention, the UFC has yet to officially announce Yan’s next opponent. However, O’Malley has made his intentions clear, and a rematch would give both fighters an opportunity to settle the debate surrounding their first meeting.
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- UFC 333: What Time Does Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev Start?
- Islam Makhachev’s Toronto Title Fight Is Off — And UFC 336 Suddenly Has No Main Event
This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.