Stream It or Skip It: O’Malley Rallies to Outpoint Song at UFC 324, Targets Yan Next — Full Fight Breakdown & Future Plans

UFC 324 delivered one of the most intriguing bantamweight co-main events in recent memory as Sean “Suga” O’Malley snapped a two-fight skid with a competitive unanimous decision win over Song Yadong in Las Vegas. The performance not only gets O’Malley back into the win column — it also sets up a fascinating title picture moving forward, with O’Malley calling out current bantamweight champion Petr Yan for a potential rematch.

Here’s a complete look at how the fight played out, what it says about O’Malley’s championship ambitions, how Song performed, and what fans can expect next in the division.

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O’Malley vs. Song: How the Fight Developed

In the co-main event at the T-Mobile Arena, O’Malley and Song Yadong battled for three rounds in a back-and-forth affair that showcased both fighters’ strengths and resolve.

Round 1: Tactical Start

O’Malley opened the fight using movement and range, trying to keep Song at bay with precision striking — jabs, teeps (push kicks), and footwork designed to make the fast-advancing Song miss. Song responded with aggression, landing leg kicks and a late takedown that won him some valuable positioning and shook up the Montana native’s rhythm.

Judges gave the first frame to O’Malley, but it was a razor-close round that hinted at the competitive dance to come.

Round 2: Song’s Offensive Pressure

Song continued to press forward in the second, mixing his leg kicks with power punches and another early takedown attempt. O’Malley found himself working hard to stay on his feet, and although Song’s pressure was effective, it didn’t deliver significant damage — scoring points but not dominating completely.

By the time the second horn sounded, both fighters had landed meaningful blows, but Song’s control and aggressive approach made this the tougher round for the former champ.

Round 3: O’Malley’s Strong Finish

The title contender needed a big final round — and he delivered. O’Malley opened up with sharp left hands, body shots, and a knee in the final moments that visibly marked Song’s face. His output in the third outpaced Song, and he began to pull ahead in terms of clean, effective striking.

All three judges ultimately scored the fight 29-28 in O’Malley’s favor, giving him the nod via unanimous decision.

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Key Stats & Tactical Takeaways

• Precision Striking: O’Malley’s timing and stance switching — moving between southpaw and orthodox — kept Song guessing and limited the Chinese contender’s ability to set up big, damaging combinations.

• Distance Management: Much of the fight featured O’Malley controlling range, using jabs and kicks to prevent Song from closing effectively.

• Late-Round Surge: The final round included some of O’Malley’s most impactful strikes, including a busted nose for Song, a reflection of cumulative damage across the fight.

Song’s takedowns and aggression were noteworthy, but the offense wasn’t consistent enough to edge out O’Malley’s late momentum. Analysts felt O’Malley’s speed differences and precision made the difference in a close fight most observers scored competitive.

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O’Malley’s Emotional & Career Momentum

This was O’Malley’s first win in nearly two years, ending a rough stretch that saw him fall twice to Merab Dvalishvili in title defenses and contenders’ bouts. Getting back to his old confidence was important — and he showed it loud and clear after the fight.

“Championship mindset, baby!” O’Malley shouted post-fight, echoing his title aspirations. He called out Petr Yan, the newly crowned bantamweight champion, as the man he wants next.

O’Malley reminded fans and pundits alike that he already holds a win over Yan from UFC 280 in 2022 — a split decision victory in an instant classic. That gives a narrative boost to his case for a rematch and a chance to reclaim the bantamweight title.

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Song Yadong’s Performance: Not to Be Overlooked

Though Song didn’t get the decision, his performance still underscored why he’s considered one of the toughest operators in the bantamweight top five. He landed heavy leg kicks, mixed in takedown attempts, and pushed a former champion for three full rounds — no small feat.

Song’s aggression was clear throughout, and at times he made O’Malley look uncomfortable — particularly in the second stanza and early in the fight. That only adds to Song’s résumé as a dangerous contender in the deep 135-pound class.

Even though O’Malley finished strong in the third, Song’s resilience earned him respect from fans and commentators alike. Many online fighters noted the fight could have easily tilted Song’s way with just a bit more effective offense or cleaner round execution.

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What This Means for the Bantamweight Division

O’Malley’s win reshuffles the top tier of the 135-pound rankings. At No. 3 in the division, “Suga” has re-established himself as a viable title contender — and this victory gives him momentum heading into 2026.

Here’s how the current landscape looks:

Petr Yan — Champion

After reclaiming the title from Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323, Yan sits atop the division. O’Malley’s callout directly targets him, setting up a potential blockbuster rematch between two fighters with history.

Merab Dvalishvili — Obvious Contender

Despite Yan’s current reign, Dvalishvili’s ongoing rivalry with both Yan and O’Malley keeps him firmly in the title conversation — especially considering how his fights have influenced recent matchmaking.

Umar Nurmagomedov & Other Top Names

Prospects like Umar Nurmagomedov and others in the top five add depth to the weight class, meaning O’Malley’s next fight — be it a title shot or another contender bout — likely won’t be straightforward.

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Potential Matchup Scenarios

1. O’Malley vs. Yan II — The Most Logical Big Fight

Given O’Malley’s victory over Yan in 2022 and his public callout, rematching the champ is the most compelling narrative. Both fighters have stylistic firepower and fan-friendly profiles, priming the bout for heavy promotion.

2. O’Malley Waits for Dvalishvili

If Yan defends against Merab next, O’Malley might have to wait — but a win over Song keeps him near the front of the line should that title fight play out first.

3. Interim Options or Back-to-Back Bouts

In a division as deep as bantamweight, sometimes fighters take a quick turnaround to stay sharp — though O’Malley’s camp might instead prefer a full title directing date given the payday and stakes.

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Fan Reaction & Social Buzz

As expected for a close, tactical fight, fan reaction was mixed online:

• Supporters praised O’Malley’s stride and technical striking, especially his ability to finish strong.

• Some fans argued Song “deserved it” or thought certain rounds could’ve gone either way — a common MMA debate for fights decided by 29-28 scores.

What can’t be denied is that this fight sparked conversation and division, with many MMA Reddit threads debating round scoring and the future relevance of both fighters.

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Final Thoughts: A Win That Resets the Narrative

Sean O’Malley’s performance at UFC 324 was more than just a return to winning — it was a statement. After a period of setbacks and losses, he demonstrated patience, technical skill, and the ability to respond when the stakes were on the line.

Song Yadong, despite the loss, remains a dangerous and respected challenger — someone future title challengers will need to account for.

And with the bantamweight title picture evolving rapidly — especially with Petr Yan’s championship reign and Merab’s threat — O’Malley’s callout adds a compelling thread for 2026.

In the UFC, momentum is everything. O’Malley has it now — and he’s making it clear he’s not done chasing gold.