Sean O'Malley sets Petr Yan UFC title defense deadline

Sean O'Malley has set a deadline for Petr Yan to defend his UFC bantamweight title. The American star warns he'll claim the championship himself if Yan doesn't face Merab Dvalishvili by October 2026.

What's the latest in the UFC bantamweight division?

Petr Yan regained the 135-pound title with a decision win over Dvalishvili at UFC 323 in December 2025. Seven months later, the trilogy fight remains unscheduled. O'Malley, fresh off a knockout of Aiemann Zahabi at UFC Freedom 250 on July 14, 2026, is growing impatient.

Why is Sean O'Malley frustrated?

O'Malley rebounded from losses to Dvalishvili with victories over Song Yadong and Zahabi. He argues Yan's inactivity hurts the division. 'He's out there getting hair transplants and hanging out with ladyboys!' O'Malley joked on his YouTube channel.

What's next for the bantamweight title?

O'Malley defeated Yan in 2022 before losing to Dvalishvili twice. If Yan vs. Dvalishvili 3 doesn't happen by October, O'Malley plans to 'defend my belt in December.' The UFC has yet to announce the trilogy fight date.