Sean O'Malley Warns UFC About Risking Biggest Fight
Sean O'Malley warns the UFC they are set to risk losing the biggest fight in bantamweight history. He thinks his rematch with Petr Yan would be a huge matchup.
The UFC is considering booking Petr Yan against Merab Dvalishvili next, but O'Malley believes this would be a costly move.
O'Malley has been working his way back to a title shot since being submitted by Dvalishvili in June 2025. He recently knocked out Aiemann Zahabi at UFC Freedom 250.
“If they want me vs. Petr next: I do think me vs. Petr Yan 2, rematch is the biggest fight in bantamweight history,” O'Malley said on the Pound 4 Pound podcast.
O'Malley beat Yan at UFC 280 in a close split decision. Yan has been open to running it back with O'Malley, but the UFC was hesitant to book the fight.
Dvalishvili will accept nothing but Yan as his next fight, having enjoyed a legendary reign before the defeat in Las Vegas six months ago. O'Malley thinks the UFC would benefit from booking the rematch now.
The Montana native has been attempting to work his way back to another title shot. He outpointed Song Yadong in January and recently made it back-to-back victories in 2026.
O'Malley's victory over Zahabi ended the latter's 7-fight win streak. The former champion thinks the UFC would be wise to alter their course and book the rematch.
Petr Yan defeated Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323 in a huge upset last December. The rivalry between Yan and Dvalishvili is now level at one win apiece.
O'Malley thinks his rematch with Yan would be the biggest fight in bantamweight history. The UFC would be risking losing this matchup if they book Yan against Dvalishvili instead.
The UFC has not confirmed the next title defense for Yan. Fans are still awaiting confirmation of the Russian's first UFC bantamweight title defense, which has been over six months in the making.
O'Malley's comments come after his recent victory over Zahabi. He has been making a strong case for a title shot, and his rematch with Yan would be a huge fight.
The UFC will have to consider O'Malley's warnings and decide whether to book the rematch or risk losing the biggest fight in bantamweight history.