Sean O'Malley Eyes Bantamweight GOAT Status, Predicts Yan at UFC 333

Sean O'Malley is plotting his return to the top of the UFC bantamweight division, openly discussing his goal to be considered the division's greatest of all time. The former champion, riding a two-fight win streak, is closely watching the title picture as he maps out his own championship path.

O'Malley's GOAT Ambition Requires Key Victories

Sean O'Malley wants to be in the conversation for the bantamweight GOAT by the end of his career. He laid out a specific scenario that would solidify his claim. "After it's all said and done I'd like to consider myself the GOAT," O'Malley said in a UFC on Paramount+ interview. He believes a decisive victory over Petr Yan, should Yan defeat Merab Dvalishvili on October 24, would be a huge step. O'Malley already holds a 2022 split decision win over Yan and a knockout victory over Aljamain Sterling. Beating two of the three fighters he considers the division's best would make a strong case, though he still wants a rematch with Dvalishvili when the timing is right.

He Predicts Yan Will Defeat Dvalishvili in Trilogy Fight

O'Malley has made a clear prediction for the upcoming title fight. He is picking Petr Yan to defeat champion Merab Dvalishvili when they meet for the third time at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi on October 24. This bout serves as the co-main event and will have major implications for O'Malley's own plans. A Yan victory would set up a potential high-stakes rematch for O'Malley, who sees a clear win over Yan as a critical piece of his legacy argument. Their first fight at UFC 280 in October 2022 was a close split decision that launched O'Malley into title contention.

O'Malley Not Counting Out Song Yadong Against Umar Nurmagomedov

While focused on the top of the division, O'Malley also weighed in on another key matchup. He is not ruling out Song Yadong's chances against the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov. O'Malley knows Song well, having defeated him during his current two-fight win streak that also includes a victory over Aiemann Zahabi at the UFC White House event. His assessment adds intrigue to a fight that could shape the future contender landscape at 135 pounds.

He Takes Aim at Ian Machado Garry Over Past Comments

Sean O'Malley also used his platform to reignite a personal feud. In a YouTube reaction video, he took aim at Ian Machado Garry for a comment the Irish fighter made in 2023. Garry had claimed he was the main reason European fans woke up to watch UFC 292, an event headlined by O'Malley knocking out Aljamain Sterling to win the title. "This just got personal," O'Malley said. "The f*ck did you just say?" He commented mostly in jest but also addressed Garry's recent sponsorship with PETA and his take that women should run the world, siding with recent critic Uros Medic on the debate. Garry challenges Islam Makhachev for the welterweight title this Saturday in the UFC 330 main event in Philadelphia.

• Key Takeaway: Sean O'Malley's path to GOAT status hinges on a potential rematch with Petr Yan, should Yan win at UFC 333.
• Key Takeaway: He is currently on a two-fight win streak with victories over Song Yadong and Aiemann Zahabi.
• Key Takeaway: O'Malley predicts Petr Yan will defeat Merab Dvalishvili in their trilogy fight on October 24.
• Key Takeaway: He publicly criticized Ian Machado Garry for comments made about UFC 292 viewership.

O'Malley's immediate future depends on the outcome of UFC 333. A Yan win creates a clear and compelling storyline for a title eliminator.