Sean O'Malley Eyes Yan Rematch for UFC Title Shot

Sean O'Malley is positioning himself for another UFC bantamweight title shot, and he believes a rematch with current champion Petr Yan is the clearest path. The former champion, now on a two-fight win streak, made his case in a UFC on Paramount+ interview as the division prepares for a pivotal title fight at UFC 333 on Oct. 24.

Why does O'Malley want a Yan rematch?

O'Malley holds a split decision victory over Yan from UFC 280 in October 2022, a win that propelled him to the title. With Yan now holding the belt and set to defend it against Merab Dvalishvili, O'Malley sees a logical route back to the top. "If they want to see me against Petr rematch, I think that's the fight that makes most sense," O'Malley said.

Can O'Malley still be the bantamweight GOAT?

Despite losing his title to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 two years ago and again in an immediate rematch, O'Malley hasn't abandoned his ultimate career goal. He's rebounded with wins over Song Yadong in January and Aiemann Zahabi at the UFC White House event. "After it's all said and done I'd like to consider myself the GOAT," O'Malley stated. He argues that beating Yan again, and potentially avenging his loss to Dvalishvili later, would strengthen his case among the division's best ever.

What did O'Malley say about Song Yadong vs. Umar Nurmagomedov?

This Saturday at UFC Fight Night 286 in Shanghai, Song Yadong fights Umar Nurmagomedov. O'Malley, who edged out Song in a tough fight at UFC 324, is not counting his former opponent out. "I'm not counting Song out of the Umar fight," O'Malley said, acknowledging Song's danger. He noted that the outcome makes the title picture more interesting, whether it's Song getting a big win or Nurmagomedov continuing his rise.

How does the title picture look now?

The landscape at 135 pounds is defined by the upcoming trilogy fight. Champion Petr Yan faces Merab Dvalishvili in the co-main event of UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi. Dvalishvili twice defeated O'Malley to take and defend the belt. O'Malley's path is clearest if Yan retains, setting up their rematch. If Dvalishvili wins, O'Malley would need a different approach, though he admits he wants that fight back "someday" when timing is right.

• Sean O'Malley is on a two-fight win streak, beating Song Yadong and Aiemann Zahabi.
• He targets a rematch with Petr Yan, who he beat by split decision in 2022.
• The bantamweight title will be decided at UFC 333 on Oct. 24 when Yan fights Merab Dvalishvili.
• O'Malley believes a decisive win over Yan could place him in the GOAT conversation.