Sean O'Malley's GOAT Path Hinges on Yan-Dvalishvili Trilogy

Sean O'Malley is plotting his path back to the top of the UFC bantamweight division, with his legacy as a potential all time great hinging on the outcome of a key upcoming trilogy fight. The former champion, now on a two fight win streak, is watching the division's landscape shift as he aims for another shot at gold.

O'Malley's GOAT Ambitions Depend on Key Rematches

Sean O'Malley believes he can still be considered the greatest bantamweight of all time by the end of his career. He currently sits on a two fight win streak with victories over Song Yadong and Aiemann Zahabi, the latter at the UFC White House event. His reign as champion ended two years ago with two losses to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 and in an immediate rematch. O'Malley argues that the GOAT conversation is fluid, pointing out he knocked out Aljamain Sterling and beat Petr Yan. He sees a clear path to reclaiming that status. If Petr Yan beats Merab Dvalishvili in their upcoming trilogy, O'Malley wants a decisive win over Yan. That would give him two huge wins over two of the division's best. He acknowledges the need to eventually avenge his losses to Dvalishvili, but says the timing must be right.

O'Malley Weighs In on Yan vs. Dvalishvili 3

The immediate future of the bantamweight division will be decided on October 24 at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi. Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili will clash for a third time in the co main event. O'Malley is watching closely, as the result directly impacts his own title aspirations. A Yan victory could set up a lucrative and legacy defining rematch for O'Malley, who has already defeated Yan once. Dvalishvili, who has defended the belt three times, presents a tougher stylistic challenge that O'Malley knows he must overcome to complete his career resume.

Song Yadong's KO Boosts O'Malley's Title Case

O'Malley's recent victory over Song Yadong is a significant piece of his comeback narrative. He believes Song's impressive knockout win in his own subsequent fight actually strengthens O'Malley's claim for another title shot. By defeating a contender who then goes on to deliver a spectacular finish, O'Malley's own performance is retrospectively enhanced. This logic is part of his campaign to jump back into the championship conversation without needing to fight through the entire top five again. It's a strategic argument aimed at UFC matchmakers and fans.

O'Malley Picks Pimblett in Rumored Topuria Fight

On his podcast with coach Tim Welch, Sean O'Malley shared his excitement for a rumored December fight between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett. Welch mentioned seeing "rumblings" of the matchup. O'Malley called it a "massive" fight for the promotion, likely to be held in Las Vegas. When asked for a prediction, O'Malley leaned slightly towards Paddy Pimblett. He cited Pimblett's confidence and size, along with Topuria's uncertain mental state following his loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250. O'Malley joked that "scousers don't get knocked out," but ultimately called the fight a coin flip.

O'Malley Clowns Ian Machado Garry for Past Comments

Never one to shy away from the spotlight, O'Malley recently reacted to welterweight title challenger Ian Machado Garry in a YouTube video. He took particular issue with a 2023 clip where Garry claimed he was the main reason European fans woke up to watch UFC 292, an event headlined by O'Malley winning the bantamweight title. "This just got personal," O'Malley said. "The f*ck did you just say?" He also humorously dissected Garry's comments that women should run the world and poked fun at his vegan sponsorship with PETA. O'Malley's reaction, mostly in jest, highlights the ongoing chatter around Garry's persona ahead of his UFC 330 title fight against Islam Makhachev.

• Sean O'Malley is on a two fight win streak and is actively campaigning for another bantamweight title shot.
• The trilogy fight between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 333 on October 24 will directly shape O'Malley's next move.
• O'Malley believes a decisive win over Petr Yan could solidify his claim as the bantamweight GOAT.
• He predicts a close fight between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett, leaning slightly towards 'The Baddy'.