WATCH: Kayla Harrison Shocking Injury Upgrades Star Sean O’Malley to UFC 324 Co-Main Event

Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley reacts to Kayla Harrison getting injured and him fighting in the co-main of UFC 324.

WATCH: Kayla Harrison Shocking Injury Upgrades Star Sean O’Malley to UFC 324 Co-Main Event

Sean O'Malley is excited to be the new co-main event after Kyala Harrison’s departure (via X)

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UFC 324 is only days away, and excitement around the first-ever UFC Paramount partnership continues growing among fight fans. The card appears stacked from top to bottom, promising thrilling matchups and championship implications across multiple competitive divisions. However, the event has reportedly lost its planned co-main event, creating concern for the UFC as well as fans.

Kayla Harrison was scheduled to defend her bantamweight title against Amanda Nunes, but an injury has now jeopardized the anticipated showdown. As a result, the much-anticipated bantamweight bout between Sean O’Malley and Song Yadong has been promoted as the new co-main event. ‘Suga’ recently reacted to the news and appeared extremely happy for such a change of events. 

Seriously? I’m a co-main? UFC 324 I’m a co-main!

Sean O’Malley via Instagram 

Sean O’Malley is coming back after losing his last fight to Merab Dvalishvili, promising renewed hunger and elite confidence again. The former champion is confident about beating the Chinese contender next, believing a decisive victory could secure a title shot. He even tried to play mind games against Yadong by bringing a COVID mask to the face-off. 

O’Malley believes him vs. Petr Yan at the White House event will be a massive fight if made. With this bout promoted as co main event, he feels energized to deliver precision striking and undeniable championship intent at UFC 324. On the other hand, it has remained a shocking turn of events for Kayla Harrison, losing a great opportunity.

Harrison underwent neck surgery on January 13th, 2026, in New York, repairing herniated discs after consultations with UFC doctors. The injury developed during intense training camp preparations, with no single incident identified as the definite cause by reports. Amanda Nunes had returned from retirement for the matchup, creating significant excitement before the unfortunate medical setback announcement.

Following Kayla Harrison’s surgery, both fighters were officially removed from the event card to prioritize long-term health and safety. The highly anticipated bout has been postponed for six months or longer, allowing proper recovery, rehabilitation, and full competitive readiness. However, there were some interesting callouts that have garnered attention on social media.

Amanda Serrano is ready to replace Kayla Harrison against Amanda Nunes at UFC 324

Kayla Harrison is a former Olympic gold medalist in judo, respected worldwide for championship-level pedigree. She won the UFC bantamweight title by defeating Julianna Pena at UFC 316 via submission, displaying superior strength and tactical intelligence.

Amanda Serrano is ready to replace Kayla Harrison
Amanda Serrano is ready to replace Kayla Harrison (via X)

After winning the belt, Harrison shared an intense face-off with Amanda Nunes, the widely accepted greatest female fighter in UFC history. Nunes’ legendary achievements and Harrison’s Olympic pedigree made the matchup instantly historic and meaningful for the women’s division.

Unfortunately, the massive super fight was ultimately scrapped, disappointing fans who eagerly awaited this long-anticipated clash. However, this gave the opportunity to boxing champion Amanda Serrano to make her case for stepping in. 

If UFC and Amanda Nunes are thinking of a replacement, I would love the challenge as I’m still in fight shape. Hope the champ recovers well.

Amanda Serrano via X

Amanda Serrano clarified she meant no disrespect toward Amanda Nunes, firmly calling her the greatest fighter in mixed martial arts history. She praised Nunes’ powerful hands, striking ability, and instinct to dominate exchanges with confidence inside the octagon.

Serrano highlighted her experience in both MMA and jiu-jitsu, emphasizing respect for every discipline within combat sports competition. She added that every MMA and BJJ athlete dreams of performing on the biggest UFC stages against elite competition. YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul also chimed in on the situation and playfully mentioned that he will be backing ‘Amanda’ in this potential bout.

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