UFC 324 Star Sean O’Malley Targets Tough Backup Plan if White House Bout Against Petr Yan Gets Rejected

Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley talks about his future plans if he beats Song Yadong at UFC 324.

UFC 324 Star Sean O’Malley Targets Tough Backup Plan if White House Bout Against Petr Yan Gets Rejected

Sean O'Malley talks abut matchups if he does not get the championship fight (via MMA Fighting, Yahoo Sports)

The UFC bantamweight division shifted significantly at UFC 323 when Petr Yan defeated Merab Dvalishvili to reclaim the championship and alter the divisional hierarchy. Having previously beaten Yan, former champion Sean O’Malley quickly emerged as a potential challenger for the newly crowned champion. Despite this, O’Malley has already mapped out alternative options if he is not granted an immediate shot.

Once regarded as one of the UFC’s fastest-rising superstars, O’Malley reached the top by winning the bantamweight title with a victory over Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292. His championship run was short-lived, as he dropped the belt after just one title defense against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306. O’Malley later attempted to regain the title but fell to a north-south choke submission in their rematch at UFC 316.

Following his consecutive losses, O’Malley had indicated that he would step away from competition to reset both physically and mentally. That break is set to end when he returns to face Song Yadong at UFC 324, a bout carrying major divisional implications. In the buildup, he has also pushed for a fight with Yan at the planned White House event, while acknowledging other options if that matchup fails to materialize.

It’s not always about the rankings, I diont even know when the rankings really like matter. I go out there and put on a beautfiull performance (at UFC 324) and if people want to see me vs Petr rematch at the White House I think it is the biggest fight. But I think they don’t, so they can either see the trilogy with Merab or if Umar gets a big win. I am here for what the people want.

Sean O’Malley via Main Event TV

O’Malley has also pointed to Umar Nurmagomedov as another option if a title fight fails to materialize. Following Nurmagomedov’s victory over Mario Bautista at UFC 321, ‘Suga’ acknowledged his skill level and placed him among the most technically gifted fighters in the bantamweight division. The matchup would represent a significant challenge against one of the most complete contenders at 135 pounds.

The Montana native has also floated Dvalishvili as another possible matchup following their consecutive meetings and the Georgian star’s dominant run as champion. Despite those setbacks, O’Malley still holds a victory over current titleholder Petr Yan from their bout at UFC 280. That result remained highly debated, with widespread discussion around the scoring and its impact on the division.

With Sean O’Malley now promoted to the co-main event position at UFC 324, his matchup against Song Yadong carries major significance. Securing a win would be vital in halting his recent slide and reestablishing his presence among the division’s elite. More importantly, a victory would place ‘Suga’ back in a position of control, allowing him greater influence over his next opponent and at bantamweight.

Sean O’Malley talks about his final goal in the UFC

Conor McGregor’s dominance played a central role in shaping the modern UFC, elevating the promotion to unprecedented global visibility. His crossover appeal and commercial success established him as one of the wealthiest mixed martial artists in history. During his rise in the UFC, Sean O’Malley has frequently cited the Irishman’s trajectory as an influential blueprint as he builds his own profile in the sport.

Sean O'Malley talks about drawing influence from Conor McGregor
Sean O’Malley talks about drawing influence from Conor McGregor (via Sportsbible, The US Sun)

After winning the title, O’Malley was approaching a level of popularity comparable to the UFC’s biggest stars. Consecutive losses to Merab Dvalishvili, however, stalled his momentum and diminished his rising superstar status. Many observers began questioning his long-term prospects for promotion. These setbacks set the context for O’Malley’s recent reflection on the challenges of reaching that level of fame.

Looking back when I was like, 23, 24, doing those interviews saying, ‘I’m going to be bigger than Conor!’ It was a delusional idea, Conor is massive, but there’s still a path for me to get to — maybe not that level, but I want to be the biggest star in the UFC. We were on a rocket ship, came down a little bit, and now we’re on a trampoline. We’re either gonna bounce up or we’re gonna jump off.

Sean O’Mallley via UFC on TNT

Sean O’Malley also acknowledged that chasing superstardom, as Conor McGregor has, sometimes distracted him from his own career. Pursuing external comparisons shifted focus away from immediate competitive goals. He is now prioritizing tangible achievements and in‑Octagon performance. This adjustment reflects a renewed commitment to his progression in the 135-pound division.

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