Sean O’Malley believes he poses the biggest threat to UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan after the titleholder successfully defended his belt at UFC 333.
Petr Yan’s Next Title Challenger
Petr Yan retained his title by outlasting Merab Dvalishvili in Saturday’s co-main event at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. O’Malley took umbrage with the broadcast acknowledging Song Yadong as a potential next title challenger instead of him, as he continues to push for a championship opportunity against Yan.
Speaking on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” O’Malley stated that while Yan is not afraid of him, the champion recognizes the difficult challenge he presents based on their history. “I don’t think Petr Yan is scared of ‘Suga’ Sean O’Malley by any means,” O’Malley said. “Pero I do think he looks at that fight – he remembers. That last fight, it was a close fight, it was a tough fight, and he’s gotten a lot better, I’ve gotten a lot better.”
Stylistic Differences
O’Malley pointed out that his physical stature creates unique problems for the champion compared to other contenders in the division. “I think I’m a tough stylistic matchup for Petr Yan. I do think he knows that; he recognizes that. I don’t think he’s scared, I don’t think he will duck me or any of that, but I do think in his little Russian head that he’s like, ‘Ah, f*ck.’ It’s a different fight. I’m not 5’5. I’m not like Song or Merab. I’m not this little ball. I’m 6’3. I’m a big guy,” O’Malley explained.
O’Malley previously edged out Yan in a close Fight of the Night battle at UFC 280 in October 2022. Because Yan holds a win over Song at UFC 299, O’Malley argues that his own two consecutive victories over Song and Aiemann Zahabi establish him as the rightful number one contender for the bantamweight title.
