TLDR
- Sean O’Malley wants to fight Petr Yan next instead of the planned Merab Dvalishvili rematch
- Yan recently underwent nine-hour lumbar spine surgery and expects to return this summer
- O’Malley warns fighting grappler Dvalishvili so soon after back surgery is a “terrible mistake”
- O’Malley admits he “sucks at wrestling” and is 1-2 in his last three fights, making him a safer opponent
- Yan defeated Dvalishvili to win the title at UFC 323 last year after Dvalishvili beat O’Malley in 2024
Sources: Sherdog | MiddleEasy | MMA Mania
Sean O’Malley is making his case to become the next opponent for UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan, warning the Russian fighter against an early return to face Merab Dvalishvili after recent back surgery. O’Malley presented himself as the safer option in a YouTube video posted this week.
Yan underwent lumbar spine surgery recently and received nine hours of anesthesia during the procedure. The champion described the surgery as “minor” and expects to return to competition this summer.
O’Malley Questions Timing of Merab Rematch
The UFC has planned for Yan to defend his title in a rematch against Dvalishvili upon his return. O’Malley believes this represents a dangerous decision given Yan’s medical situation.
“I want Petr Yan next,” O’Malley said in his video. “I hate the idea of him coming off back surgery and fighting Merab.”
Solid advice from Sean O'Malley? 🤔#UFC https://t.co/YXkuy1MW9s
— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) February 10, 2026
O’Malley pointed to Dvalishvili’s grappling-heavy fighting style as particularly risky for someone recovering from spinal surgery. “You’re gonna fight Merab within a year after back surgery? It sounds like a terrible mistake,” he said.
Dvalishvili earned his nickname “The Machine” through his relentless wrestling and grappling approach. The Georgian fighter has built his career on wearing down opponents through constant pressure and takedowns.
O’Malley Admits Wrestling Weaknesses
O’Malley acknowledged his own limitations in grappling as part of his pitch to Yan. “I’m not gonna go out there and try to shoot and wrestle him,” O’Malley explained. “Why would you fight Merab after back surgery when you can fight me? I suck at wrestling. I can’t grapple, I’m 1-2 in my last three.”
The current UFC bantamweight landscape reflects recent shifts in the division. Yan captured the title at UFC 323 last year by defeating Dvalishvili across all aspects of their fight.
Dvalishvili had previously won the championship against O’Malley in 2024. He defended the title three times throughout 2025 before losing to Yan.
O’Malley holds a record of 19-3 and is coming off a victory over Yadong Song at UFC 324 last month. That win snapped a two-fight losing streak that included back-to-back title losses to Dvalishvili.
Yan’s professional record stands at 20-5, while Dvalishvili sits at 21-5. The original matchup between Yan and Dvalishvili demonstrated Yan’s technical superiority across striking, grappling, and cage control.
O’Malley’s primary argument centers on protecting Yan’s back during recovery. A fight against a striker like O’Malley would theoretically place less stress on Yan’s spine compared to defending constant takedown attempts from Dvalishvili.
The bantamweight division awaits the UFC’s decision on Yan’s next opponent. O’Malley continues to campaign publicly for the opportunity while Yan recovers from his procedure this summer.
