TLDR
- Sean O’Malley wore a COVID face mask during a December 2025 staredown with Song Yadong, sparking accusations of racism
- O’Malley apologized at UFC 324 media day, saying it was meant as a silly joke taken out of context
- Song Yadong responded that racism should not be introduced into MMA but remains focused on the fight
- O’Malley enters the bout on a two-fight losing streak after losing his bantamweight title twice to Merab Dvalishvili
- Both fighters view the UFC 324 co-main event on January 24 as critical for earning a title shot
Sources: MMA News | Athlon Sports | BJ Penn
Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley has apologized for wearing a COVID-style face mask during a December 2025 staredown with opponent Song Yadong. The incident sparked immediate backlash and accusations of racism ahead of their UFC 324 bout scheduled for Saturday, January 24, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
O’Malley wore a surgical face mask during the first face-off with Song at a UFC seasonal press conference in December. Many viewers interpreted the gesture as a reference to COVID-19’s origins in China, where Song is from.
O’Malley Claims ‘Silly Joke’ Was Misunderstood
At Wednesday’s UFC 324 media day, O’Malley addressed the controversy directly. “My intentions were never harmful,” O’Malley said. “It was supposed to be a little silly joke, you know, it was that, and it got taken out of [context].”
The 28-year-old fighter continued his apology. “I apologize if I offended anybody. It was never meant to be disrespectful, just me trying to have a little fun, and it turned into something else.”
Song Yadong responded to the incident during his own media session. “I’m fine, but I believe we shouldn’t introduce racism into this sport,” Song said. “Let’s keep it about the competition.”
The Chinese fighter acknowledged O’Malley had apologized multiple times. “He already expressed regret. In an interview from China, he apologized to fans,” Song explained.
Song Stays Focused Despite Mind Games
Song dismissed the stunt as an attempt at psychological warfare. “Sean is very good at promotion. He likes to play little mind games, do things at the face-off, talk a lot online,” Song said.
The fifth-ranked bantamweight made clear the incident won’t distract him. “I don’t really care about that. I’m not here to play games with him, I’m here to fight,” Song stated. “When the cage door closes, it’s just me and him, and all that talk and all that show doesn’t help him.”
O’Malley enters UFC 324 looking to bounce back from a two-fight losing streak. He lost his bantamweight title to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 in September 2024, then lost the rematch at UFC 316 in June 2025.
The former champion holds an 18-3 MMA record and 10-3 UFC mark. His last victory came against Marlon Vera at UFC 299.
Song carries a record of 22-8-1 overall and 11-3-1 in the UFC. The Team Alpha Male fighter most recently defeated former two-division champion Henry Cejudo via technical decision in February 2025.
Both fighters see the bout as critical for championship aspirations. O’Malley believes a win sets up a rematch with current bantamweight champion Petr Yan, who reclaimed the title by defeating Dvalishvili at UFC 323 in December 2025.
“It’s got to be me versus Petr next, if I go out there and take care of business,” O’Malley said. “I think I go out there and put on a beautiful performance, [then] me versus Petr at the White House is huge.”
Song views the fight as his pathway to a title shot. “This fight is crucial for me because a win over Sean would be a major accomplishment,” Song said. “I’m just one step away from a title shot.”
The co-main event at UFC 324 takes place this Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
