TLDR
- Sean O’Malley defeated Song Yadong by unanimous decision (29-28 on all three scorecards) at UFC 324
- O’Malley dominated the third round with striking that bloodied Song’s face
- Song Yadong landed multiple takedowns but O’Malley avoided serious damage
- O’Malley called out Petr Yan for a rematch immediately after the fight
- The victory positions O’Malley as a top contender for Yan’s bantamweight title
Sources: Bloody Elbow | Yahoo Sports | FOX Sports
Sean O’Malley defeated Song Yadong by unanimous decision at UFC 324 on Saturday night, winning all three scorecards 29-28 in the co-main event. The victory sets up a potential rematch with bantamweight champion Petr Yan.
The fight featured back-and-forth action across three rounds. Song Yadong landed multiple takedowns during the contest, testing O’Malley’s ground game.
O’Malley used dynamic movement throughout the fight to avoid damage. He mixed striking exchanges with effective footwork to keep Song at distance.
Third Round Dominance Seals Victory
The third round proved decisive for O’Malley. He increased his striking output and bloodied Song Yadong’s face with clean shots.
All three judges scored the fight 29-28 in favor of O’Malley. The close scorecards reflected the competitive nature of the bout.
O’Malley defended several takedown attempts from Song. His takedown defense improved as the fight progressed, keeping the action on the feet where he held the advantage.
Song showed resilience despite the striking pressure. He continued pressing forward even as blood streamed from his face in the final round.
O’Malley Calls Out Former Opponent
Immediately after the decision was announced, O’Malley grabbed the microphone. He called out Petr Yan for a rematch of their controversial 2022 fight.
The two fighters previously met in a bout that sparked debate among fans and analysts. O’Malley wants another chance to face Yan, who now holds the bantamweight title.
“I want Petr Yan again,” O’Malley said during his post-fight interview. He referenced their previous encounter and made clear his desire for a second meeting.
Yan currently holds the bantamweight championship. The rematch would give O’Malley a chance to compete for the title.
Fans praised O’Malley’s performance after the fight. Many also acknowledged his improved wrestling defense and ability to handle adversity.
Analysts called the fight a key test for both bantamweights. Song came in with strong credentials and a reputation for finishing fights.
O’Malley’s victory positions him as a top contender in the division. The win over a ranked opponent strengthens his case for a title shot.
The UFC has not announced whether Yan will accept the challenge. Scheduling for a potential rematch remains unclear.
O’Malley’s third-round performance demonstrated his ability to finish strong. He out-landed Song in the final five minutes, swaying the judges in his favor.
Song Yadong’s takedowns kept the fight competitive early. He managed to bring O’Malley to the mat multiple times in the first two rounds.
Despite the takedowns, O’Malley avoided serious damage on the ground. He worked back to his feet and continued implementing his striking game plan.
The unanimous decision improved O’Malley’s record and put him back in title contention. His post-fight callout of Yan generated immediate buzz among fight fans.
Yan holds the bantamweight title after defeating the previous champion. A rematch with O’Malley would be one of the biggest fights the UFC could book in the division.
