MMA Match Preview: Sean O’Malley (19-2, 1 NC) vs. Song Yadong (23-8-1, 1 NC)
The bantamweight title is on the line at UFC 324 as champion Sean “Sugar” O’Malley (19-2, 1 NC) defends his belt against No. 2-ranked challenger Song Yadong (23-8-1, 1 NC) in a highly anticipated rematch. O’Malley, known for his flashy striking and knockout power, aims to rebound from a controversial 2025 and solidify his reign, while Yadong, “Kung Fu Kid,” brings volume punching and wrestling to avenge his 2022 loss. This five-round main event could be a stand-up war if O’Malley dictates range or turn grappling-heavy if Yadong closes distance. With bad blood from their previous TKO finish and O’Malley’s post-fight trash talk, expect fireworks. A win for O’Malley cements his star status, while Yadong could become the first Chinese UFC champion. The card also features Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett in the co-main for the interim lightweight title.
Venue Location
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada. This 20,000-seat venue is a UFC staple, known for its electric atmosphere and history of hosting championship fights, including multiple bantamweight title bouts with dramatic knockouts.
The main card starting at 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT, 7:00 p.m. local time in Las Vegas). Prelims begin at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT), and early prelims at 5:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. PT). This fight headlines the main card, likely airing around 11:30 p.m. ET. Stream live on Paramount+.
Injury Report
Sean O’Malley: No reported injuries. O’Malley is fully healthy after his December 7, 2025, win over Marlon Vera at UFC 320, with no setbacks in camp. He dealt with a minor hip issue earlier in 2025 but confirmed full recovery.
Song Yadong: Questionable (left hand fracture). Yadong suffered a fracture in his September 28, 2025, win over Petr Yan at UFC Fight Night, requiring a 180-day suspension. He was cleared in late December 2025 but may wear protective wrapping; no confirmation on limitations, but camp updates suggest he’s sparring fully.
Fighter Matchups
This bantamweight title fight (135 lbs) rematches O’Malley’s (6’0″, 72″ reach, 31 years old) flashy, long-range striking with Yadong’s (5’8″, 67″ reach, 28 years old) volume punching and wrestling. O’Malley lands 6.2 significant strikes per minute at 61% accuracy, with elite counter-punching and 1.5 knockdowns per 15 minutes (53% wins by KO/TKO). He’s a switch-stance fighter who excels at range but has takedown defense vulnerabilities (68%). Yadong absorbs 4.2 strikes per minute but counters with 5.5 at 52% accuracy, averaging 1.8 takedowns per 15 minutes at 48% success and strong ground-and-pound (39% wins by KO/TKO). Styles clash: O’Malley’s distance management vs. Yadong’s pressure; if Yadong closes, his wrestling could tire O’Malley, but “Sugar’s” power threatens early. Their 2022 fight ended in R3 TKO (doctor stoppage due to cut), favoring O’Malley on feet.
Recent Form
Sean O’Malley: On a two-fight win streak. Last 5: W (UD vs. Marlon Vera, Dec 7, 2025), W (UD vs. Merab Dvalishvili, Sep 14, 2024), L (UD vs. Merab Dvalishvili, Mar 9, 2024), W (KO vs. Marlon Vera, Mar 9, 2024), W (TKO vs. Aljamain Sterling, Aug 19, 2023). Form shows championship-level striking but grappling weaknesses exposed in losses.
Song Yadong: On a three-fight win streak. Last 5: W (UD vs. Petr Yan, Sep 28, 2025), W (UD vs. Montel Jackson, Mar 9, 2025), W (UD vs. Chris Gutierrez, Dec 9, 2023), W (TKO vs. Ricky Simon, Apr 29, 2023), L (TKO vs. Cory Sandhagen, Sep 17, 2022). Form emphasizes volume and wrestling improvements, with strong decisions against top competition.
Fight History
O’Malley and Yadong met once before at UFC 299 on March 9, 2024, where O’Malley won by unanimous decision in a five-round title fight. No bad blood post-fight, but O’Malley’s dominance (outstruck Yadong 230-90) has fueled Yadong’s revenge narrative. Common opponents include Marlon Vera (O’Malley W UD 2025, L KO 2020; Yadong W UD 2023) and Petr Yan (O’Malley W SD 2022; Yadong W UD 2025). O’Malley’s UFC record (11-1, 1 NC) vs. Yadong’s (9-3, 1 NC); a clean rematch with high stakes.
FIGHT ODDS
Sean O’Malley – 200
Song Yadong + 170
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026
