UFC 324 Live Update: Sean O'Malley vs. Song Yadong
Get ready for an exciting showdown at UFC 324, where Sean O'Malley faces off against Song Yadong in the bantamweight co-main event this Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
O’Malley, a former champion, is currently ranked No. 5 in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings for the 135-pound division (check the latest rankings here), while Song holds the No. 8 spot.
Despite experiencing a two-fight losing streak, O'Malley (18 wins, 3 losses, and 1 no contest) is on the brink of another title shot with just one standout performance. His recent defeats occurred during consecutive championship matches against Merab Dvalishvili. However, Petr Yan’s victory over Dvalishvili at UFC 323 could shift the dynamics favorably for O’Malley, especially since he previously secured a win against Yan. If O'Malley triumphs tonight, he may become the next contender for Yan’s title.
Facing him is the formidable Song (22 wins, 7 losses, and 1 draw), who has long been a contender and is eager to break into the top tier of the bantamweight ranks. Earlier this year, Song headlined UFC Seattle, achieving a decision victory over the legendary Henry Cejudo. With six wins in his last eight fights, he’s primed to disrupt O'Malley’s comeback journey.
Stay tuned to our live blog for updates on the action-packed bout between Sean O'Malley and Song Yadong.
Preliminary Thoughts
After Umar Nurmagomedov's lackluster victory earlier in the evening, Sean O'Malley finds himself in an even more advantageous position to secure a title shot. Let’s see how Song Yadong plans to challenge that notion.
Betting Odds
According to FanDuel, Sean O'Malley enters as the favorite with odds at -225, while Song Yadong is considered the underdog at +188.
Round 1
Referee Herb Dean is officiating this co-main event.
In the opening minute, O'Malley showcases his impressive movement, making Song chase him while he lands quick strikes. Song responds with leg kicks to bridge the gap. O'Malley lands a precise teep kick followed by a jab, complicating Song's attempts to close in.
Song makes an attempt with a left punch, but O'Malley deftly avoids any significant damage. O'Malley targets Song’s body with both a punch and a front kick. Song remains persistent with his leg kicks, which might prove beneficial as the fight progresses. As O'Malley darts side-to-side, he connects with a rapid left. Song retaliates with a solid leg kick, and O'Malley responds with a leg kick of his own, which leads to Song executing a takedown. O'Malley attempts a guillotine choke, but Song successfully defends it. The round concludes with Song in a dominant position.
MMA Fighting scores this round 10-9 in favor of O'Malley.
Round 2
Song starts the second round by missing a low kick and a spinning backfist, prompting O'Malley to remain vigilant defensively. A powerful right hand from Song lands squarely. Both fighters take their time to strategize from a distance. Song lands a counter left, forcing O'Malley to rethink his approach.
Song secures a body lock and pushes O'Malley against the fence. While not inflicting much damage, O'Malley needs to escape if he hopes to regain momentum. Song attempts a suplex that gets thwarted, but he quickly transitions to a body lock trip, bringing O'Malley down to the mat. Song now finds himself in O'Malley’s guard with over 90 seconds remaining.
As they return to their feet, both fighters reset to establish their distance again. So far, this has been Song’s round, and he maintains the pressure with a leg kick that concludes the segment.
MMA Fighting scores this round 10-9 for Song, leveling the match at 19-19 overall.
Round 3
Song resumes his strategy with leg kicks. O'Malley counters with body shots, attempting to mix up his attacks. He lands a left hand that might ignite his performance. A straight left from O'Malley connects, and Song’s nose shows signs of injury. Overall, the round features lower activity from both fighters compared to previous rounds.
The crowd becomes restless, voicing their displeasure as the fight unfolds. O'Malley successfully dodges a takedown attempt. Song continues to press forward, hoping for a decisive moment that will sway the judges. O'Malley counters effectively with a right hand, enhancing his standing with the officials. He follows up with a jab. Song persists, seeking that impactful sequence to secure the round. O'Malley, light on his feet, begins to find his rhythm and lands strikes at critical moments. A high knee catches Song as the round nears its end, followed by another left from O'Malley. With about 15 seconds left, Song gestures downward, but neither fighter fully commits.
MMA Fighting scores this round 10-9 for O'Malley, giving him a total of 29-28.
Official Verdict: Sean O'Malley defeats Song Yadong by unanimous decision (29-28 on all scorecards).
Post-Fight Remarks
"Petr Yan has something I desire," O'Malley stated post-fight. "I respect Merab; if he earns the next title shot, he deserves it. But I want that rematch with Petr Yan and the belt that comes with it. Let's arrange it. If that's not possible, I’m ready to fight!"
Adding joy to his victory, O'Malley’s daughter joins him in the celebration.
