Sean O’Malley Supports Song Yadong’s Title Shot Demand, Picks Title Fight Opponent

Sean O'Malley feels Song Yadong has done enough to earn his eagerly desired title shot. Following Yadong's incredible victory at UFC Shanghai, 'Suga' gave his two cents on who he thinks could be the best opponent for Yadong's title fight.

O'Malley also opined that Yadong would have the upper hand against the opponent he picked.

Sean O’Malley Backs Song Yadong to Excel Against  Elected Opponent

O'Malley tuned into the UFC Shanghai main event and shared his reactions to its proceedings through an alternative broadcast on his YouTube channel. Like many others, 'Suga' was also thoroughly impressed by Yadong's KO victory over Umar Nurmagomedov.

O'Malley lauded Yadong's strong comeback after the defeat against him, highlighting how the Chinese fighter picked up his second consecutive victory at UFC Shanghai. With Yadong's callout for a title shot in mind, O'Malley elected former bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili as Yadong's title fight opponent.

He said, "Song fights the Suga Show in January, loses, comes back, submits Deiveson Figueiredo and then knocks out Umar Nurmagomedov. Wow. I want to see Song vs. Merab. I've been saying this for a couple of years now, I think like, even before I fought Merab."

Subsequently, O'Malley mentioned that the encounter would favor Yadong stylistically. The former bantamweight champ stated, "I'm like, Song's a problem for Merab. If Merab wins the title, Song vs. Merab."

🏆🤔 Sean O'Malley wants to see Song Yadong fight Merab Dvalishvili for the title next:

"I've been saying for a couple years that Song is a problem for Merab.

If Merab wins the title.. Song vs. Merab."

🎥 @SugaSeanMMA pic.twitter.com/gwQQ5YQFBQ

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) August 29, 2026

A look at Dvalishvili's past encounters clarifies that striking isn't the strongest department of his game. The Georgian usually trusts his wrestling skills to get the better of his opponents with formidable striking. After watching Yadong's stunning KO victory over Nurmagomedov, it can be safely said that the Chinese will have the upper hand over the Georgian in the striking department.

While Dvalishvili is yet to express his take on fighting Yadong, he didn't miss out on witnessing his potential rival's incredible victory over Nurmagomedov. 'The Machine' also implied that he would be all eyes on the scenario by reacting to Yadong's feat with the watching eyes emoji.

Only time will tell if the stars align for the Dvalishvili vs. Yadong fight to materialize, with the first step being Dvalishvili winning back the title against Petr Yan at UFC 333.