Sean O’Malley or Song Yadong, who has the stronger case for the next title shot?

Song Yadong and former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley are both in the title mix to get the winner of Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili, where Yan will defend his 135-pound belt at UFC 333, which he captured by dethroning Dvalishvili at UFC 323 in December. 

Yadong vs O’Malley, who is more deserving of the next title shot, and who is likely the one UFC will push to get the shot from a business perspective? Let's dive deep to find. 

Sean O'Malley or Song Yadong, who is likely to get the next title opportunity?

Before UFC Shanghai, Yadong was not part of the discussion for a title shot, and many expected Nurmagomedov to secure a dominant win to cement himself as next in line for the title shot. However,  Yadong pulled arguably the biggest upset of the year with an impressive knockout victory over Umar Nurmagomedov in the second round at UFC Shanghai in late last month. 

The victory has changed the dynamics of the bantamweight division. And put Yadong directly into the conversation of the next title shot, along with O’Malley. 

As for O'Malley, he lost his bantamweight title to Dvalishvili and immediately fought a rematch but could not reclaim the throne. Moving away from the Georgian, 'Suga' got back in the win column with a back-and-forth battle against Yadong at UFC 324.

Following that, O'Malley put on a great performance, picking up a knockout victory over Aiemann Zahabi at UFC Fight Night 250. That reminded fans why he is considered among the best in the division.

Suga has a history with both Yan and Dvalishvili. He secured a victory over the Russian in a controversial split decision back in 2022. However, he has suffered back-to-back losses to 'The Machine,' first via unanimous decision, then getting submitted in the rematch.

O'Malley is on a two-fight win streak, one decision win and one knockout, while Yadong is also on a two-fight win streak, both finishes.

Given the better matchup to sell, O'Malley is likely to get the next title shot if Yan emerges victorious at UFC 333, since their first match ended in a controversial decision. If Dvalishvili reclaims the title, the American won't be in the conversation, as he has faced two dominant defeats at the hands of the Georgian. No fan wants to see him lose for a third time.

Yadong's support will be for Dvalishvili against Yan, since if the Georgian reclaims the title, the Chinese fighter would likely be next in line for bantamweight gold.

To conclude, if Yan wins at UFC 333, O'Malley will get the shot, and if Dvalishvili reclaims the title, it will be Yadong.

Sean O'Malley explains how UFC 333 will determine his and Song Yadong's title chances

In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, O'Malley shared the view that if Dvalishvili wins at UFC 333, Yadong will be next in line to fight for bantamweight gold, and if Yan wins, he would get the opportunity.

“Just how good is Sean O’Malley?” O’Malley said after watching Song beat Nurmagomedov. “He knocked him out cold. He necked him out. If Merab wins, it sounds like you have to give Song the title shot. If not, if Petr wins, I get the title shot. Mario (Bautista) is right there, too. The division is on fire right now.”

Check out Sean O’Malley’s comments below: