O'Malley Declares He's Locked In For Yan Rematch

Sean O'Malley says he's locked in for a bantamweight title shot against Petr Yan after the Russian's win over Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 333.

O'Malley, who holds a split decision win over Yan from their first meeting, dismissed suggestions he could face Song Yadong next. In a YouTube reaction to UFC 333, he said he beat Yadong seven months ago and that Yan defeated Yadong on one of his title defense undercards. "I'm fighting Petr Yan next," O'Malley said, per MMA Junkie. "Even if they announce Petr vs. Song, I'm still fighting Petr next. That's how much I'm fighting Petr next."

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O'Malley Wants U.S. Fight In Q1 Or Q2

The former champion called for the rematch to take place in the United States in late Q1 or early Q2, claiming it would be the biggest bantamweight fight in UFC history. "I'm locked in," he said, according to the report. "I've been locked in since the last fight knowing I might be fighting Petr Yan again. We're staying locked in whenever the fight is."

O'Malley said the prospect of a second Yan fight gives him what he called good anxiety and good nervousness. He beat Yan by split decision in their first bout, a result that remains controversial in some circles. Yan has now defeated Dvalishvili twice in a row, clearing a path for O'Malley to pursue the rematch he's been campaigning for.

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No official announcement has been made. O'Malley expressed surprise that Yan did not call him out after UFC 333, telling reporters it's the biggest fight to make in the division.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Sean O’Malley declares that he is ‘locked in’ for possible Petr Yan rematch