Sean O'Malley says UFC denied Petr Yan rematch request

Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley pushed back on the perception that he controls his own matchmaking, revealing the promotion rejected his request to face Petr Yan at the upcoming White House card.

O'Malley told MMA Fighting he initially asked for Yan before accepting a bout with Aiemann Zahabi for the high-profile event. "At first, I asked for Petr," he said. "They said no. They didn't say any reason, they didn't say anything. They just said he's not available." The UFC instead offered Zahabi, who O'Malley said he had previously requested to fight before his last outing against Song Yadong. That earlier request was also denied.

O'Malley uncertain about title path with Dvalishvili in mix

The Montana native acknowledged his road back to championship contention remains murky, with current titleholder Merab Dvalishvili holding two wins over him and reportedly promised the next crack at Yan. O'Malley holds a 2022 decision victory over Yan, who reclaimed the belt from Dvalishvili this past December. "I don't know if a KO will put me in front of Merab," O'Malley said. "If it does, great. If it doesn't, I'll wait for them to fight and kind of go from there."

O'Malley described his dynamic with Dvalishvili as unusual but cordial. Dvalishvili has publicly backed O'Malley to beat Zahabi, a sentiment O'Malley chalked up to wanting past opponents to look good. "Even at my last fight, he oddly wants me to win," O'Malley said. "It's a weird relationship." He added that a third meeting is plausible if both continue winning.

O'Malley faces Zahabi at the White House card Sunday, a fight he says takes priority over any speculation about Yan or Dvalishvili down the line.

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — Sean O’Malley refutes claims UFC just gives him whatever he wants, addresses potential Petr Yan, Merab Dvalishvili rematches | MMA Fighting