Pros Predict Sean O’Malley Vs. Song Yadong – ‘He’s Firing On All Cylinders’

Bantamweight Sean O’Malley takes on Song Yadong in the co-main event of UFC 324 this Saturday, as pros picked their winner. 

The fight moved up to the co-main event following the postponement of the Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes title fight due to Harrison requiring neck surgery. “Suga” is looking to end the first two-fight losing streak of his career. After losing his bantamweight title and a subsequent rematch to Merab Dvalishvili, O’Malley admits he rushed his return while recovering from hip surgery.

Now fully healthy, he aims to prove he remains the division’s best fighter and secure a possible future bout against the current champ Petr Yan. Meanwhile, Yadong enters the cage with 15 UFC appearances under his belt, despite being only 28 years old. Coming off a win over Henry Cejudo, Song knows that a victory over a former champion like O’Malley would put him in the conversation for a title shot. 

Predictions

“I think O’Malley will go through a resurgence himself. I think he’s motivated to put on a show and prove he’s still that guy, so I think he will get it done here.” — Modestas Bukauskas, UFC light heavyweight

“I like Song Yadong. His striking is legit, and I think in three rounds he can have success against Sean.” — Dustin Jacoby, UFC light heavyweight

“I’m going with Sean. I’ve seen him train for this camp, and he’s firing on all cylinders, and I think he’s the better striker than Song. Sean’s motivated to make a statement after the losses to Merab and that is what I think he can do here.” — Adam Fugitt, UFC welterweight

“I think O’Malley gets it done. Sean is a sniper, and although Song Yadong is great, Sean is just a better strikerm and I see him winning that fight.” — Mario Bautista, UFC bantamweight

“I’m very interested in it. I think Song will pull it off. Both are high-level strikers, but I think Song will be able to edge out a decision.” — Gillian Robertson, UFC strawweight

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