If he’s not granted a title shot next, Petr Yan would like to avenge one of his most notable losses.
Yan (18-5 MMA, 10-4 UFC) picked up his second-straight win when he earned a unanimous decision over former flyweight champ Deiveson Figueiredo in the UFC Fight Night 248 headliner in November.
UFC bantamweight champ Merab Dvalishvili was impressed with Yan’s performance, and called for a title defense against him next. However, if UFC opts to give Umar Nurmagomedov the next shot, as is expected, then Yan is interested in running things back with former champion Sean O'Malley, who beat him by controversial split decision in their Fight of the Night battle at UFC 280 in October 2022.
“You know, if (Nurmagomedov title shot) is going to happen, I would lean towards a rematch with Sean O’Malley, but I don’t know what’s going on with him,” Yan told “The Ariel Helwani Show” through an interpreter on Tuesday. “He’s out for nine to 12 months, so maybe he got pregnant.”
After losing the 135-pound strap to Dvalishvili at UFC 306 in September, O’Malley (18-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) underwent surgery for a torn labrum in his left hip. If Yan the rematch goes happen, he hopes to get two extra rounds scheduled compared to last time, so he can leave no doubt.
“I really want five rounds,” Yan said. “I believe it should be a good main event or a featured bout on some big event. I think five rounds and it will be very interesting if it’s going to happen.
O’Malley took to social media following Yan’s comments to dismiss his wish, but gave a potential timeline update on his return, with expectations of a title shot (via X):
“I predict it will be early Q2. Against Merab. Thanks for asking.”
I predict it will be early Q2. Against Merab. Thanks for asking. https://t.co/igEkdTCVO4
— Sean O'Malley (@SugaSeanMMA) December 3, 2024
