Sean O'Malley Blasts Daniel Cormier, Demands Petr Yan Rematch

Sean O'Malley is aiming for the next UFC bantamweight title shot and expressed frustration with commentator Daniel Cormier following the events of UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi. Petr Yan retained his 135-pound championship on Saturday by defeating Merab Dvalishvili via unanimous decision, after which Cormier asked Yan in the Octagon if he would be interested in defending his belt against Yadong Song.

O'Malley (20-3), who holds victories over both Yan and Song, took issue with Cormier's suggestion. The former titleholder defeated Song by unanimous decision this past January and previously secured a split-decision victory over Yan in 2022. Speaking on his YouTube channel, O'Malley questioned Cormier's matchmaking logic and stated his clear intention to face Yan next.

"DC, I don’t know what he’s thinking," O'Malley said. "Maybe he is next, wait, I beat him like 6 months ago. I’m fighting Petr Yan next; I don’t care. Song, I’m fighting Petr next… It’s gonna be the greatest, biggest bantamweight fight in UFC history."

Yan (21-5) addressed his future by stating he is open to fighting "Song, King Kong, or anyone" next, adding that while he views Song as more deserving than O'Malley, the decision ultimately rests with UFC matchmakers. Cormier also faced criticism elsewhere on the card from light heavyweight Dominick Reyes, who finished Azamat Murzakanov on the preliminary card and accused the Hall of Fame commentator of biased coverage.