Sean O’Malley Doubts Petr Yan Would Choose Him for Next Fight

Following Saturday's UFC 333 co-main event, where Petr Yan earned a second consecutive five-round decision over Merab Dvalishvili to take their trilogy series 2-1, Sean O’Malley addressed the possibility of a rematch. O’Malley, who holds a 2022 split-decision victory over Yan, expressed skepticism that Yan is eager to step inside the Octagon with him again.

Speaking live on his YouTube channel, O’Malley stated that while he does not believe Yan is scared, he doubts Yan would voluntarily choose him as an opponent. “I don’t think Petr Yan lays in bed and shakes and quivers thinking of fighting me,” O’Malley said. “Do I think he loves the idea of fighting me?

I’m a completely different matchup than anybody he fights. Maybe he likes fighting those little guys. I’m big, long, southpaw, orthodox, move a lot.

He knows the problems that I present to him, so I wouldn’t say Petr Yan’s ducking me or scared. I don’t think he’d pick me if he could choose.”

O’Malley was also surprised that Yan did not call him out following the victory, noting that commentator Daniel Cormier brought up Song Yadong, who was in attendance, during the post-fight interview. O’Malley questioned the focus on other potential matchups, reiterating that a rematch between him and Yan remains the biggest fight to make.