O’Malley’s Late Accuracy Edged Song in a Tight Las Vegas
Sean O’Malley defeated Song Yadong by unanimous decision at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. All three judges returned 29–28 scores for the former bantamweight champion after a competitive fifteen-minute co-main event.
The former champion faced a different route back into contention
O’Malley entered after consecutive title-fight losses to Merab Dvalishvili. Song arrived following a victory over Henry Cejudo, bringing pressure, low kicks and wrestling to the assignment.
Their matchup became the co-main event after Kayla Harrison’s injury postponed her championship meeting with Amanda Nunes. Both made weight, with O’Malley at 135.5 pounds and Song at 136.
Footwork and takedowns produced contrasting moments
O’Malley used stance switches, feints and movement to work at range. Song countered with leg kicks and completed takedowns, including a late opening-round entry after catching a kick.
The second remained close as Song continued pursuing the clinch and O’Malley worked back to his feet. Neither established a finishing opportunity, leaving the final round especially important.
The final exchanges supplied the edge on every card
O’Malley found accurate strikes at distance while defending further wrestling attempts. Song kept advancing despite a bloodied face, but could not secure the sustained control he needed.
The unanimous decision gave O’Malley his first win since defending against Marlon Vera at UFC 299. Afterward, he expressed interest in reclaiming the championship, with the immediate result restoring momentum following his two defeats to Dvalishvili.
Sources
- UFC: official results and scores
- UFC: date, venue and weights
- Cageside Press: takedowns, movement and championship ambitions
