Sean O’Malley says that he has positioned himself as a future challenger for bantamweight champion Petr Yan following his unanimous decision victory over Song Yadong at UFC 324.
‘Suga’ rebounded from two successive defeats to the now former-champ Merab Dvalishvili at Saturday night’s UFC 324 in Las Vegas following a three-round battle with Yadong which ultimately saw the 31-year-old American claim the 19th win of his professional career.
“Petr Yan has something that I want,” O’Malley said in his post-fight interview. “All respect to Merab. If he gets the next shot, it’s well deserved. But Petr Yan, you want that rematch, I want that belt. Let’s make it happen. Go out there and take care of Merab if that’s what’s next, if not, let’s run it, baby.
“I’m chilling,” O’Malley added. “If they make that fight, I’m chilling.”
O’Malley also acknowledged Yan’s credentials and outlined the level of preparation he believes would be required for a second meeting between the pair. “Yeah, he looked really good [against Merab],” O’Malley said.
“I’m going to have to show up ready to go five rounds, focused, improve outside of camp. Petr Yan is the champ for a reason. He’s one of my favorite fighters to watch. I would love to compete against him again. But yeah, I’d have to have a really good camp, show up and put on an OG ‘Suga’ performance.”
