Sean O’Malley returned to winning ways at UFC 324 against Song Yadong and snapped his two-fight losing skid.
In tonight’s bantamweight co-headliner, Yadong looked for a fight-ending blow from Round 1, and in the meantime, he also took ‘Suga’ down a couple of times and pieced up the former champ’s lead leg with good inside leg kicks.
In the second round, O’Malley was not able to land anything significant, and his right leg appeared to be compromised. However, in the third and final round, ‘Suga’ turned the tide back in his favor and responded with nice counters and right-hand connections.
After 15 minutes, Sean O’Malley secured a unanimous decision victory in this closely contested bout.
MMA world reacts to Sean O’Malley’s Win Over Song Yadong at UFC 324
Fans and the MMA world reacted to Sean O’Malley’s win. Many felt O’Malley didn’t do enough to secure the win, with Song Yadong outworking him in output, takedowns, and overall damage.
Former UFC double champ Henry Cejudo posted:
“Just give O’Malley a 30-24 at this point 😂😂😂 #UFC324”
Azamat Murzakanov also thought that ‘Suga’ needed a finish to secure the win:
“O’Malley needs a finish #UFC324”
Champion Petr Yan reacted to Sean O’Malley calling him out to run it back:
“I don’t choose my opponents. Whoever the UFC puts in front of me next is going into deep waters.”
Meanwhile, Merab Dvalishvili posted on Threads, congratulating his former opponent:
“That feels right @sugasean so happy for you brother 🦾 #UFC324 #UFCThreads”
A netizen, clearly not happy with the scorecards, voiced frustration and posted on X:
UFC is mostly jiu-jitsu bros now. Overrated and lack of variety of skill sets. The Sean O’Malley win just shows the UFC is possibly rigging it. UFC has even been losing ratings. It’s a trash league now.”
Another user with similar sentiments posted on X:
“What is the ufc narrative with Sean O’Malley. I get he sells but the fact we blatantly rigging judges is unreal?”
The MMA Guru, who does not dispute the judges’ decision, posted:
“Sean O’Malley clear 2-1 Victory over Song Yadong Round 1 Song got a takedown at the end but O’Malley was picking him apart on the feet early Round 2 Yadong after the takedown with control and a big punch and low kicks Round 3 Yadong was leaking & Sean was in control #UFC324”
