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Petr Yan is the bantamweight champion once again after taking out Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323, and now the division is buzzing over who gets the next shot. Once one of the brightest stars in the UFC, Sean O’Malley wants to climb back into that position. Before he can do that, though, he has to get through Song Yadong next month. Even so, talk of a possible rematch is already heating up.

O’Malley Looks To Get Back Into The Title Race

O’Malley’s ascension to the championship made him center stage in the bantamweight spotlight, but two losses to Dvalishvili removed him from the mix. His fight with Song is not just a comeback; that’s a test as to whether he can still hang with the elite.

Song has gained a reputation as a tough match-up who puts on a lot of pressure early on, sharp counters, and holds a steady pace. To stay a legitimate contender, O’Malley must deliver a clean and convincing victory to attract the attention of the UFC in the midst of all other fighters making their cases for a title shot.

Expected Odds If Yan vs O’Malley Comes To Pass

If the rematch does get booked, sportsbooks are already leaning towards Yan opening close to -150 with O’Malley sitting around +130, depending on how the Yadong fight plays out. Fans tracking early odds also look at alternative betting choices, such as no-KYC betting platforms. According to expert reviews, where the source is Adventure Gamers, some of these platforms offer benefits like zero ID checks and payment methods like crypto, but also early odds that are a reflection of public sentiment before a fight.

The moneyline numbers indicate how close the match could be stylistically. Yan is a pure, hard-working champion who feeds on pressure and has proven that he can go for five rounds without slowing down. O’Malley brings speed, creativity, and sharp distance control. Their first meeting was a tight one, and many still argue as to who won. That debate alone causes interest in a second fight, especially now that Yan is back on top.

Oddsmakers tend to trust Yan’s consistency, but they also know O’Malley can turn the momentum in the blink of an eye. If he puts on a good show in his upcoming fight against Yadong, those early odds may tighten even more. A knockout or dominant display might sway public opinion and push the line more to a pick’em. Either way, fans are already breaking down the matchup as if it is only a matter of time before the UFC pushes it forward.

Yan’s Return Brings New Order To The Division

Yan’s victory over Dvalishvili at UFC 323 took the entire division in a different direction. His pressure was clean, his counters were sharp, and he looked like the version of himself that once ran through top contenders without hesitation. Regaining the title restored the confidence of his supporters and gave clarity to the championship picture. Yan has always wanted to prove he is the true number one at 135 pounds, and taking the belt back from the most relentless wrestler in the division helped him do that.

When asked if there would ever be a rematch with O’Malley, Yan did not appear interested. His reaction was light and dismissive, as if he felt there were other names ahead in line. Figures such as Umar Nurmagomedov and a potential fight against Merab are on his radar. Yan enjoys orderly progress in a division, and he’s always preferred to face the next rightful challenger and not a name with a storyline. Still, often the UFC does what the fans want, and the O’Malley matchup has unfinished business that cannot be ignored.

O’Malley Fires Back At Doubt

O’Malley did not take Yan’s reaction lightly. In a recent post, he wrote that Yan has been known to dodge the topic of the rematch when asked. He made it clear he does not believe Yan is afraid of him. Instead, he believes that Yan relies on the notion that O’Malley has failed to deserve another shot. From O’Malley’s perspective, that should encourage Yan to protect the belt from him in case he wins next month. If the champ insists that O’Malley is not good enough, O’Malley thinks the perfect place to settle is inside the cage.

O’Malley also knows the stakes. His losses to Dvalishvili put him back, but his name has weight. However, if he beats Song with authority, the pressure will be shifted to Yan. The UFC enjoys redemption stories, and likes them even more if they are about fighters who bring excitement every time they compete. O’Malley falls in that category, and fans know the rivalry still has energy behind it.

Conclusion

The road to a rematch between Petr Yan and Sean O’Malley is already beginning to form, even before O’Malley steps into the cage with Song Yadong. Yan has the belt and early control of the conversation, but O’Malley has the sort of star power that can charge up the division if he delivers next month. Their first fight left plenty of questions, and both men have changed since then. Whether it be rankings, business value, or momentum, the pressure is on both sides. If O’Malley wins, there will be a loud call for a second showdown, and perhaps Yan will have no choice but to answer the call.