Sean O’Malley has big plans for 2026.
Later this month, O’Malley makes his return to the octagon when he fights Song Yadong at UFC 324. It’s a big fight for the former bantamweight champion, who is currently on a two-fight losing streak, but despite that, “Suga” is not solely focused on the task at hand.
“Honestly, I’m getting ready for Petr still, too,” O’Malley said on his YouTube channel. “I know I can’t look past Song, which I’m not. I’m not taking Song — Song’s f*cking dangerous. He’s dangerous. He’s got
power in both hands, he’s fast. I’m preparing for him, but I’m preparing for Petr, too.”
There’s a reason O’Malley has his eyes on Yan; he has history with the bantamweight champion. O’Malley won a split decision over Yan in 2022 to earn his first title shot, and now that Yan has reclaimed the belt, O’Malley believes he’s just one win away from a shot to regain the title himself.
“Petr knows,” O’Malley said. “That’s what’s next. I’m going to go out there, take care of Song, and that’s what’s next. It just makes sense. 2026 is about to be lit. I’m going to go out there, take care of Song, take care of Petr, DoingWell [O’Malley’s new business venture] is going to blow up. I’m going to retire. This might be the last ‘Suga’ year ever.”
While the idea of retiring may have been said in jest, it does appear to be a topic on his mind, because the former bantamweight champion also allowed that he may walk away from the sport if things don’t go his way, too.
“It’s almost so pointless to predict what I want to do in the next five years, two years, three years,” O’Malley said. “Take it one fight [at a time]. If I go out there and lose and lose, I’m done with this shit. …
“Ideally, I go out there and take care of Song, and then get that Petr fight. And then we’ll just go from there. See what life throws at me.”
UFC 324 takes place on Jan. 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and is headlined by an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett.
