Russia’s Petr Yan reclaimed the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Bantamweight title by defeating Merab Dvalishvili via unanimous decision this past weekend (Sat., Dec. 6, 2025) at UFC 323 inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (watch highlights).
While a trilogy between Yan and Dvalishvili makes the absolute most sense — the pair are now 1-1 and “The Machine” just completed one of the best calendar years in Bantamweight history — there’s one fight lurking in the background that could easily leapfrog
Merab: a rematch with former champion Sean O’Malley.
O’Malley infamously beat Yan in 2022 via one of the most controversial split decisions you’ll ever see, and logic would suggest Yan would love to get that one back … right?
Well, apparently not.
Yan laughed at the idea of fighting O’Malley again.
“Brother,” Yan told MMAmania.com. “When I saw that he did not like the fact I said he looks like a lady on the corner because of the way he looks, and then he saw himself and was like, ‘Oh boy, maybe he was right, I need to change myself,’ but I saw a video a couple of hours ago, and he looks the same. He didn’t change. What do I need him for? I want people to improve themselves.”
O’Malley caught wind of Yan’s response — and immediately accused the new champion of ducking him.
“They asked Petr if he would give me a rematch if I beat Song or whatever, and Petr goes, ‘HAAAAA!’” O’Malley said. “Every time Petr’s been asked about me and a rematch, even before this, he’s avoided it. I’m not saying Petr Yan is scared of me by any means, but why? He says I’m not deserving or good enough or whatever. Wouldn’t that be a great reason to defend the belt? I fought Chito… He said Umar and Merab should rematch — there’s that. I gotta get through Song, no easy task here.”
There’s no question that O’Malley vs. Yan 2 would be a massive fight — big names, big stakes, big numbers. And with how UFC has been booking title fights lately, it’s absolutely in play.
But first, logic (and merit) say Yan vs. Dvalishvili 3 should come next — and of course, “Suga” still has to get through Song Yadong at UFC 324 next month.
For more UFC 323 results, coverage and highlights click HERE.
