The “Suga Show” might be coming back to the Octagon sooner than we think. Fans have been buzzing with rumours that UFC star Sean O’Malley is set to face fellow bantamweight standout Song Yadong in December. While the fighter himself admits nothing is official, he’s more than ready for the matchup, and he believes it’s exactly the kind of fight he needs to get back on track.
Since his tough second loss to champion Merab Dvalishvili back in June, O’Malley has been in a kind of holding pattern. While he remains the top contender in the bantamweight division, his last two fights against Dvalishvili were grappling-heavy affairs that didn’t allow him to showcase the spectacular striking that made him a star in the first place. That’s why a matchup with a pure striker like Song Yadong is so appealing to him, and to fans.
A Striker’s Dream Matchup
In a recent interview, O’Malley addressed the constant social media chatter about the fight. “If that’s what’s next, hell yeah!” he said, showing his eagerness to return. The rumours seem to be coming from every corner of the internet, with fans flooding his DMs and social media with screenshots about a potential fight at UFC 323 on December 6th. While the UFC has a reputation for keeping its fighters in the dark until a deal is signed, O’Malley’s public enthusiasm is a good sign for anyone who wants to see this fight happen.
For O’Malley, the significance of this potential fight goes beyond just a win. It’s a chance to remind everyone why he’s one of the most exciting fighters in the world. After struggling with Dvalishvili’s relentless grappling in his last two fights, a matchup with another striker would be a welcome change of pace. O’Malley vs. Yadong has all the makings of a “Fight of the Night” candidate, with both men known for their electric knockouts and technical striking. A victory would not only put O’Malley back in the win column but would also strengthen his case for another title shot in the future.
Betting on O’Malley vs Yadong
O’Malley against Yadong is just the type of fight that UK bettors will fancy digging their teeth into, with the top 20 UK betting sites likely to offer boosted odds and special promos if the fight goes ahead as planned. With both fighters bringing knockout power and momentum into the cage, bookmakers will be quick to highlight special markets around early finishes, rounds betting, and even “Fight of the Night” props.
When Can We Expect the Fight?
As far as the timing goes, the potential December date seems to be the most likely option. The UFC’s November pay-per-view, UFC 322, is already stacked with major title fights, including Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena and Zhang Weili vs. Valentina Shevchenko. It would be difficult for O’Malley to stand out on a card that busy.
That makes UFC 323 a prime target. O’Malley’s star power could serve as a huge boost to the card, and with no headliner officially set yet, a high-profile fight like this could easily be a main or co-main event. O’Malley has also said he’s open to fighting in January or February, but the consistent rumours about a December date suggest that the UFC is eyeing a year-end spectacle. His return is a massive event for the UFC, and both sides will want to make sure the timing is perfect.
Regardless of when or where he fights, O’Malley is clearly staying ready. He’s been training hard since his last fight, and he’s eager to step back into the cage. For fans who have been following the “Suga Show” for years, the anticipation is at an all-time high. Everyone is just waiting for the official announcement that will confirm what they’ve been hoping for: a striker vs. striker showdown that could reshape the bantamweight division.
