Another explosive striking contest is set to light up UFC 324 as former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley takes on the dangerous Chinese contender Song Yadong.
This matchup is more than just a fight between two elite strikers; it is a crucial turning point for both careers. One fighter is trying to regain lost momentum, while the other is knocking on the door of a title shot.
We are here with a detailed Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong prediction, breaking down skills, form, mentality, UFC business angles, and realistic fight outcomes.
Sean O’Malley: Stardom, Style, and Recent Struggles
Sean O’Malley is one of the biggest stars in the UFC bantamweight division. His rise was not only built on knockouts but also on personality, looks, and social media presence.
“Sugar” knows how to stay relevant. From colorful hair to viral interviews, O’Malley understands branding better than most fighters on the roster.
Inside the octagon, O’Malley is an elite striker. His movement, timing, range control, and sniper-like accuracy make him one of the most dangerous counter strikers in MMA.
At his best, he fights with rhythm and confidence, breaking opponents with precision rather than raw power.
However, momentum matters in MMA, and Sean O’Malley is coming into this fight with serious question marks.
Back-to-Back Losses and Mental Pressure
Sean O’Malley has lost his last two fights, both against Merab Dvalishvili. The most recent loss was especially damaging.
Merab did not just win; he dominated and mentally broke O’Malley with relentless pressure, wrestling, and pace.
That fight exposed O’Malley’s biggest weakness: high-level grappling combined with cardio pressure.
More importantly, it raised questions about his mental strength after adversity. O’Malley is usually confident, playful, and loose. Against Merab, he looked frustrated, tired, and uncomfortable.
Now heading into UFC 324, the biggest concern is not Sean O’Malley’s striking ability; it is his mindset.
Song Yadong: Confidence, Power, and Rising Momentum
On the opposite side stands Song Yadong, one of the most dangerous and physically strong bantamweights in the UFC today.
Song is coming off a massive win over Henry Cejudo, a victory that instantly elevated his status in the division.
That win did more than improve his ranking; it boosted his confidence to the highest level of his career.
Song Yadong fights with controlled aggression. He does not waste energy, and he does not fight emotionally. His striking is powerful, compact, and efficient.
Unlike many flashy strikers, Song keeps his fundamentals tight, making him difficult to counter cleanly.
UFC’s Push Toward the Chinese Market
There is also a strong business angle behind this matchup. Song Yadong represents China, and the UFC has been actively looking for a global superstar to expand the sport in the Chinese market.
A win over a former champion like Sean O’Malley would instantly position Song as a title contender and a marketable star.
If Song Yadong wins this fight, the UFC could logically give him a title shot next. From a business perspective, it makes perfect sense.
Striking Breakdown: Precision vs Power
At first glance, this looks like a pure striking match, and that is exactly why fans are excited.
Sean O’Malley’s Striking Style
- Long-range sniper boxing
- Sharp counters and pull-back shots
- Excellent footwork and angles
- Dangerous head kicks and straight punches
When O’Malley controls distance, he looks almost untouchable. His timing allows him to punish even small mistakes. However, his style relies heavily on rhythm and confidence.
Song Yadong’s Striking Style
- Heavy hands with knockout power
- Tight boxing combinations
- Strong leg kicks
- Excellent balance and defensive positioning
Song does not chase flashy moments. He breaks opponents down with pressure and power. His punches carry visible impact, even when blocked.
Edge in pure technical striking: Sean O’Malley
Edge in power and pressure striking: Song Yadong
Grappling and Submission Advantage
This is where the fight could truly tilt in Song Yadong’s favor.
Sean O’Malley has never won a fight via submission in the UFC. While his defensive grappling has improved, it is still not a weapon.
When forced into extended clinch or ground situations, he tends to focus on survival rather than offense.
Song Yadong, on the other hand, has a clear grappling edge. He won his first UFC fight via guillotine choke against Bharat Khandare, proving early in his career that he is not just a striker.
Song’s top control, clinch strength, and submission awareness make him a more complete mixed martial artist.
Clear advantage: Song Yadong
Experience vs Hunger
Sean O’Malley is a former bantamweight champion. He has fought under massive pressure, headlined events, and carried the UFC spotlight. That experience matters.
However, Song Yadong carries something equally dangerous: hunger.
He has never fought for a title. He knows this fight could change his entire career. Fighters in this position often perform at their absolute peak.
O’Malley is fighting to protect his status. Song is fighting to take everything.
Fight Scenarios and Possible Outcomes
Scenario 1: Sean O’Malley Wins by Decision or Late TKO
If O’Malley can keep the fight at long range, avoid clinches, and regain his confidence early, he could outpoint Song with volume and accuracy. A late TKO is also possible if Song starts taking too many clean shots.
Likelihood: Moderate but risky
Scenario 2: Song Yadong Wins by TKO
If Song pressures O’Malley, attacks the legs, and forces him backward, his power could overwhelm Sean. A second or third-round TKO is very realistic.
Likelihood: High
Scenario 3: Song Yadong Wins by Submission
If Song mixes grappling with striking and drags O’Malley into scrambles, a submission, especially a guillotine or rear-naked choke is possible.
Likelihood: Moderate
Final Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong Prediction
Taking everything into account, recent form, confidence, grappling advantage, UFC momentum, and stylistic matchups, the edge goes to Song Yadong.
- Sean O’Malley win probability: 40%
- Song Yadong win probability: 60%
Song Yadong enters this fight with momentum, confidence, and fewer mental questions.
Sean O’Malley still has the skills to win, but unless he shows major improvements in grappling defense and mental toughness, this fight favors the rising Chinese contender.
Conclusion
Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong at UFC 324 is not just another fight; it is a crossroads moment.
For O’Malley, it is about proving he still belongs at the top. For Song Yadong, it is about breaking through and earning a title shot.
Expect an exciting, high-level striking battle with real consequences for the bantamweight division. No boring wrestling, no stalling, just elite MMA at its best.
Final Pick: Song Yadong wins, most likely by TKO or submission.