The build-up to UFC 324 has taken an unexpected turn after a staredown incident between Sean O’Malley and Song Yadong triggered accusations of racism.
What was supposed to be a routine promotional faceoff in December 2025 quickly spiraled into a heated debate across social media, with fans criticizing O’Malley for wearing a COVID-style face mask during the moment he stood inches away from Yadong.
O’Malley claimed it was intended as a joke. Song Yadong, however, did not find the gesture amusing, especially given the historical stigma that Asian communities experienced during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Now, just days before the pair meet in the co-main event on January 24, the controversy has added an intense emotional layer to a fight that already carried massive career stakes for both men.
How the Mask Incident Escalated
During the December staredown, O’Malley entered with a colorful COVID face mask, briefly adjusting it as he approached Song.
Cameras caught Song’s expression turn cold, though he stayed composed. Clips circulated immediately, with many fans accusing O’Malley of mocking Song’s Chinese heritage.
What began as online criticism soon turned into a widespread debate. The UFC did not issue an official statement, but the backlash forced O’Malley to address the situation at UFC 324 media day this week.
“I meant it as a silly joke,” O’Malley said. “It wasn’t targeted at him or his background. It was taken out of context, and I understand why people saw it differently. I apologize to Song. There was no racist intention behind it.”
His apology, while direct, did little to calm the online conversation. Many felt O’Malley should have known the implications of bringing a COVID mask into a faceoff with a Chinese fighter.
Others argued that O’Malley often attempts to entertain or provoke, and this was simply another attempt that missed the mark.
Song Yadong Responds: “Racism Should Not Be in MMA”
Song Yadong handled the situation with maturity and focus. When reporters asked for his reaction at media day, he acknowledged the disrespect he felt but refused to let it pull his attention away from the fight.
“I don’t think racism should be introduced into MMA,” Song said. “We are here to fight. I’m focused on winning. I’m not wasting energy on something like this.”
His response struck a chord with fans who saw his calm approach as a stark contrast to the chaos surrounding the controversy.
While he kept his tone measured, there was no doubt that the incident motivated him even more. Song emphasized that his goal remains the same: a victory that pushes him into the bantamweight title picture.
A Critical Moment for Both Fighters
The stakes for O’Malley vs. Song go far beyond a co-main event slot. UFC 324 represents a crossroads in both fighters’ careers, and the winner is likely to place themselves directly in line for a shot at the bantamweight belt.
Sean O’Malley’s Back-Against-the-Wall Situation
Sean O’Malley enters this fight under heavy pressure. The former bantamweight champion has suffered two consecutive losses, both to Merab Dvalishvili.
Losing the title once is difficult. Losing it twice in back-to-back fights to the same opponent is devastating for any fighter trying to maintain star status.
O’Malley has built his reputation on flashy striking, unpredictable movement, and a magnetic personality. But for the first time in his UFC career, his momentum has stalled.
Critics have begun questioning whether he can still compete with the division’s elite wrestlers and scramblers. Others wonder if the spotlight and outside distractions have taken a toll.
The fight against Song is more than an opportunity for redemption. It is a must-win situation to prove that he still belongs among the top contenders.
A third straight loss would dramatically set back his title hopes and weaken his drawing power in the division.
Song Yadong’s Chance to Break Into the Title Scene
Song Yadong has been steadily climbing into the bantamweight elite, earning a reputation for his power, durability, and constant improvement.
While he has faced setbacks in the past, his consistency and work ethic have positioned him as one of the most dangerous emerging contenders at 135 pounds.
This fight marks his biggest spotlight moment so far. Beating a former champion under the UFC 324 banner would send a clear message to the division and the UFC matchmakers that he deserves a title eliminator next.
Song understands that defeating O’Malley does more than boost his ranking. It gives him global exposure, strengthens his claim for a championship opportunity, and proves he can outperform one of the division’s biggest names when the pressure is highest.
Public Reaction: Fans Split Over O’Malley’s Explanation
Following O’Malley’s public apology, responses from the MMA community were divided:
- Some fans accepted the apology, noting that O’Malley has always used humor, costumes, and unconventional antics to sell fights.
- Others rejected it outright, arguing that intent does not erase the impact—especially when the action reinforces stereotypes tied to Song’s ethnicity.
- Many neutrals viewed it as a careless decision, but not one that should overshadow the fight itself.
Prominent fighters and analysts also weighed in:
- A few veterans suggested O’Malley should have been more thoughtful, given the sensitivity around the topic.
- Others said the mask was simply ill-timed humor, not malicious.
- Some pointed out that controversies like this often overshadow the athletic storyline, which isn’t beneficial for either fighter.
Regardless of public opinion, one thing is clear: the controversy has increased the visibility of the co-main event, drawing even more attention to an already high-stakes matchup.
How the Controversy Affects Fight Week
Fight week is already a chaotic whirlwind—media obligations, promotional shoots, faceoffs, and constant fan engagement. Adding a racism debate on top of that can disrupt an athlete’s mental preparation.
But based on their comments, both fighters appear committed to keeping the main focus on the Octagon.
Song Yadong’s Approach
Song has remained quiet, serious, and disciplined. He has not escalated the incident or used it for trash talk.
Instead, he has continued training with the mentality that a clean win over a former champion is the best possible response.
Insiders close to his camp have said that the controversy has sharpened his mindset instead of distracting him.
He views this fight as a professional test, not an emotional battle, and he wants to let his performance speak for itself.
Sean O’Malley’s Position
O’Malley has always thrived on attention, positive or negative. Still, this situation is different from his usual showmanship.
Acknowledging that he misjudged the moment shows a degree of humility that fans rarely see from him.
However, O’Malley knows that an apology won’t matter much if he cannot deliver in the cage.
He has told reporters that he is focused on proving he remains a top-tier bantamweight. If he loses, the mask incident will only amplify criticism of his recent decline.
If he wins, the narrative may shift back to his performance.
Why This Fight Is Crucial for the Bantamweight Division
The bantamweight division is one of the UFC’s most competitive weight classes. Merab Dvalishvili currently controls the top spot after defeating O’Malley twice. But behind him is a long line of elite contenders, each hungry for a title opportunity.
Wherever this fight ends, the result will send immediate shockwaves through the rankings:
If Song Yadong Wins
- He moves into the top contender position.
- He likely earns a title eliminator or direct championship shot.
- His global popularity surges, especially in Asian markets.
If Sean O’Malley Wins
- He resurrects his title campaign.
- He puts his losing streak behind him.
- The UFC once again has a flashy, marketable star pushing toward the belt.
Either outcome adds excitement to the division and influences future matchmaking.
What to Expect on Fight Night
Stylistically, the matchup promises action:
- O’Malley relies on range, timing, footwork, and counter-striking.
- Song brings pressure, power, and compact combinations that can close the distance quickly.
O’Malley’s path to victory is a disciplined striking performance where he controls the pace and avoids heavy exchanges.
Song’s path involves cutting off space, landing power shots, and forcing O’Malley into uncomfortable brawls.
Given the backdrop of controversy, tension may be high during fight night introductions. But both fighters have made it clear that the only thing that matters is the result inside the cage.
Final Thoughts: Controversy Won’t Define the Fight—Performance Will
The racism accusations surrounding the masked staredown added an unnecessary layer of drama to an already pivotal fight.
O’Malley’s apology may not satisfy everyone, but Song Yadong’s calm and professional response has kept the focus on what truly matters—competition.
Both fighters know that UFC 324 could determine their trajectory for years to come. For O’Malley, it is a chance to stay relevant in the top tier of a stacked division.
For Song, it is the opportunity to break into the championship conversation for the first time.
When the cage door closes on January 24, the only thing that will matter is how these two athletes perform.
The controversy may spark headlines, but the fight will determine who moves closer to a title shot and who gets pushed back into the crowded middle of the pack.