Career Averages - Sean O'Malley
Career Averages - Petr Yan
Sean O'Malley
Petr Yan
Sean O'Malley - Fight History
AJ thinks O'Malley will be too fast for Zahabi, out-boxing and out-kickboxing him. He notes Zahabi is a pressure boxer who is slower and worse at everything O'Malley does, and doesn't bring a serious wrestling threat. He expects O'Malley to get his win streak going.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 48 of 92 | 52% | 67 of 111 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Song Yadong | 0 | 36 of 94 | 38% | 69 of 130 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 0 | 0 | 2:06 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 16 of 26 | 61% | 22 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Song Yadong | 0 | 10 of 23 | 43% | 23 of 37 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:38 | |
| 2 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 7 of 20 | 35% | 20 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Song Yadong | 0 | 14 of 31 | 45% | 34 of 53 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:28 | |
| 3 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 25 of 46 | 54% | 25 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Song Yadong | 0 | 12 of 40 | 30% | 12 of 40 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean O'Malley | 48 of 92 | 52% | 23 of 53 | 16 of 28 | 9 of 11 | 48 of 92 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Song Yadong | 36 of 94 | 38% | 15 of 55 | 2 of 6 | 19 of 33 | 36 of 94 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean O'Malley | 16 of 26 | 61% | 6 of 13 | 6 of 8 | 4 of 5 | 16 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Song Yadong | 10 of 23 | 43% | 0 of 7 | 0 of 1 | 10 of 15 | 10 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Sean O'Malley | 7 of 20 | 35% | 1 of 8 | 5 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Song Yadong | 14 of 31 | 45% | 8 of 19 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 10 | 14 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Sean O'Malley | 25 of 46 | 54% | 16 of 32 | 5 of 9 | 4 of 5 | 25 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Song Yadong | 12 of 40 | 30% | 7 of 29 | 1 of 3 | 4 of 8 | 12 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: O’Malley (-205), Song (+170)
Round 1
A bantamweight striker’s delight will treat fans in the co-headliner, as O'Malley (18-3, 1 NC; 10-3, 1 NC UFC) looks to get back on championship track. He will face off against underrated Team Alpha Male product Song (22-8-1, 1 NC; 11-3-1 UFC), whose only losses in the Octagon after 15 walks are to Kyler Phillips, Cory Sandhagen and Petr Yan. The third man in the cage tonight for this one will be referee Herb Dean, and gloves are touched before they start to fly.
Immediately after the touch, Song lets fly a low kick that O'Malley just stares at. O'Malley advances, peeling back right before reaching his opponent, and does this a couple times. Song kicks him in the front leg again a few times, and O'Malley answers with one back. The two bounce back and forth without throwing much for a good 30 seconds, until Song springs into action with a few punches. O'Malley potshots him with a left after Song completes his volley, but he cannot get out of the way of the oncoming kick and swarming offense. They trade spinning kicks, skimming them off one another, with O'Malley’s to the body the more effective. O'Malley jabs with front kicks to the body to stave off Song, who is slowly works his way in.
Song kicks the front leg and scores a right on the outside, only for O'Malley to counter him back. The result is a lot of tit-for-tat offense, where one man lands and the other tries to pay him back. Song rushes out with a left hand, and O'Malley digs a couple strikes to the body. Song walks through a front kick to lash out at the lead wheel of the Montanan, and he tries to corner O'Malley but cannot quite get a bead on his movement. Song drives home another hefty kick, and he charges in for a takedown attempt and puts O'Malley on his back. O'Malley defends with a guillotine choke, and when that fails, O'Malley shrugs to someone as if he thinks he should immediately be stood back up. Song grinds him out for the remainder of the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Song
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Song
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Song
Round 2
Like the previous round, Song starts off with a glove touch and a calf kick. When O'Malley stumbles from the kick, Song tries to take advantage of it, and he just misses with a spinning back fist. Song walks through a front kick to plant a right hand on the forehead, and O'Malley no-sells it and looks for a counter. Song bounces in with a left hand and a high kick, and O'Malley slides away and responds with a body shot. Song goes to the front leg again, with O'Malley switching stances and taking damage on both as welts and redness are present on both legs. Song pounds the former champ with a left hand, shooting in for a single that he uses to drag O'Malley to a knee. O'Malley wall-walks to get back up with Song’s hands wrapped around his waist, and he elbows Song’s arms in hopes of breaking the grip.
Song knees the back of the thigh repeatedly, and he grabs the fence to reposition himself and then holds his arm low to defend some of the knee strikes. Song sweeps his post arm, and he transitions to a double and hits it while O'Malley looks for a guillotine, and the Team Alpha Male-trained athlete easily breaks out of it to establish top control. When O'Malley scoots back to his feet, Song follows him and hammers his front leg before blasting him in the face with a left hand. O'Malley jabs and gets countered by an overhand right, but it is his low kick that most gets O'Malley’s attention. Song loads up on power punches as he walks down the pink-shorted athlete, and O'Malley is able to sway and evade the worst of them. O'Malley gets off a body kick, and Song kicks the leg once before the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Song
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Song
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Song
Round 3
O'Malley knows that an advancing Song is coming to strike him, so he makes sure to get out of the way before it can get to him. Song does not throw it, instead pawing out his jab to set up his looping right hooks that buzz the tower repeatedly. O'Malley jabs him to the belly, and his leg gets kicked hard. Song points to his leg after checking a kick, as if to taunt O'Malley for throwing it. He then chambers and fires multiple strong low kicks, ignoring a couple left hooks that catch him at least partially when he is off-balance. O'Malley sticks his foe with a right, and he slips away from the increasingly telegraphed counter. Song continues to chase down “Suga Sean,” darting after a takedown and pulling back when it is not there. O'Malley busts up Song’s nose to start it trickling down the mouth, and he does not register it as he stays within kickboxing range practically the whole time.
O'Malley flashes out jabs to the head and body, and he stuffs a takedown as boos rain down. Song just misses on a looping left hand, and he pushes out a right and dings O'Malley when ducking. O'Malley gathers his thoughts and belts the Chinese competitor with a crisp right hand. Song ducks and feints his way forward, coming out behind left hooks while O'Malley is the quicker, more direct striker with less arc on his swings. Song keeps walking the former champ down, and he misses by an inch with a spinning back elbow. When O'Malley counters him, Song smiles and goes after a takedown. O'Malley tosses him aside and knees him right on the chin, and a bloodied Song just grins and walks forward. O'Malley gets in a left, and he gets Song’s attention further with a right. Song points to the ground to initiate a brawl, and O'Malley motions to flip a coin and then fires off a high kick. The match comes to a close, with the first round likely the difference maker.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 O’Malley (29-28 Song)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 O’Malley (29-28 Song)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 O’Malley (29-28 Song)
The Official Result
Sean O’Malley def. Yadong Song via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Sean O'Malley, arguing that O'Malley's best version (when he was partying and podcasting) would win. He believes O'Malley's clean footwork and accuracy will exploit Yadong's lack of striking defense. He notes Yadong is hittable and throws with power, but O'Malley should pick him apart. He hopes O'Malley returns to his old lifestyle for the win.
Big Brady notes O'Malley's losses came when opponents took him down repeatedly, but Song Yadong averages less than one takedown per 15 minutes. He believes O'Malley is the better striker and will win a striking match. He worries about O'Malley's mentality after two losses to Merab but expects the best version to win by decision.
Cody picks Sean O'Malley but is hesitant due to O'Malley's potential lack of motivation and Song Yadong's durability. He notes O'Malley's length and accuracy should allow him to win the first two rounds, but worries about a gritty third round. He suggests O'Malley by decision as a prop.
Connor also picks O'Malley, emphasizing that Song Yadong is an unimaginative fighter who lacks variety in his approach. He notes that Song's best path to victory (low kicks and wrestling) is possible but unlikely given O'Malley's mobility and range. Connor believes O'Malley's swagger and ability to make opponents hesitant will be key, and that Song's inability to cut off the cage will leave him chasing O'Malley all night.
Daniel Vreeland picks Song Yadong to win by decision. He criticizes O'Malley's recent timidity and reliance on counters, and notes that O'Malley has talked about retirement. Vreeland believes Song has the speed, leg kicks, and wrestling to compete with O'Malley, and that his well-rounded approach and power will be the deciding factors. He also mentions that Song has taken down Peter Yan, which bodes well for his wrestling advantage.
James believes O'Malley is a level above everywhere, with superior fight IQ and striking IQ. He expects O'Malley to stay at range, pot shot, and win via decision. He notes Song's durability but thinks O'Malley's smart game plan will prevail. James also mentions O'Malley's high fight IQ and preparation with Paul Czech.
The host sees this as a favorable matchup for O'Malley, who faces a fellow striker in Song Yadong. He believes O'Malley's striking wizardry, footwork, and trap-setting will allow him to out-strike Yadong and potentially land a knockout. The host notes uncertainty about O'Malley's mentality after two losses but thinks this style matchup will bring back the 'Sugar Show'. He does not see enough value on Yadong to pick the upset.
Paul agrees with Cody, emphasizing O'Malley's 5-inch reach advantage and Song Yadong's slow starts. He believes O'Malley will use his footwork and volume to win a decision, though he notes Song's grappling improvements could be a factor. Paul sees O'Malley by decision as the most likely outcome.
The MMA Guru picks Sean O'Malley by decision, noting Song Yadong's durability and toughness. He believes O'Malley's reach, kicks, and power will be key, and that Yadong's facial cuts could lead to a stoppage. He predicts a 30-27 decision.
Zane picks O'Malley confidently, noting that Song Yadong is a plodding striker with poor footwork and range management, which plays perfectly into O'Malley's sniping style. He points out that Song has historically struggled against mobile fighters who fight off the back foot (e.g., Kyler Phillips, Cory Sandhagen). Zane also mentions that O'Malley's reach and footwork will make it hard for Song to close distance, and that O'Malley's durability is sufficient to handle Song's power.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 52 of 115 | 45% | 141 of 215 | 5 of 12 | 41% | 1 | 0 | 6:29 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 31 of 57 | 54% | 38 of 65 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 17 of 37 | 45% | 48 of 72 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:54 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 12 of 23 | 52% | 16 of 27 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 23 of 63 | 36% | 24 of 64 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 19 of 33 | 57% | 19 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 12 of 15 | 80% | 69 of 79 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 1 | 0 | 4:18 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merab Dvalishvili | 52 of 115 | 45% | 33 of 92 | 13 of 14 | 6 of 9 | 29 of 86 | 8 of 10 | 15 of 19 |
| Sean O'Malley | 31 of 57 | 54% | 14 of 35 | 15 of 19 | 2 of 3 | 30 of 56 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merab Dvalishvili | 17 of 37 | 45% | 10 of 30 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 27 | 3 of 3 | 5 of 7 |
| Sean O'Malley | 12 of 23 | 52% | 5 of 15 | 6 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 22 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Merab Dvalishvili | 23 of 63 | 36% | 18 of 54 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 7 | 20 of 58 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Sean O'Malley | 19 of 33 | 57% | 9 of 19 | 9 of 12 | 1 of 2 | 19 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Merab Dvalishvili | 12 of 15 | 80% | 5 of 8 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 10 of 12 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo believes the first fight was a clear win for Merab, not close as some recall. He thinks Sean's camp is already making excuses by calling Merab the GOAT. He sees no significant improvements from Sean and expects the same pressure wrestling and cardio to overwhelm Sean again. He dismisses concerns about Merab's toe injury as irrelevant.
Big Brady picks Merab Dvalishvili but is very hesitant. He believes Merab should win easily based on his wrestling, but worries about corrupt judges giving rounds to O'Malley if the fight is close. He notes that O'Malley was compromised in the first fight and that the UFC wants O'Malley to win. He ultimately goes with his gut that Merab gets it done by decision, but hates the price tag and suggests O'Malley plus 5.5 might be a good look.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Merab. He emphasizes that O'Malley's instinctual reactions in wrestling are a deep-seated issue that will be hard to overcome. Connor notes that O'Malley's go-to defense of giving up his back and handfighting works against lesser wrestlers but is suicide against Merab. He thinks O'Malley can improve but still loses.
Dvalishvili's high pressure, high pace, and insane cardio are too much for most opponents. Even if O'Malley learned from their first matchup, he won't be able to set up his traps or striking wizardry. Dvalishvili will control the fight, grind it out, and win on the scorecards to remain champion.
The MMA Guru picks Sean O'Malley to win by TKO or decision, citing adjustments and O'Malley's freshness. He believes the first fight was close and O'Malley can improve his takedown defense. He notes Merab's activity and lack of motivation, and thinks O'Malley's striking will be the difference. He predicts O'Malley wins rounds 1, 3, and 5, and possibly gets a TKO in the second or third round. He also mentions potential judging favoritism for O'Malley.
Zane picks Merab Dvalishvili, noting that O'Malley's wrestling defense is fundamentally flawed against Merab's relentless pressure. He believes O'Malley will be better prepared but still expects Merab to force him into a defensive shell and win via pace and takedowns. Zane references the Umar fight as evidence that Merab can be pushed but still wins.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 47 of 89 | 52% | 49 of 91 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 82 of 164 | 50% | 214 of 310 | 6 of 15 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 10:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 14 of 28 | 50% | 14 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 16 of 30 | 53% | 25 of 41 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 1:20 | |
| 2 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 5 of 10 | 50% | 6 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 18 of 38 | 47% | 65 of 92 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:12 | |
| 3 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 11 of 21 | 52% | 11 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 17 of 38 | 44% | 25 of 46 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:52 | |
| 4 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 6 of 9 | 66% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 21 of 32 | 65% | 74 of 89 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:37 | |
| 5 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 11 of 21 | 52% | 11 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 10 of 26 | 38% | 25 of 42 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 1:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merab Dvalishvili | 47 of 89 | 52% | 22 of 48 | 23 of 39 | 2 of 2 | 45 of 85 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 3 |
| Sean O'Malley | 82 of 164 | 50% | 55 of 130 | 4 of 6 | 23 of 28 | 29 of 85 | 8 of 14 | 45 of 65 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merab Dvalishvili | 14 of 28 | 50% | 6 of 16 | 6 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 27 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Sean O'Malley | 16 of 30 | 53% | 13 of 25 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 3 | 7 of 18 | 3 of 5 | 6 of 7 | |
| 2 | Merab Dvalishvili | 5 of 10 | 50% | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Sean O'Malley | 18 of 38 | 47% | 14 of 33 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 18 of 31 | |
| 3 | Merab Dvalishvili | 11 of 21 | 52% | 7 of 13 | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Sean O'Malley | 17 of 38 | 44% | 6 of 24 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 12 | 11 of 29 | 5 of 8 | 1 of 1 | |
| 4 | Merab Dvalishvili | 6 of 9 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Sean O'Malley | 21 of 32 | 65% | 20 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 19 | |
| 5 | Merab Dvalishvili | 11 of 21 | 52% | 2 of 8 | 9 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
| Sean O'Malley | 10 of 26 | 38% | 2 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 9 | 5 of 18 | 0 of 1 | 5 of 7 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dvalishvili (-285), O'Malley (+230)
Round 1
The main event will be refereed by Jason Herzog. O'Malley starts off with a spinning back kick to the body. Dvalishvili is able to walk O'Malley back towards the cage. Nice jab by O'Malley, who is also going to the body with punches from afar. Dvalishvili is eating jabs, having some issues with closing the distance early. O'Malley is keeping space with kicks and his jab. Dvalishvili is keeping the pressure on, forcing O'Malley to constantly move. A right hand for Dvalishvili lands, and the champion is then able to get a takedown. O'Malley is quick to get back up, although he grabs the fence. Dvalishvili stays clinched and leans a knee. O'Malley lands his own knee, but gets off-balance and slips. Dvalishvili lands a nice left hook before going for a double-leg takedown. O'Malley does a good job defending, but Dvalishvili is able to pick him up anyhow. Dvalishvili is in full guard. Dvalishvili slips in an elbow and several short hammerfists.
Sherdog Scores
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Dvalishvili
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dvalishvili
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Dvalishvili
Round 2
O'Malley takes the center of the cage. Dvalishvili lands a body kick, while O'Malley misses a spinning back kick. A nice right hand to the body for "Suga." Dvalishvili counters O'Malley with two stinging right hands. O'Malley answers back with a strong right hand of his own. Dvalishvili is throwing kicks to the body. O'Malley's movement is much better this round. O'Malley lands a nice jab. Dvalishvili goes for a takedown, but O'Malley escapes from the cage. The round hits the halfway mark. O'Malley jabs to the body. Dvalishvili goes for another takedown, but O'Malley shucks him off and lands a nice left hand. Much better round for the challenger. Dvalishvili lands a right hand and goes for a takedown, but eats a left hand while entering. O'Malley is able to stay upright and hits the champ with a straight right as he exits. A big right hand for Dvalishvili, who keeps the pressure on as the round ends. Much closer round.
Sherdog Scores
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Dvalishvili
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dvalishvili
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Dvalishvili
Round 3
15 minutes to go. Dvalishvili opens with an overhand right and rushes the challenger. O'Malley lands a solid counter, but Dvalishvili keeps the pressure on and dumps "Suga" to the ground. Dvalishvili is in guard. O'Malley is too happy to sit in guard and is just allowing Dvalishvili to be in control. Dvalishvili is landing shots to the body and slips an elbow in. A lot of time is getting eaten up. Dvalishvili advances into half guard. O'Malley gives up his back in order to get to his feet. Dvalishvili lands a slick knee to the head. Dvalishvili puts O'Malley immediately back down after he gets back to his feet. The fight is fully in Dvalishvili's control. Dvalishvili is in half guard and landing punches with 30 seconds left. Dvalishvili scrambles well into north-south position and is able to lock in a modified guillotine choke. This looks tight, and O'Malley taps. It's over, and Dvalishvili retains with his second-ever submission win.
The Official Result
Merab Dvalishvili def. Sean O'Malley via Submission (Modified Guillotine Choke); R3, 4:42.
Angelo picks Sean O'Malley but does not bet. He notes O'Malley has incredible accuracy and power, and only needs one shot to finish, while Merab has a suspect chin and a cut over his eye plus possible staph infection that could affect his cardio. However, he acknowledges that a healthy Merab could shoot 550 takedowns and win a boring decision. He is on O'Malley's side but too much of a coward to bet, though he mentions Jacob has bet on O'Malley.
Big Brady picks O'Malley, emphasizing damage over control. He notes Dvalishvili's game is takedown attempts with little damage, while O'Malley has power and finishing ability. He predicts O'Malley will land big shots and possibly knock out Dvalishvili in the second round, though a damage-based decision is also possible.
Cody believes Merab's wrestling and cardio will be too much for O'Malley, especially given O'Malley's inactivity and injury concerns. He notes that O'Malley's takedown defense hasn't improved enough and that Merab can make the fight look easier by pushing the pace early. He sees a unanimous decision win for Merab.
Daniel Vreeland picks Sean O'Malley, emphasizing that Merab takes a shot in almost every fight and O'Malley will land that one. He notes Merab's top control is not great and people get back up, differentiating him from Aljamain Sterling. He believes O'Malley is getting an easier fight than against Sterling because Merab is more hitable and susceptible to being countered.
Daniel picks Sean O'Malley to win, citing O'Malley's superior striking accuracy, footwork, and ability to fight going backwards. He believes O'Malley's teep kicks and straight shots will counter Merab's looping punches and pressure. Daniel also notes O'Malley's brown belt under Cesar Gracie and dismisses cardio concerns, but acknowledges Merab's takedown volume could be a factor if he closes distance.
Jeff Fox picks Sean O'Malley because he is a striker with a big reach advantage and has cleared every hurdle. He acknowledges Merab could take him down and grind out a win, but believes O'Malley can piece him up on the feet and has shown solid grappling.
Lucrative James believes the odds are slightly off, with Merab as a -305 favorite. He notes that Sean O'Malley has more margin for improvement after a close first fight where he hurt Merab in the fifth round. He sees value in O'Malley at +255 and plans to bet him, though he acknowledges Merab's wrestling and cardio make him the likely winner. He emphasizes betting value over picking the winner.
Dvalishvili has shown great durability and will stick on O'Malley like white on rice, not giving him the space to generate knockout power. Expects Dvalishvili to put O'Malley through the ringer, possibly approaching 50 takedown attempts, and win on the scorecards.
Paul thinks Merab's game plan is clear and that O'Malley's only chance is a puncher's chance. He points out that O'Malley hasn't fought since the first loss and has been nursing injuries, while Merab has been active and improving. He expects Merab to control the fight with wrestling and win a decision.
The MMA Guru picks Sean O'Malley by TKO in the first or second round. He notes Merab has a staph infection and a cut over his eye, which could be exploited. He believes O'Malley's footwork and takedown defense will neutralize Merab's wrestling, and that O'Malley's upward knees and left hook will be key. He also suggests the UFC may favor O'Malley and that an early stoppage is possible if Merab gets hurt.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 230 of 356 | 64% | 232 of 358 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Marlon Vera | 0 | 89 of 241 | 36% | 89 of 241 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 27 of 36 | 75% | 27 of 36 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Marlon Vera | 0 | 9 of 21 | 42% | 9 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 51 of 83 | 61% | 51 of 83 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Marlon Vera | 0 | 16 of 46 | 34% | 16 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 35 of 58 | 60% | 35 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Marlon Vera | 0 | 17 of 54 | 31% | 17 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 4 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 56 of 84 | 66% | 57 of 85 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Marlon Vera | 0 | 26 of 73 | 35% | 26 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 5 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 61 of 95 | 64% | 62 of 96 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Marlon Vera | 0 | 21 of 47 | 44% | 21 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean O'Malley | 230 of 356 | 64% | 150 of 268 | 61 of 68 | 19 of 20 | 227 of 352 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Marlon Vera | 89 of 241 | 36% | 41 of 165 | 14 of 35 | 34 of 41 | 85 of 235 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean O'Malley | 27 of 36 | 75% | 7 of 14 | 10 of 12 | 10 of 10 | 27 of 36 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Marlon Vera | 9 of 21 | 42% | 1 of 7 | 1 of 5 | 7 of 9 | 9 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Sean O'Malley | 51 of 83 | 61% | 36 of 66 | 11 of 12 | 4 of 5 | 51 of 83 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Marlon Vera | 16 of 46 | 34% | 7 of 29 | 0 of 5 | 9 of 12 | 16 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Sean O'Malley | 35 of 58 | 60% | 21 of 43 | 13 of 14 | 1 of 1 | 35 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Marlon Vera | 17 of 54 | 31% | 7 of 39 | 4 of 8 | 6 of 7 | 17 of 53 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 4 | Sean O'Malley | 56 of 84 | 66% | 42 of 70 | 11 of 11 | 3 of 3 | 56 of 84 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Marlon Vera | 26 of 73 | 35% | 15 of 56 | 5 of 11 | 6 of 6 | 26 of 72 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 5 | Sean O'Malley | 61 of 95 | 64% | 44 of 75 | 16 of 19 | 1 of 1 | 58 of 91 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Marlon Vera | 21 of 47 | 44% | 11 of 34 | 4 of 6 | 6 of 7 | 17 of 43 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Marlon Vera as a dog, noting that underdogs have won five of seven main events in 2024. He thinks Vera's durability and power will be key, as O'Malley is a counter striker who may not engage. He also mentions the Miami crowd may favor Vera. He suggests betting the over on rounds.
Big Brady picks Sean O'Malley to win by decision, but is not feeling great about it. He notes that O'Malley is the better striker with more volume and accuracy, but worries about the later rounds as O'Malley has never been past three rounds. He believes Vera needs a knockout to win, and O'Malley should do enough to win a decision.
Cody believes O'Malley has improved significantly since the first fight, especially in managing space and distance. He thinks O'Malley will win on volume, similar to the Chris Moutinho fight, but acknowledges that Vera is durable and could come on late. He respects Vera but sticks with O'Malley as the pick, though he won't bet the moneyline.
Daniel Vreeland picks Sean O'Malley, emphasizing that O'Malley has improved his footwork and ability to cut angles. He notes that O'Malley's cerebral approach allows him to set traps, as he did against Aljamain Sterling. Vreeland argues that Vera fights by downloading information and then exploding, but O'Malley controls what Vera sees. He believes Vera's habit of giving up early rounds is dangerous against a finisher like O'Malley. Vreeland concludes that O'Malley is the better striker, longer, more explosive, and younger.
Daniel leans towards O'Malley to defend his belt, but he has significant concerns about O'Malley's durability and cardio. He notes that O'Malley will likely light up Vera early, but worries that O'Malley may gas out from beating on Vera, allowing Vera to take over late. Daniel references O'Malley's fatigue in the second round against Yan and Vera's proven durability and finishing ability. He also mentions that Vera's camp issues don't sway him. Ultimately, he picks O'Malley but calls it a 'dog or pass' betting situation.
Jeff Fox picks Sean O'Malley, noting that Vera is essentially the same fighter as in their first fight while O'Malley has improved significantly. He highlights O'Malley's improved footwork and ability to cut angles, as seen in the Aljamain Sterling fight. Fox also praises O'Malley's cerebral game, setting traps and controlling what his opponent sees. He believes Vera gives up early rounds and then has to press, which plays into O'Malley's hands. Fox is confident that O'Malley's striking, length, and youth will lead to a win.
O'Malley is the better technical striker with great fight IQ and trap-setting ability. He showed discipline and patience in his win over Sterling. However, Vera has never been knocked down in the UFC and is a slow starter who thrives in five-round fights. O'Malley may not get the early knockout, and if Vera finds his groove late, it could be competitive. I still pick O'Malley to win by decision, as his striking wizardry should allow him to outwork Vera over 25 minutes. I am passing on betting this fight due to the -300 line and Vera's durability.
Paul highlights Vera's slow-starting nature but five-round cardio and durability. He notes that O'Malley has not been tested in late rounds and that Vera's pressure and toughness will allow him to take over in rounds 3-5. He also points to a trend of underdogs winning main events recently and Vera's life-changing motivation.
The MMA Guru picks Sean O'Malley, predicting a boring fight where O'Malley uses low kicks and range to outpoint Vera. He argues O'Malley's feints are more dangerous because he can actually land the strikes he feints. He believes Vera will struggle to land his power shots and O'Malley will win a clear decision, possibly with a robbery if close. He notes O'Malley's underrated chin and better movement in the larger cage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 17 of 35 | 48% | 24 of 46 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:34 |
| Aljamain Sterling | 1 | 25 of 35 | 71% | 26 of 36 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:18 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 13 of 26 | 50% | 20 of 37 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:21 |
| Aljamain Sterling | 0 | 8 of 14 | 57% | 8 of 14 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 4 of 9 | 44% | 4 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Aljamain Sterling | 1 | 17 of 21 | 80% | 18 of 22 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:18 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean O'Malley | 17 of 35 | 48% | 3 of 12 | 3 of 10 | 11 of 13 | 16 of 33 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Aljamain Sterling | 25 of 35 | 71% | 18 of 25 | 6 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 10 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 18 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean O'Malley | 13 of 26 | 50% | 0 of 5 | 2 of 8 | 11 of 13 | 13 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Aljamain Sterling | 8 of 14 | 57% | 3 of 6 | 4 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Sean O'Malley | 4 of 9 | 44% | 3 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Aljamain Sterling | 17 of 21 | 80% | 15 of 19 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 18 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sterling (-258), O’Malley (+210)
Round 1
In the main attraction inside of the
Boston Garden
FleetCenter
TD Banknorth Garden
TD Garden, two men with no particular affinity to Beantown will collide for bantamweight gold. In the truest sense of the overused phrase, this is a pure grappler vs. striker affair, one that pits defending champ Sterling (23-3, 15-3 UFC) against the exceptionally accurate O’Malley (16-1, 1 NC; 8-1, 1 NC UFC). Should Sterling get his hand raised, he will set the record for the most consecutive defenses in the division’s history, while O’Malley can become the second champion to make his way to the promotion from Dana White’s Contender Series – Jamahal Hill was the first. There is nothing more that needs to be said from these two or about these two, and referee Marc Goddard brings the two together to make the title fight official. The staredown lasts from the moment Bruce Buffer starts speaking through to part of the introductions, and they are intense. They do touch gloves, and it’s on with the show. When they come together, Sterling is quick to swat O’Malley’s hands down. Sterling leaps forward with front kicks and side kicks, and he reaches out with long jabs while O’Malley stays out of reach. Sterling lands a solid leg kick as he races after O’Malley, and O’Malley responds with a front kick. Sterling keeps busy with kicks to any target, and O’Malley jabs to the body. O’Malley pushes the pace and draws a reaction out of his opponent, and the crowd rains down a profane chant against the champion. Sterling puts his foot on the gas, and he leans back from a long left hand that comes at his chin. The two take turns leading the dance, but O’Malley’s work rate is quite low through the first half of the round. O’Malley feints and fakes his way in, and he has to block a body kick that gets past his guard. Sterling chips away at the lead leg, and he absorbs a front kick on the ribs. Sterling peppers O’Malley with three low kicks before O’Malley gives him a stomping kick back to his knee. Sterling’s inside calf kicks force a stance switch early, and O’Malley lunges forward but does not fire off anything. Sterling reacts significantly when O’Malley is about to strike, and he picks at O’Malley’s leg while strafing to the side. O’Malley drops his hands to taunt Sterling into coming at him, and Sterling keeps ripping leg kicks and little else. Sterling blazes past his foe with a kick, and O’Malley settles down and fires off a spinning back kick that backs him off. Sterling shoots in for a single, and he jams O’Malley up against the fence while holding his foe’s leg in the air. Sterling lands several short punches, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sterling
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Sterling
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Sterling
Round 2
The second round begins with the two rushing towards one another, and O’Malley lashes out with a kick that he misses and falls over after throwing. Sterling comes at him and pursues a takedown, and O’Malley backs himself against the wall to stay up. O’Malley shuts it down and drops back to line up a right hand, and Sterling misses with a punch and gets cracked right on the chin. Sterling crashes down to the ground on his face, and he turns to his side in an effort to get his wits about him. O’Malley follows him down and clubs him with hammerfists, and Sterling is moving but still taking damage. O’Malley continues his bombardment of punches, and Goddard is closely watching over things. Sterling turns over and looks to reach out with his left arm for a potential takedown, and Goddard waves the fight off. Some may consider it an early stoppage, given how Sterling was still moving and defending himself. Nevertheless, the fight is over and O’Malley is now the UFC’s bantamweight champion, and he is the second fighter off the Contender Series to claim a UFC strap. The landscape of the 135-pound weight class has now changed drastically, and a wealth of options present themselves for O’Malley first defense and upcoming title reign. Marlon Vera, Merab Dvalishvili, Umar Nurmagomedov and a few others are right in contention, and it will be interesting to see how it turns out. In his post-fight interview, O’Malley mentions that he would be up for his first defense against Vera this December, and Vera immediately responded on social media with a post of dollar signs and bags of cash. If that is the fight the UFC makes for its Dec. 16 pay-per-view card, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.
The Official Result
Sean O’Malley def. Aljamain Sterling R2 0:51 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Aljamain Sterling, expecting his wrestling to take over as Sean O'Malley slows down in the later rounds. He notes that O'Malley gassed in a three-round fight and this is five rounds. He thinks Sterling could win by submission but acknowledges O'Malley's toughness and striking threat. He believes Sterling's range management and takedowns will be the difference.
Big Brady picks Sean O'Malley to win by fourth-round knockout, but admits he's terrified of Sterling's early grappling. He believes O'Malley can stuff takedowns and make Sterling work, causing Sterling to slow down. Brady notes O'Malley's striking advantage and power, and thinks if O'Malley survives the first few rounds, he can finish Sterling late.
Cody believes Sterling's grappling and wrestling are a notch above O'Malley's, and that Sterling will take O'Malley down, control him, and win rounds. He notes that O'Malley's camp lacks confidence, and that the line is inflated due to O'Malley's popularity. He expects Sterling to win by decision or submission, and likes the value at -260.
Daniel Levi leans toward Aljamain Sterling, acknowledging that Sterling should be favored but questioning whether the -255 price is warranted. He notes that Sterling has a clear path to victory if O'Malley has no answer when his back is taken, but if O'Malley can stretch the fight out, all bets are off. Levi mentions that Sterling's cardio fades in championship rounds due to massive weight cuts, which could open a late path for O'Malley. He also highlights that O'Malley's confidence and training with Taki Mendez might help him survive early grappling exchanges. Ultimately, Levi picks Sterling but is not fully confident, as he is intrigued by O'Malley's potential to survive and capitalize late.
Lucrative James picks Sean O'Malley, citing his distance management, footwork, and underrated jiu-jitsu. He believes Sterling's frequent weight cuts and recent activity may affect his performance. He sees value on O'Malley's moneyline and thinks O'Malley could get a knockout or win rounds on damage.
Sterling has a clear grappling advantage and should be able to take O'Malley down and control him. O'Malley's takedown defense has been a weakness, and Sterling's pressure and back-taking ability will be key. Sterling will likely win a decision rather than chase a finish, conserving energy. The decision prop is the best play.
The MMA Guru picks Aljamain Sterling over Sean O'Malley. He believes Sterling's grappling will be the difference, as O'Malley will be worried about takedowns. He notes Sterling's tricky movement and ability to pressure O'Malley backwards. He predicts Sterling will take O'Malley down early, get his back, and win by TKO via ground and pound in round 1 or 2. He thinks Sterling will prove a point.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 58 of 96 | 60% | 97 of 139 | 6 of 13 | 46% | 0 | 0 | 5:44 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 84 of 163 | 51% | 91 of 171 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 19 of 31 | 61% | 28 of 41 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:10 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 23 of 55 | 41% | 23 of 55 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 2 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 24 of 39 | 61% | 45 of 62 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:42 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 21 of 37 | 56% | 22 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 15 of 26 | 57% | 24 of 36 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 0 | 0 | 1:52 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 40 of 71 | 56% | 46 of 77 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean O'Malley | 58 of 96 | 60% | 24 of 57 | 13 of 18 | 21 of 21 | 47 of 81 | 5 of 6 | 6 of 9 |
| Petr Yan | 84 of 163 | 51% | 63 of 132 | 6 of 14 | 15 of 17 | 80 of 158 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean O'Malley | 19 of 31 | 61% | 5 of 15 | 3 of 5 | 11 of 11 | 17 of 29 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Petr Yan | 23 of 55 | 41% | 13 of 37 | 3 of 9 | 7 of 9 | 23 of 55 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Sean O'Malley | 24 of 39 | 61% | 12 of 25 | 7 of 9 | 5 of 5 | 17 of 29 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 7 |
| Petr Yan | 21 of 37 | 56% | 17 of 32 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 21 of 36 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | |
| 3 | Sean O'Malley | 15 of 26 | 57% | 7 of 17 | 3 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 13 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 |
| Petr Yan | 40 of 71 | 56% | 33 of 63 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 5 | 36 of 67 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Yan (-265), O’Malley (+225)
Round 1
Yan and O’Malley launch into action at the prompting of referee Jason Herzog. Yan is in orthodox stance; O’Mally southpaw. Yan stalks forward as O’Malley slides around the outside of the cage. Yan switches stances and flicks out his right jab, then switches back. Herzog shouts a warning to O’Malley to watch his extended fingers. Yan lands a right low kick and eats a hard right hand counter. O’Malley connects with a right low kick. Halfway through the round, Yan changes levels for a double-leg near the fence. O’Malley backs into the cage, trying to keep the Russian from taking his back. Yan gives up on the takedown and they return to the center. Yan lands a series of three left hands upstairs, then drops for another takedown. This time, he hoists the taller man and dumps him to the canvas. With a minute left, Yan is in O’Malley’s guard. O’Malley goes to stand and eats some punches on the way up, but they return to their feet. O’Malley shoots a takedown at the 10-second clapper, briefly takes Yan’s back in the ensuing scramble, but they separate before the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Yan
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Round 2
Yan lands an outside low kick, then one to the inside of O’Malley’s lead leg. O’Malley comes back with a huge uppercut that has Yan hurt badly. Yan staggers away as O’Malley gives chase, landing more punches. Yan turns the tables with a massive punch of his own and now O’Malley is rocked. Yan ducks under and drags O’Malley to the mat. Yan is in O’Malley’s guard as O’Malley squirms and looks to escape. O’Malley pops up and Yan drives him to the fence. O’Malley grounds himself with a hand on the canvas to forestall knees to the head. They separate and a moment later, Yan pushes O’Malley back to the floor with a nice inside trip. O’Malley pops right back up. Under two minutes to go and Yan is matching O’Malley down. O’Malley pushes him back with a kick up the middle, and slips the counter punch. Yan flicks a high kick upstairs, then comes in behind it for a takedown. Yan is in O’Malley’s guard at the base of the fence with 45 seconds left in the round. Yan postures up and lands a couple of punches. The round expires.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Yan
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Round 3
Yan shoots for a takedown right away, but O’Malley defends well and stands him back up. O’Malley flicks out a couple of jabs. Yan lands a low kick. Yan swarms forward with hooks, then shoves O’Malley to the cage. O’Malley pushes him back off, and lands an intercepting knee that cuts Yan badly. Yan is bleeding right away. Yan comes up short with a pair of punches, then lands a one-two. O’Malley throws a high kick that glances. Yan shoots a fast takedown from way outside, but drives O’Malley to the fence, and gets him to the ground. Yan takes O’Malley’s back as they stand. O’Malley escapes and they separate. There’s 90 seconds left as they reset in the middle. O’Malley lands a pair of jabs to Yan’s bloodied right eye. Yan drags O’Malley to the ground late in the round, and is landing punches from guard at the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Yan (30-27 Yan)
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Yan (30-27 Yan)
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 O’Malley (29-28 Yan)
The Official Result
Sean O’Malley def. Petr Yan via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
Angelo picks Petr Yan confidently, calling him a phenomenal striker with fantastic takedown defense and surprising takedown offense. He notes Yan's power, accuracy, and grappling, and believes O'Malley will have trouble finding a rhythm. He acknowledges Yan's tendency to take the first round off but still expects a one-sided fight.
Big Brady picks Yan to win by TKO in the second round. He notes Yan's power (nearly 10 knockdowns in the UFC) and ability to mix in takedowns. O'Malley has faced mostly strikers and hasn't been tested on the ground; Yan can pressure him and potentially finish on top. He believes Yan's experience against elite strikers like Aldo and Sandhagen gives him a clear edge.
Cody is confident in Yan, noting that Yan is an underrated wrestler who can take O'Malley down and control him. He points out O'Malley's weaknesses against pressure and wrestlers, referencing the Marlon Vera fight. Cody believes Yan's experience and ability to figure out opponents as the fight goes on will be key. He thinks Yan can win by decision or inside the distance, and that O'Malley's popularity is inflating his odds.
Connor is confident Yan will win, arguing that Yan's layered striking and ability to adapt will overwhelm O'Malley. He notes that O'Malley's offense is based on feints and theoretical threats, while Yan has multiple modes of attack and will take easy targets like leg kicks. He also points out that Yan can pressure O'Malley to the fence and take him down, as he did against Sandhagen.
Daniel Levi picks Petr Yan to win, citing Yan's proven chin and ability to both give and take damage. He questions O'Malley's durability, noting that while O'Malley can strike well, it's unknown how he handles getting hit by a powerful puncher like Yan. Levi thinks Yan will pressure O'Malley and make him fight, and that Yan's experience against tough opponents gives him the edge. He also mentions that Yan may start slow but will win rounds as the fight progresses. Levi does not bet this fight but is confident in Yan.
Yan has a slow-starting style but excels in championship rounds. He has wrestling upside that could exploit O'Malley's weakness on the ground. O'Malley may be competitive early with kicks, but Yan's takedowns and top control should secure rounds. Yan by decision at -110 is the pick, and if the line drops to -250, the moneyline becomes attractive.
Paul is confident in Yan, citing that Yan is the better fighter and that O'Malley's action is due to his brand. He worries about Yan giving up round one but thinks Yan will figure out O'Malley and win. Paul notes Yan's wrestling and takedowns as a path to victory, and mentions he took a small bet on Yan by submission at long odds. He believes Yan's experience and skill gap will show.
The MMA Guru picks Petr Yan over Sean O'Malley by third-round TKO. He believes Yan's pressure, combinations, and ability to crowd O'Malley will be too much. He notes O'Malley's struggles against volume strikers and his tendency to spin, which Yan can exploit. He predicts O'Malley wins the first round but gets hurt in the second and finished in the third.
Zane picks Yan, emphasizing that Yan's pressure and ability to take easy targets will expose O'Malley's defensive flaws. He compares O'Malley to Darren Till, noting that both rely on a coiled-spring style that elite fighters eventually figure out. He believes Yan will force O'Malley into uncomfortable positions and break him down over time.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedro Munhoz | 0 | 26 of 41 | 63% | 26 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 25 of 47 | 53% | 25 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pedro Munhoz | 0 | 19 of 25 | 76% | 19 of 25 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 15 of 26 | 57% | 15 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Pedro Munhoz | 0 | 7 of 16 | 43% | 7 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 10 of 21 | 47% | 10 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedro Munhoz | 26 of 41 | 63% | 0 of 9 | 0 of 2 | 26 of 30 | 26 of 41 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Sean O'Malley | 25 of 47 | 53% | 14 of 30 | 8 of 14 | 3 of 3 | 25 of 47 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pedro Munhoz | 19 of 25 | 76% | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 19 of 22 | 19 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Sean O'Malley | 15 of 26 | 57% | 7 of 13 | 5 of 10 | 3 of 3 | 15 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Pedro Munhoz | 7 of 16 | 43% | 0 of 6 | 0 of 2 | 7 of 8 | 7 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Sean O'Malley | 10 of 21 | 47% | 7 of 17 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: O’Malley (-300), Munhoz (+250)
Round 1
Kicking off the main card is another fight that could have served as the main event of a Fight Night offering recently, as established veteran Munhoz (19-7, 1 NC; 9-7, 1 NC UFC) looks to shut down the “Sugar Show” of O’Malley (15-1, 7-1 UFC) at bantamweight. Feet and fists are sure to fly fervently, but not before referee Jason Herzog checks them in. The gloves are expectedly not touched given O’Malley’s chatter ahead of the fight, and they land leg kicks at the same time to start things off. O’Malley keeps a wide berth from afar, with a distance where even he cannot land with his significant reach advantage. They are cautious to engage, and O’Malley tosses out a few front kicks while Munhoz goes to the calf repeatedly. O’Malley loads up on an overhand right, and he checks a calf kick that zooms at him. Munhoz checks one in response, and he sweeps low with his rear leg. O’Malley pierces the guard with a jab, and Munhoz circles away and lands a solid leg kick as O’Malley switches stances. The American pokes out a few jabs but little else, and he leaps back as the low kick comes towards him. “Sugar Sean” spins with a back kick, and Munhoz is out of harm’s way in time. Munhoz hammers the leg multiples times, and O’Malley steps forward with a front kick and a straight right hand down the pipe. O’Malley slaps a front kick out, and it bangs into the cup. Herzog spots it immediately, and the crowd boos him despite that the foul lands cleanly. Munhoz takes less than a minute to get back to action, and O’Malley comes out throwing hands. Munhoz answers him with a barrage of leg kicks from both legs, and he appears fired up and walking O’Malley down. They continue to pepper the lead legs of one another with kicks, and Munhoz fires off a high kick that gets blocked in time. Munhoz bears down on him with a chopping kick, and they add up as O’Malley tries to push him back with jabs. The pink-haired fighter spin with a back kick to the midsection, and Munhoz answers him as he plants down with a thudding kick. Munhoz whiffs on a spin kick, and O’Malley mocks him with a pirouette as the crowd guffaws. The tentative round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 O’Malley
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 O’Malley
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 O’Malley
Round 2
The second frame opens as Munhoz comes out running forward, and he switches stances every single time O’Malley does to mirror his stance and allow him to have effective leg kicks come out. Munhoz misses on a head kick, and a front kick as well as he pulls his leg back and lands awkwardly. O’Malley pokes out a few jabs to little effect, and Munhoz retreats and gets popped with a one-two. O’Malley spins with a wheel kick that just brushes past Munhoz’ hair, and one inch to the right could have spelled problems for the Brazilian. Munhoz kicks the midsection on his way in, and he swipes low with a kick. O’Malley absorbs a kick with an audible thud, and he loads up with a right hand that collides with the guard. O’Malley dings Munhoz with a straight right, and the Brazilian loads up on a low kick in response. Practically all of the strikes landed by “The Young Punisher” are leg kicks, and they are rarely more than single strikes. They continue to connect, and O’Malley, irritated from them, pops out a jab. Munhoz lands a punch, and O’Malley reaches out with his fingers outstretched to jab Munhoz in the eye. Munhoz turns away and tries to clear his vision. Herzog allows him to recover and calls in a doctor to give him more time, Munhoz seems to tell the doctor he cannot see out of his right eye. The doctor helps him wipe his eye, and Munhoz claims that all he sees is black from one eye. With that answer, Herzog and the physician properly call the fight off, as Munhoz cannot continue. This poke ruled an unintentional foul, it will go down as a no contest. This is an unfortunate ending to a competitive and intriguing bout, and hopefully the promotion can run it back in the near future.
The Official Result
Sean O’Malley vs. Pedro Munhoz is ruled a No Contest (Accidental Eye Poke) R2 3:09
Angelo picks Sean O'Malley, citing his accuracy and athletic striking. He believes Munhoz's volume and forward pressure will work against him as O'Malley sticks and moves. He expresses frustration with the matchup, feeling Munhoz is being fed to a rising star, but still sees O'Malley winning a decision.
Big Brady is confident in Sean O'Malley, citing his size, speed, and striking advantage. He notes Munhoz is hittable and absorbs many strikes, but worries about O'Malley's leg kicks and durability. He predicts O'Malley wins by decision, as Munhoz has never been knocked out.
Cody acknowledges Munhoz's path to victory via leg kicks and pressure, but notes Munhoz has declined and lacks wrestling. He thinks O'Malley's reach and speed will be decisive, and that Munhoz hasn't landed a takedown since 2018. He picks O'Malley as the rightful favorite.
Daniel Levi is confident in Sean O'Malley, having bet 5 units to win 2 at -250. He believes O'Malley's height, reach, volume, and stance switching will be too much for Munhoz, who is there to be hit and may be on the decline. Levi dismisses the leg kick narrative, noting that O'Malley can mitigate it by fighting southpaw. He respects Munhoz's guillotine and calf kicks but thinks O'Malley's evolution and youth give him the edge.
O'Malley is faster and more technical, but Munhoz has never been knocked out and has good leg kicks. O'Malley should win by decision, staying on the outside and avoiding leg kicks. The host is not confident in a finish and prefers the decision prop.
Paul agrees with Cody that O'Malley's reach advantage and volume will be key. He notes Munhoz's lack of wrestling makes it hard to back him at +275. He picks O'Malley to win.
The MMA Guru picks Sean O'Malley, citing his elusiveness, range advantage (7-inch reach), and ability to slow down pressure fighters. He believes Pedro Munhoz has declined and that O'Malley's front kicks and leg kicks will be key. He predicts O'Malley will pick Munhoz apart and win a decision, noting Munhoz's lack of offensive wrestling.
Petr Yan - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 134 of 383 | 34% | 196 of 458 | 2 of 29 | 6% | 2 | 1 | 5:12 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 139 of 230 | 60% | 159 of 251 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 0 | 0 | 2:55 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 22 of 68 | 32% | 40 of 87 | 0 of 8 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:33 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 17 of 32 | 53% | 23 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 19 of 73 | 26% | 41 of 97 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 2:06 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 21 of 34 | 61% | 25 of 38 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:34 | |
| 3 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 21 of 62 | 33% | 32 of 77 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 0 | 0 | 1:07 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 25 of 46 | 54% | 33 of 55 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 | |
| 4 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 37 of 71 | 52% | 43 of 80 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:15 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 38 of 55 | 69% | 40 of 57 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:14 | |
| 5 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 35 of 109 | 32% | 40 of 117 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:11 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 38 of 63 | 60% | 38 of 63 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:48 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merab Dvalishvili | 134 of 383 | 34% | 105 of 341 | 22 of 34 | 7 of 8 | 116 of 353 | 18 of 30 | 0 of 0 |
| Petr Yan | 139 of 230 | 60% | 109 of 195 | 17 of 19 | 13 of 16 | 119 of 204 | 18 of 24 | 2 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merab Dvalishvili | 22 of 68 | 32% | 16 of 60 | 4 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 18 of 63 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Petr Yan | 17 of 32 | 53% | 15 of 30 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 17 of 31 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Merab Dvalishvili | 19 of 73 | 26% | 19 of 71 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 17 of 69 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Petr Yan | 21 of 34 | 61% | 18 of 31 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 21 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Merab Dvalishvili | 21 of 62 | 33% | 18 of 57 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 52 | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
| Petr Yan | 25 of 46 | 54% | 20 of 40 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 34 | 7 of 10 | 2 of 2 | |
| 4 | Merab Dvalishvili | 37 of 71 | 52% | 28 of 60 | 7 of 8 | 2 of 3 | 34 of 67 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Petr Yan | 38 of 55 | 69% | 28 of 44 | 6 of 6 | 4 of 5 | 32 of 48 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 | |
| 5 | Merab Dvalishvili | 35 of 109 | 32% | 24 of 93 | 8 of 13 | 3 of 3 | 32 of 102 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Petr Yan | 38 of 63 | 60% | 28 of 50 | 4 of 5 | 6 of 8 | 33 of 57 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Merab Dvalishvili, emphasizing his insane pace, cardio, and improvement since the first fight. He questions what has changed for Petr Yan to win the rematch, noting that Merab dominated the first fight with 11 takedowns. He believes Merab's pressure and takedowns will be too much for Yan again, and he is surprised the odds are only -450.
Big Brady picks Merab Dvalishvili, noting his dominant performance in the first fight. He acknowledges Yan may have been compromised but still favors Dvalishvili's wrestling and pace. He expects Dvalishvili to win by decision, as he always does.
Cody is fully behind Merab, citing his relentless wrestling and pace. He notes that Merab took Yan down 11 times in their first fight and has since dominated Olympic gold medalist Cejudo and Umar. He believes Merab will again win by decision, as Yan is durable and hard to finish. He mentions the decision prop at minus 300 but prefers the money line.
Connor argues that Merab has only improved since their first fight, becoming a more purposeful striker who uses takedown threats effectively. He notes that Petr Yan has lost the aggressive instinct that once allowed him to change fights with single shots, and now fights more cautiously, which plays into Merab's relentless pace. Connor believes Yan's multi-stage game can be disrupted by Merab's constant pressure, making it hard for Yan to build initiative. He concludes that while Yan has the power to win, it's a lot to gamble on.
Daniel believes Merab's relentless pace and takedown volume will overwhelm Petr Yan, who tends to take rounds off to make reads. He notes Merab's improvements since their first fight, including 20 takedowns against Cory Sandhagen. Daniel doubts Yan can bridge the output gap and sees Merab as the clear best bantamweight. He mentions the fight is a pass for betting due to poor odds on Merab.
Lucrative James acknowledges Merab's dominance but believes the betting line of -450 is too wide. He notes Petr Yan was likely injured in the first fight and has had time to recover. He thinks Yan can compete in minutes and moments, potentially squeaking out a decision win. He emphasizes value betting and picks Yan at +350 odds.
The host notes that Dvalishvili won the first fight easily as a +250 underdog and is now a -450 favorite for good reason. He expects Yan to be more aggressive but believes Dvalishvili's pace, pressure, and activity will make it hard for Yan to land impactful shots, leading to a decision win for Dvalishvili.
Paul agrees with Cody, emphasizing Merab's wrestling and decision victory. He points out that Yan has lost rounds to lesser fighters like Song Dong and Marcus McGhee, while Merab has only improved. He notes that Yan is a slow starter and Merab's pressure negates his striking combinations. He concludes that Merab by decision is the play.
The Guru picks Merab Dvalishvili over Petr Yan, despite the wide odds. He notes Merab's relentless takedown volume and cardio will overwhelm Yan, though Yan will have moments. The Guru predicts a 48-47 decision for Merab.
Zane agrees with Connor, emphasizing that Merab's style heavily favors him. He points out that Yan's game relies on building initiative through counter-punching and then pressuring, but Merab never allows that foothold. Zane notes that even when Yan defends takedowns well, Merab's constant attacks prevent Yan from establishing his own offense. He highlights that Yan's last three fights show a loss of confidence and aggression, making it unlikely he can replicate the moments of violence that defined his prime.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petr Yan | 0 | 81 of 146 | 55% | 130 of 202 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 3:11 |
| Marcus McGhee | 0 | 64 of 170 | 37% | 66 of 173 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:30 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petr Yan | 0 | 22 of 43 | 51% | 24 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Marcus McGhee | 0 | 22 of 55 | 40% | 23 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Petr Yan | 0 | 33 of 64 | 51% | 37 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Marcus McGhee | 0 | 34 of 93 | 36% | 35 of 94 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 | |
| 3 | Petr Yan | 0 | 26 of 39 | 66% | 69 of 88 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 3:11 |
| Marcus McGhee | 0 | 8 of 22 | 36% | 8 of 22 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petr Yan | 81 of 146 | 55% | 63 of 122 | 10 of 12 | 8 of 12 | 58 of 114 | 23 of 32 | 0 of 0 |
| Marcus McGhee | 64 of 170 | 37% | 44 of 128 | 8 of 18 | 12 of 24 | 62 of 165 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petr Yan | 22 of 43 | 51% | 14 of 31 | 4 of 4 | 4 of 8 | 15 of 33 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
| Marcus McGhee | 22 of 55 | 40% | 15 of 41 | 2 of 5 | 5 of 9 | 20 of 52 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Petr Yan | 33 of 64 | 51% | 28 of 58 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 25 of 54 | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
| Marcus McGhee | 34 of 93 | 36% | 25 of 72 | 5 of 12 | 4 of 9 | 34 of 91 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Petr Yan | 26 of 39 | 66% | 21 of 33 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 18 of 27 | 8 of 12 | 0 of 0 |
| Marcus McGhee | 8 of 22 | 36% | 4 of 15 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 6 | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Yan (-375); McGhee (+275)
Round 1
After years of hovering around top-five matchups, Yan (18-5, 10-4 UFC) gets a much-needed layup in the form of rising talent McGhee (10-1, 4-0 UFC). The MMA Lab product introduced himself to the organization in 2023, and has since rattled off three stoppages and a decision victory over Jonathan Martinez to reach this place in line. The sole arbiter of the bout will be referee Dan Movahedi, who tells the bantamweights it’s time to fight. They fight, but not before bumping fists.
Yan moves straight to the center of the Octagon, where he operates out of range from the kicks of McGhee. Yan keeps his lead hand outstretched to help him parry oncoming fire, so McGhee kicks him in the calf and then the ribs. McGhee tries to crash forward to throw hands, and Yan brushes him aside and keeps himself positioned directly in front of McGhee. Yan crisply counters a body kick with an overhand right, and he blocks a right hand coming back his way. McGhee connects partially over the top, but Yan shrugs it off and hits him back three times. They come together, and Yan knocks him back with a left hand and then kicks his leg out from beneath him. McGhee springs back up, and Yan goes back to hammering the front leg. His check left hook wobbles “The Maniac,” who has to jog to the side to get his legs back. From there, McGhee steps in with a knee to the body. Yan smacks his front leg in response.
McGhee tries to crowd his man, but Yan is able to duck and move, all while looking for a counter. McGhee secures a body kick without taking anything back, and he zips out of the way of danger and plants three punches on the Russian’s mug. He chains a few more behind it, and he circles back and away to draw Yan in. McGhee kicks the front calf and starts trading in a clinch, with both men shooting off uppercuts in a 135-pound trade exchange reminiscent of Don Frye’s magical battle in Pride. Yan takes punches and gives them back hard, including an uppercut that just brushes past the hair. McGhee lands a few shots, gets kicked in response, and he tags Yan and appears to buckle his legs for a moment. McGhee lets Yan recover, kicking at him before the one-minute break.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Chris Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Round 2
Fans cheer and chant for Yan as soon as the round begins, and he takes their energy and channels it into a crisp right hand on the jaw. Yan overswings his way in, and McGhee ducks and shoots in for a takedown. The Russian shuts down the effort and misses two looping hooks by a matter of inches. McGhee wings a left hook at him that pounds into the guard, and they knock one another back with single power punches. McGhee cracks Yan again with a one-two, and he puts two more on the chin and then kicks the front leg. McGhee connects with a solid uppercut that splits the guard, and his low kick on the way out disrupts Yan from countering. They clash their heads together coming in, and Yan winds up with everything he has and smashes his right fist into McGhee’s jaw. The rising talent stumbles, and Yan measures him and blasts him with a number of left hands that rip open a cut on McGhee’s eyebrow. McGhee is unafraid to stand and bang, firing back at Yan and even catching him with an uppercut.
Yan shrugs the strikes off so he can unload a right hand on the chin, and he slips a strike and rips a left hand over the top. McGhee digs a right to the body and Yan knocks him back with a right and a left upstairs. McGhee is tough but getting outpowered at this point, and Yan thinks about mixing things up with his trip try. McGhee loops punches around the guard, but Yan’s are far more impactful, including a jab that knocks McGhee back several steps. McGhee strides forward to put a knee on the chin, and Yan strings together punches up top that lead to body shots in an effective combination. The jab of Yan is tripled before he fires off power punches, and his combinations are in full effect, like a knee into a right hand and then a low kick. McGhee tags the former champ with a clean one-two, and Yan takes a second and then comes back firing. McGhee tries a wheel kick, but Yan is much too close and reaches him with his fists when McGhee turns. The horn blares.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Chris Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Round 3
Supporting chants for Yan echo through the Etihad Arena, and he knows it and is excited by it. Rushing out of his corner to engage in the final frame, he gets in front of McGhee and is about to start banging. McGhee backs him away with low kicks and jabs, including one where he nearly kicks the Russian’s leg out, but Yan recovers and stands him up with a powerful left hand on the temple. Yan lets McGhee duck down so he can time uppercuts on him, and he shucks McGhee aside on a second attempt to elbow him with impunity. Yan checks a kick and rattles off a combination to the body, with McGhee rebounding off the cage wall to recover. Yan lands a low kick, and then checks one coming back. McGhee’s flying knee fails, as Yan watches it miss him, and Yan counters with a double-leg entry. McGhee turns, so Yan grips him from behind and knees him in the back of the thigh. Yan imposes his weight on McGhee from behind, and Movahedi asks for them for more than holding on.
Movahedi calls for the bantamweights to do more a second time, and Yan answers his call by kneeing McGhee repeatedly to the thigh and wrapped up around the guard to the head. Yan wrenches McGhee down to the floor, and McGee muscles his way to his feet and still has Yan’s hands clasped around his waist. Yan grinds and beats on the thighs of his foe, with the action less-than-thrilling but effective in peeling time off the clock. McGhee turns to put his back against the fencing, and Yan is warned for striking to the back of his head when McGhee tries to take the fight down. They split up, and Yan boots him in the face with his shin. The patented Yan trip results in him hurling McGhee to the mat, and he isolates an arm to grip a kimura. McGhee explodes to his knees and then to the wall, leaning on it as the match concludes. The two men are fired up and hug it out after 15 minutes of combat.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Yan (30-27 Yan)
Chris Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Yan (30-27 Yan)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Yan (30-27 Yan)
The Official Result
Petr Yan def. Marcus McGhee via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Petr Yan, citing his phenomenal striking, underrated wrestling, and experience. He notes Marcus McGhee is powerful and well-rounded but had his legs chewed up in his last fight, and Yan has great kicks. He feels Yan's body of work and youth give him the edge, though he calls the fight a potential trap.
Big Brady picks Petr Yan, calling the matchup a huge step down for Yan. He notes Yan has beaten top competition while McGhee's wins are over unranked fighters. He believes Yan's striking and experience will be too much, and predicts a decision win.
Connor acknowledges McGhee's potential if he pressures Yan, but notes McGhee's tentativeness in the Martinez fight and his tendency to start slow. He believes Yan's counter-punching and ability to fight off the back foot will be too much, especially over three rounds. He also highlights Yan's takedown threat as a factor.
Yan has issues in three-round fights due to his slow start, but he should turn the tide around the midpoint of the second round and pull away in deep water. The host would think twice about paying the chalk on Yan because of his slow starting nature.
The MMA Guru picks Petr Yan, noting the five-round fight favors Yan's experience and cardio. He acknowledges Marcus McGhee's skills but believes Yan is a different level, citing Yan's wins over Aldo and others. He predicts Yan loses the first round but wins the second and third, possibly with a 10-8 third round or a finish, resulting in a 29-28 decision.
Zane agrees with Connor, noting that McGhee's best path is to pressure Yan early, but his recent fight against Martinez showed he can be hesitant. He believes Yan's combination punching and experience will prevail, and that McGhee's handsy defense will leave openings for Yan's counters.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petr Yan | 0 | 121 of 193 | 62% | 190 of 263 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 1 | 3:21 |
| Deiveson Figueiredo | 0 | 53 of 119 | 44% | 53 of 119 | 2 of 8 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 3:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petr Yan | 0 | 6 of 6 | 100% | 42 of 42 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 2:21 |
| Deiveson Figueiredo | 0 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:58 | |
| 2 | Petr Yan | 0 | 32 of 49 | 65% | 32 of 49 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Deiveson Figueiredo | 0 | 10 of 30 | 33% | 10 of 30 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Petr Yan | 0 | 21 of 36 | 58% | 28 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:54 |
| Deiveson Figueiredo | 0 | 13 of 25 | 52% | 13 of 25 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 | |
| 4 | Petr Yan | 0 | 25 of 40 | 62% | 50 of 65 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Deiveson Figueiredo | 0 | 14 of 30 | 46% | 14 of 30 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:55 | |
| 5 | Petr Yan | 0 | 37 of 62 | 59% | 38 of 63 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Deiveson Figueiredo | 0 | 15 of 33 | 45% | 15 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petr Yan | 121 of 193 | 62% | 78 of 142 | 18 of 21 | 25 of 30 | 103 of 172 | 13 of 15 | 5 of 6 |
| Deiveson Figueiredo | 53 of 119 | 44% | 23 of 75 | 24 of 36 | 6 of 8 | 49 of 112 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petr Yan | 6 of 6 | 100% | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 |
| Deiveson Figueiredo | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Petr Yan | 32 of 49 | 65% | 12 of 26 | 6 of 6 | 14 of 17 | 31 of 48 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Deiveson Figueiredo | 10 of 30 | 33% | 6 of 21 | 3 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 10 of 29 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Petr Yan | 21 of 36 | 58% | 16 of 28 | 1 of 3 | 4 of 5 | 18 of 32 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 2 |
| Deiveson Figueiredo | 13 of 25 | 52% | 4 of 15 | 6 of 7 | 3 of 3 | 13 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 4 | Petr Yan | 25 of 40 | 62% | 19 of 33 | 5 of 5 | 1 of 2 | 21 of 35 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Deiveson Figueiredo | 14 of 30 | 46% | 4 of 15 | 8 of 12 | 2 of 3 | 12 of 26 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 5 | Petr Yan | 37 of 62 | 59% | 26 of 50 | 6 of 7 | 5 of 5 | 32 of 56 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Deiveson Figueiredo | 15 of 33 | 45% | 9 of 24 | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 31 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
A big one at 135 pounds wraps up this fight card, with a possible title challenger emerging depending on the result. Former beltholder Yan (17-5, 9-4 UFC) has struggled as of late but did right the ship in March with a decision over Yadong Song. On the other side of the cage stands ex-flyweight kingpin Figueiredo (24-3-1, 13-3-1 UFC), whose run at the new division has gone swimmingly thus far with three wins in three appearances. Whether he makes it four in the next 25 minutes or less, referee Mike Beltran and his outstanding moustache will be here for it every step of the way. As he brings them to the center of the cage to issue final instructions, the combatants eagerly bump their fists together. Yan starts aggressively, backing the Brazilian off early. Figueiredo strikes first with a body kick and shoots for a takedown, and Yan defends the double but falls victim to an inside trip takedown. Figueiredo lands in the guard, with Yan smacking him off his back. Yan tries to elevate and sweep his opponent, and Figueiredo hangs on from above when Yan turns to his knees. Figueiredo looks to keep Yan grounded, staying heavy on Yan’s back and following Yan when he rolls. Yan elbows from behind, bopping Figueiredo on the nose a few times as the bantamweights keep twisting and turning. Yan uses elbows to the thigh to break up a partial leg grip around him, and this results in Figueiredo getting both hooks in and taking the back. Figueiredo looks for a body triangle, and Yan maintains a two-on-one wrist lock so he can explode and twist around to claim top position. Yan gets off a single elbow before Figueiredo grips hold of him with all of his might, and Yan drags him to put his neck on the corner of the fence and the floor. Yan covers the Brazilian’s mouth when not driving his elbow into his face, and he postures up every so often to land a strike. Yan drills his man with a solid right hammerfist and an elbow with his other arm, forcing Figueiredo to turn to his side in an escape attempt. Figueiredo bucks and kicks, but Yan stays above him scoring a solid right hand. As Figueiredo leaps back to his feet, Yan knees him hard, and he kicks the front leg while Figueiredo circles away to end the round. 10-9 Yan.
Round 2
The bantamweights re-engage after five minutes of largely grappling, with Yan setting up punches and a head kick with a low kick. Figueiredo walks through a stomping kick to his knee to fire off his own head kick, and Yan blocks it and blasts the front leg with his shin. Figueiredo sits down on a clubbing right hand that sends Yan backpedaling, and it is one-and-done so Yan recovers without issue. Yan strikes again with a low kick, and he kicks high. Yan is warned for outstretched fingers, and he belts the Brazilian in the body with his foot. A level change from Figueiredo is easily thwarted, and Yan chops at his front leg when his foe backs off. Figueiredo absorbs a head kick, blocks a second and retaliates with one to the ribs. Yan steps in with a right hook, and he brings up a knee shield to defend a body kick. Figueiredo whizzes past his man to connect a right hand, and he spins with a wheel kick and misses the mark. A second power right from Figueiredo wobbles Yan’s legs, and he spins with a back kick that pounds into the ribcage. Yan bounces off the wall and gets his bearings, with Figueiredo not committing to anything additional. Yan kicks the lead leg and then reaches out with a left hand, and Figueiredo trips and hits the floor but climbs up without concern. A jumping switch kick from Figueiredo bounces off the guard, and he lunges in with a right hand and checks a leg kick. Yan plants a left hand on the cheek, stuffs a takedown and does it again. Two clean punches from Yan make Figueiredo blink it out, and his fingers are pointed towards his opponent and draw another warning. They clash shins together with simultaneous kicks, and Figueiredo’s hooks get his foe’s attention. Yan pays him back with an elbow up close, and his kicks pepper “Daico” on the way out. Figueiredo wraps two hooks around the guard, and Yan keeps his fist outstretched to back Figueiredo off. Yan hits a clean trip and throw, and Figueiredo throws his legs up for a triangle as the bell sounds. 10-9 Figueiredo.
Round 3
The fighters are revved up and excited to get back to hitting one another in the face, so much so that Beltran has to back them off. When they start, it takes nearly 20 seconds before they strike. Yan jabs and kicks with his front leg, and Figueiredo hammers the body with a left hand. Yan chips at the front leg, backing away to block a body kick. Both fighters switch stances time and again directly in front of one another, and Figueiredo kicks his way into a tackling double-leg takedown. Yan’s scramble allows him to grab hold of one leg, and he is able to escape before long. Yan slams home a low kick, and he connects with a short but explosive uppercut that stuns and sends Figueiredo falling to his back. Yan climbs into the guard in hopes of finishing the job, but “Deus da Guerra” is hanging tight to protect himself from further damage. Figueiredo wall-walks and shoves Yan away, and Yan walks him down and boots him in the front leg. Figueiredo switches stances immediately, and Yan kicks him in the ribs but eats a right hand up top for his handiwork. The two crash together, and the impact sounds like they clacked heads. Figueiredo breaks out of the clinch and throws a haymaker from downtown, one that does not hit the broad side of a barn. Figueiredo hunts for a step-in trip, and he hand-fights Yan who is trying to box his way in. Figueiredo connects with a body kick, and he reaches out with a right hand as Yan shakes it off. Yan times a head kick, and Figueiredo boots him in the chest right back. Figueiredo splits the guard with a one-two, and a body shot makes Yan take a second to think about things. Figueiredo closes in on him and digs several uppercuts up the middle, and he appears to find a strike that is doing some serious damage. A few more uppercuts ring Figueiredo’s bell, and Yan leaps in the air to knee Figueiredo on the chin. Figueiredo gets his mouthpiece knocked out, and Beltran has him replace it. When Figueiredo puts the gumshield back in, he looses one final combination of strikes that lead him to the horn. 10-9 Yan.
Round 4
It is championship round time, and both men still appear to have a full head of steam. Figueiredo rushes out of his corner to engage, lobbing kicks from both legs. Yan attempts a trip and throw, and he disrupts Figueiredo’s footwork to make him hit the floor. Figueiredo’s mad scramble gets him upright in seconds, and they resume from striking range. They hand-fight until Figueiredo kicks his man in the ribs. Figueiredo shoots for a double, and he leverages Yan to the wall when the first try fails. Figueiredo tries with a single, lifting Yan’s leg but not going anywhere. Yan pushes him away, and they reset. Yan times a powerful uppercut that knocks Figueiredo’s mouthpiece out, and he follows it with a head kick that is just blocked in time. Beltran waits until he has an opening to give the Brazilian back his mouthpiece, and he replaces it. Yan slaps Figueiredo in the face with his toes, and he slides back when Figueiredo bears down on him. The boxing of Yan allows him to slip a huge punch and uppercut Figueiredo cleanly, and when they are in close range, Figueiredo claims about glove grabs. Figueiredo dips down and fires off a body shot, and two punches go up top. Yan jabs and steps in with an elbow, and a piece of his tape on his thumb comes off. Figueiredo blasts the body with a ferocious left hand, and he ducks a looping strike for a takedown shot. Yan stifles the effort and just misses with a booming head kick, but he does connect with uppercuts and a flying knee when the two let loose. Figueiredo tries his own uppercut, and he blocks a head kick and comes over the top with a left. Figueiredo strides forward to unleash a right hand, and Yan goes flying. When Yan gets up, Figueiredo hurts his man in the body with follow-up strikes, and Yan steels himself and unloads a series of uppercuts until time expires. 10-9 Yan.
Round 5
Five minutes left to work, and the fighters touch ‘em up one last time. Yan hand-fights on his way into attack, and Figueiredo catches him with an uppercut. Yan tries to escape, but one left hand to the body gets his attention again. Yan attempts a big knee when Figueiredo is ducking, and it grazes off the red line on Figueiredo’s dome. Figueiredo gets clinched, eats a knee and an uppercut without landing anything before getting shoved back. Yan goes into boxer mode, pinning his punches on Figueiredo’s chin again and again. Figueiredo throws back with bad intentions, shaking his foe up with an elbow and a few mighty left hands. Figueiredo digs a kick to the body, and he watches as body kick soar past him. Figueiredo shoots, Yan sprawls and they reset. Yan steps in with a left hand, slides away and does not get tagged on the counter. Yan rifles off a left hand, and Figueiredo decides to pay him back with a clubbing right hook. Yan bounces off the fencing and absorbs a flush body shot, and he just misses with a huge uppercut. Yan spins with an elbow, and Figueiredo grins and tells him good work. Figueiredo points to the ground in what has been a gesture repeated frequently today, and Yan shrugs it off and times another spinning strike. Yan scores an elbow, and Figueiredo drives an elbow into the torso. Another elbow forces Figueiredo to back off, if only for a second, and Yan smacks him cleanly with a flying switch kick. Figueiredo boots him in the head with a question-mark kick, and he hurts the Russian with two huge right hands. Figueiredo rushes forward to attack, and both fighters duck down and crash together. Figueiredo goes hind quarters-over-tea kettle and falls off the back, and he jumps back up and walks Yan down, throwing everything he has at his opponent. Yan looks for a knee up the middle, and he belts the Brazilian’s body with his shin. Figueiredo swings hard, and he stops a takedown. Yan scores with one more left hand, and this terrific 25-minute engagement comes to a close. A few rounds were close, but one fighter appeared to outwork the other over the course of their “Fight of the Night”-worthy battle. Both men climb to the top of the cage to celebrate their handiwork, hugging it out and taking time to enjoy the crowd showering them with love. 10-9 Yan (49-46 Yan).
The thriller in the books, the victorious Yan is joined in the cage by his son, who it appears may be watching his father fight live for the very first time. Like the winner of the co-main event, Yan calls for another title shot, although he is two fights removed from the championship bout and not one like the strawweight from earlier. Even in defeat, Figueiredo is all smiles, appreciating Yan's handiwork and generally a happy camper. With that, UFC Macau is in the books, and there is no UFC next week as it is Thanksgiving week in America. Instead, PFL runs its championship event on Friday, which contains a remarkable 10 title fights. We will be there for each and every one, and we hope you are too.
The Official Result
Petr Yan def. Deiveson Figueiredo via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
Angelo picks Petr Yan, citing his superior striking and takedown defense. He acknowledges Figueiredo's improved wrestling and cardio at bantamweight but believes Yan's five-round experience and size advantage will be key. He admits a weird feeling about Figueiredo and may not bet.
Big Brady picks Petr Yan to win by decision. He thinks it's a bad matchup for Figueiredo, who is older (36), smaller, and a low-volume striker relying on power that likely won't hurt Yan. Yan is younger, has better cardio and volume, and is durable. Brady doesn't believe Figueiredo has the wrestling to take Yan down, as even Merab was unsuccessful. He expects Yan to outwork Figueiredo over five rounds, possibly with a late finish.
Cody picks Petr Yan because of his superior cardio and volume striking over five rounds. He notes Figueiredo is a power puncher with a limited gas tank who relies on early knockdowns and takedowns, but Yan's takedown defense and endless motor will allow him to outwork Figueiredo in the later rounds. He expects Yan to win by decision and sees a live betting opportunity if Yan starts slow.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Yan because Figueiredo's cautious, low-output style and declining speed play into Yan's strengths. He notes that Yan's confidence may be shaken but Figueiredo won't pressure him early like Merab did. Connor also highlights that Figueiredo's gas tank is worse and he may be content to lose a quiet decision, which suits Yan's late-round surge.
Daniel Vreeland believes Petr Yan will win despite being a slow starter. He expects Figueiredo to have early success with calf kicks and submission attempts, but as Yan makes his reads and gets his timing down, he will take over. Vreeland notes Yan's superior boxing and timing-based takedowns, and thinks Yan can either finish late or win a decision. He is confident Yan dictates the pace and pulls away.
James picks Petr Yan to win but is hesitant due to the -300 price tag, which he considers too wide. He acknowledges Yan's superior striking volume and five-round experience, but notes Figueiredo's one-punch power and athleticism could cause an upset. He believes the fight is likely a 48-47 decision for Yan, but may take a small position on Figueiredo based on value.
Paul agrees with Cody, emphasizing that Figueiredo would be a live dog in a three-round fight but cannot maintain the pace over five rounds. He highlights Yan's endless gas tank and the fact that Figueiredo cannot replicate Merab's takedown volume. Paul thinks Yan wins on volume and suggests a live bet if Yan starts slow, but warns the line may move quickly.
The MMA Guru picks Petr Yan over Deiveson Figueiredo, emphasizing the five-round advantage. He argues Figueiredo is explosive early but fades, while Yan's cardio and boxing improve as the fight goes on. He predicts Yan will weather early storms, then take over in later rounds with takedowns and ground and pound, finishing Figueiredo in round four or five. He compares it to Yan's fight against Jose Aldo. He notes Figueiredo's wins over Cody Garbrandt, Rob Font, and Marlon Vera but believes Yan's boxing is crisper than Moreno's.
Zane picks Petr Yan, arguing that Yan's process-oriented fighting style, which builds through rounds, will overcome Figueiredo's declining speed and output. He notes that Figueiredo has lost some speed and relies on strength and caution, but Yan's ability to adapt and pressure late in fights gives him the edge. Zane also mentions that Yan's confidence issues stem from the Merab fight, but Figueiredo's style won't exploit that as effectively.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petr Yan | 0 | 99 of 183 | 54% | 129 of 217 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 1:47 |
| Song Yadong | 0 | 86 of 172 | 50% | 104 of 192 | 1 of 8 | 12% | 0 | 0 | 1:40 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petr Yan | 0 | 22 of 35 | 62% | 23 of 36 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Song Yadong | 0 | 20 of 37 | 54% | 22 of 40 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:49 | |
| 2 | Petr Yan | 0 | 41 of 77 | 53% | 61 of 98 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:33 |
| Song Yadong | 0 | 31 of 66 | 46% | 40 of 75 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:41 | |
| 3 | Petr Yan | 0 | 36 of 71 | 50% | 45 of 83 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:14 |
| Song Yadong | 0 | 35 of 69 | 50% | 42 of 77 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petr Yan | 99 of 183 | 54% | 68 of 142 | 22 of 31 | 9 of 10 | 86 of 170 | 4 of 4 | 9 of 9 |
| Song Yadong | 86 of 172 | 50% | 71 of 147 | 9 of 15 | 6 of 10 | 79 of 164 | 5 of 6 | 2 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petr Yan | 22 of 35 | 62% | 9 of 19 | 6 of 8 | 7 of 8 | 22 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Song Yadong | 20 of 37 | 54% | 15 of 30 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 5 | 17 of 33 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 2 | |
| 2 | Petr Yan | 41 of 77 | 53% | 31 of 62 | 10 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 35 of 71 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 5 |
| Song Yadong | 31 of 66 | 46% | 26 of 56 | 4 of 7 | 1 of 3 | 28 of 63 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Petr Yan | 36 of 71 | 50% | 28 of 61 | 6 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 29 of 64 | 3 of 3 | 4 of 4 |
| Song Yadong | 35 of 69 | 50% | 30 of 61 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 2 | 34 of 68 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Yan (-115), Song (-105)
Round 1
His back against the wall, former bantamweight champ Yan (16-5, 8-4 UFC) has lost four of his last five after charging into the UFC to win seven straight. On the other side of the cage, Team Alpha Male’s Song (21-7-1, 1 NC; 10-2-1 UFC) has plenty of momentum on his side, winner of four of five to get himself a ranking next to his name. While not as big as the main event, there will be waves made from this bantamweight bout. It begins with referee Keith Peterson checking the fighters in, and they clap hands first. There will be no nonsense going forward. Song leads off with a low kick, and Yan throws one back only to get countered with a check left hook. Song comes up short with a low kick, and he fakes with a takedown that makes Yan oversell to try to stop it. Yan comes out firing with an overhand right, and Song eats it like a bowl of hot and numbing beef. Song wings a left hand that gets Yan’s attention, and he tries to launch it again but comes up just short. They engage in a stalemate when standing in front of one another, and Song hops out of the way and leaps forward with a left hand. Song doubles up on a jab and whips a right hand over the top, and Yan bends him over with a body shot. Song attacks with a combination, and Yan defends the worst of the blows and is ready to trade back, only to find his enemy is not to be found. Song counters a leg kick with a huge overhand right, and they both dip down at the same time but do not engage. Song tags him with a left hook, and he walks through a punch to land a sharp jab of his own. They both duck down at the same time again, and they nearly bounce heads. Song catches a leg kick and bangs his right hand into the temple, sending Yan down to the mat. Song follow him and tries to keep him down, but Yan scrambles wildly to work his way up to his feet. Yan tries to roll through to nearly escape and find himself in better position, but Song hangs on to stay on Yan from behind. Song lands a few right hands until Yan fights to his feet with 30 seconds to spare. Yan sneaks in a right hand and ducks a massive overhand right, and he bites on a faked takedown and awkwardly attacks his own. The round ends before a takedown is landed on either side.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Song
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Song
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Song
Round 2
They bump fists before getting started, and Song says hello with a body kick. Yan races ahead, only to walk partially into an elbow. Song swings a left hook and shoots, and when Yan stands him up, Song elects to score several right hands before shoving the Russian to the wall. Song nails his man with an elbow, and Yan breaks off and ducks into an uppercut when trying to defend a takedown. Song eats an uppercut when shooting, and when he tries again, he takes another uppercut to the same spot. Yan sits down on his punches when Song walks him down, and he looks to defend a takedown and gets grabbed from behind. Song sticks out several jabs when breaking free, and he ducks square into an uppercut. Peterson calls time to remove some tape from Yan’s glove, and they cut it and move on. Yan restarts and aims two body shots, and he stops a takedown by tackling Song over. Song shrugs at him, and he takes a right hand for his effort. Song jabs, and he snatches up a single and lifts it in the air. Yan miraculously keeps his balance and drags his leg back, and he snaps out multiple jabs. The crowd starts chanting “let’s go Petr” as if the Miami fans had forgotten he is Russian, and Song takes energy from it and surges ahead. Yan beats him to the punch and aims shots to the body, and Song throws hands too hard and takes a clean uppercut. Yan digs a right to the body and leans back to avoid the big strike from his opponent, and he crashes forward to hit a clean takedown and plant Song on his back. Yan works the body and head as soon as they hit the ground, and he cuts Song open with elbows. The round ends as blood leans from above Song’s left eyebrow.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Round 3
The bantamweights meet in the center of the Octagon, and Yan swings a huge right hand that Song barely ducks. Song counters with a spinning kick that glances off the guard, and he gets his jab going. Yan aims an uppercut and shoots down for the ankle, and he spins around and works to his feet when he does not get Song down. Yan stings his opponent with a right and spins with a back kick, and Song doubles up on a jab and gets smacked in the head with a spinning wheel kick. Song is tough as nail, and he rushes forward to trade hands and surprises Yan with a right hand. Song goes after a single, and Yan bounces off and throws hard at his opponent. Song gets knocked to his hands, and he rebounds and eats a body shot in the midst of a combination. Yan aims a one-two to the body, and he shoulder rolls to avoid the counter. Song desperately pursues a takedown, and Yan crawls away. Song connects a left on the side of the head, and he gather his thoughts and spins with a back fist. Blood leaks down both of Song’s eyes, with cuts all over, and he completely ignores it so he can trade with his opponent. Yan beans him with a spinning back fist, and Song stands right in front of him and scores a heavy right hand back. Song takes a left hand on the jaw and gets shoved back to the fence, and he elbows Song and pursues a double. Yan turns the corner and plants Song on his seat with a minute to spare, and he sits in half guard and starts shellacking Song with elbows and punches. Yan gets dragged back to guard while striking, and he flows over to the side and elbows Song once for good measure. Song rolls to his stomach, and Yan holds him down with a brabo choke until the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Yan (29-28 Yan)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Yan (29-28 Yan)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Yan (29-28 Yan)
The Official Result
Petr Yan def. Yadong Song via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Song Yadong, feeling a changing of the guard. He notes Song hits hard, is fast, and can make the fight ugly, which is how you beat Yan. However, he acknowledges Yan is still very good and this is a tough test. He won't bet on it because it's too close.
Big Brady picks Petr Yan to win by decision, but has low confidence. He notes that Yan has lost four of his last five, but those losses were to top competition. He believes Yan's boxing and volume will edge out Song, who has more power but is less proven. He thinks the fight is razor thin and could go either way.
Cody is concerned about Yan's slow starts and poor decision-making in recent fights. He thinks Song's takedown defense, volume, and durability make him a live underdog, especially in a three-round fight where Yan's slow starts could cost him.
Daniel picks Yan to get back in the win column, but it's a lean. He believes Yan is not washed and has looked good in recent losses to elite competition. He notes Yan's takedown ability and diverse striking, but warns that Song is a massive bantamweight with heavy hands and can crack in the pocket. Daniel expects a competitive three-round war and thinks Yan's experience and technique will prevail, but acknowledges Song could knock him out.
Daniel Vreeland also picks Song Yadong, emphasizing how Petr Yan has been losing. He notes that Yan's losses are to top competition but points to the Merab Dvalishvili fight where Yan was worn down by pace and wrestling. Vreeland believes Song's wrestling has improved and that he can take the first round against a slow-starting Yan. He argues that in a three-round fight, Song only needs to win the third round as Yan fades. Vreeland highlights Song's youth and upward trajectory as key factors.
Jeff Fox picks Song Yadong at even money, citing Petr Yan's three-fight losing streak and mental state concerns. He notes Song's continued improvement and youth, and believes Yan's slow starts in three-round fights are a liability. Fox thinks Song's wrestling has improved, as shown against Ricky Simon, and that he can tire Yan out by pushing the pace. He concludes that Yan refuses to win the first round, making him vulnerable.
Yan is on a three-fight losing streak and has a low-output style that often leaves him behind on the scorecards early. Song Yadong has improved his takedown defense and mixes his striking with grappling well. He is likely to be the more aggressive fighter, using kicks and volume to win rounds. Yan has power and can turn a fight with one shot, but his tendency to give up early rounds is a concern. I lean Song Yadong by decision, but this is not a lock.
Paul gives Yan a pass for some recent losses, noting he has fought the best in the division. He believes Yan's experience and multiple paths to victory (striking, wrestling) will be enough to beat Song, who hasn't proven himself against top-tier competition.
The MMA Guru switched from Song Yadong to Petr Yan after rewatching Song's fight with Chris Gutierrez. He argues Yan's compact style and catch-and-shoot counters will neutralize Song's power. He notes Song couldn't finish Gutierrez or Cory Sandhagen, and Yan's durability and boxing should win a striking match. He worries about Yan's three-fight losing streak but believes the aura is still there.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 75 of 143 | 52% | 87 of 155 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 1:50 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 147 of 338 | 43% | 202 of 401 | 11 of 49 | 22% | 0 | 0 | 6:53 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 13 of 25 | 52% | 20 of 32 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 22 of 62 | 35% | 35 of 81 | 1 of 8 | 12% | 0 | 0 | 1:10 | |
| 2 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 18 of 35 | 51% | 21 of 38 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:32 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 35 of 80 | 43% | 41 of 86 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 0 | 0 | 0:59 | |
| 3 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 8 of 27 | 29% | 9 of 28 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 15 of 46 | 32% | 22 of 53 | 1 of 14 | 7% | 0 | 0 | 1:34 | |
| 4 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 21 of 31 | 67% | 21 of 31 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:47 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 38 of 75 | 50% | 51 of 88 | 1 of 8 | 12% | 0 | 0 | 1:01 | |
| 5 | Merab Dvalishvili | 0 | 15 of 25 | 60% | 16 of 26 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 37 of 75 | 49% | 53 of 93 | 5 of 12 | 41% | 0 | 0 | 2:09 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merab Dvalishvili | 75 of 143 | 52% | 41 of 105 | 16 of 19 | 18 of 19 | 66 of 132 | 9 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
| Petr Yan | 147 of 338 | 43% | 91 of 260 | 35 of 52 | 21 of 26 | 129 of 312 | 18 of 26 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merab Dvalishvili | 13 of 25 | 52% | 4 of 15 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 8 | 11 of 23 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Petr Yan | 22 of 62 | 35% | 12 of 48 | 6 of 9 | 4 of 5 | 15 of 54 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Merab Dvalishvili | 18 of 35 | 51% | 6 of 21 | 8 of 10 | 4 of 4 | 16 of 33 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Petr Yan | 35 of 80 | 43% | 19 of 59 | 8 of 11 | 8 of 10 | 32 of 75 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Merab Dvalishvili | 8 of 27 | 29% | 5 of 23 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 23 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Petr Yan | 15 of 46 | 32% | 10 of 37 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 1 | 13 of 41 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 4 | Merab Dvalishvili | 21 of 31 | 67% | 15 of 25 | 4 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 18 of 28 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Petr Yan | 38 of 75 | 50% | 24 of 55 | 10 of 15 | 4 of 5 | 36 of 72 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 5 | Merab Dvalishvili | 15 of 25 | 60% | 11 of 21 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 15 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Petr Yan | 37 of 75 | 49% | 26 of 61 | 6 of 9 | 5 of 5 | 33 of 70 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Petr Yan despite acknowledging Merab's relentless wrestling. He believes Yan is the better fighter and will make Merab pay on his entries, using leg kicks and potentially his own takedowns. He compares Yan's situation to Figueiredo's potential downward spiral but notes that many think Yan beat O'Malley and Sterling. He goes with his brain over his gut.
Big Brady picks Petr Yan confidently, calling it a good matchup for him. He highlights Yan's incredible takedown defense and get-up game, and notes Dvalishvili has no control grappling—he can take down but not control. Brady expects Yan to stuff takedowns easier as the fight goes on and finish Dvalishvili with a fourth-round TKO, doing all the damage while Dvalishvili struggles to hold him down.
Cody picks Petr Yan but with hesitation due to the -250 price and Yan's recent performances, especially the close fight with Sean O'Malley. He notes Yan's slow starts and Dvalishvili's fast start, but believes Yan's volume, body attack, and ability to get back up will break Dvalishvili. He recommends live betting after the first round.
Connor picks Petr Yan, emphasizing Yan's superior striking technique, timing, and power. He notes that Yan's left hook is a key weapon against Dvalishvili, who is vulnerable to that punch due to overcommitting. Connor acknowledges Dvalishvili's relentless pressure and cardio but believes Yan's counterpunching and ability to pick his shots will prevail. He also points out that Yan's takedown defense and scrambling are solid enough to avoid being controlled.
I believe Petr Yan's superior technical striking and defensive wrestling will be the difference. Merab's takedown-heavy style relies on volume, but Yan's takedown defense and ability to get back to his feet should neutralize that. Yan's power and leg kicks will slow Merab's explosiveness, leading to a knockout within three rounds. Merab may have moments, but Yan's damage output will outweigh the control time.
Paul picks Petr Yan to win, noting Yan's slow starts but superior skill set and ability to calculate and adjust. He mentions Yan's takedown defense and cardio as key factors, and suggests live betting after the first round when Yan's price may improve. He is hesitant about the -250 line but confident Yan wins.
The MMA Guru picks Petr Yan, believing he is unfinishable and has improved his grappling. He notes that Merab is open on the feet and Yan will capitalize with elbows and shots off the break. He predicts Yan will win by decision or late-round TKO, as Merab's pace may slow and Yan's power will take over. He also mentions referees being anti-clinch, which may hinder Merab's game.
Zane picks Petr Yan, citing Yan's excellent counterpunching and left hook as key advantages. He notes that Dvalishvili is vulnerable to left hooks, as seen in fights against Marlon Moraes and Cody Stamann. Zane also highlights Yan's solid takedown defense and scrambling, which should prevent Dvalishvili from replicating Aljamain Sterling's back-taking game. He expects Yan to time Dvalishvili's entries and land cleaner shots.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean O'Malley | 0 | 58 of 96 | 60% | 97 of 139 | 6 of 13 | 46% | 0 | 0 | 5:44 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 84 of 163 | 51% | 91 of 171 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 19 of 31 | 61% | 28 of 41 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:10 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 23 of 55 | 41% | 23 of 55 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 2 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 24 of 39 | 61% | 45 of 62 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:42 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 21 of 37 | 56% | 22 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Sean O'Malley | 0 | 15 of 26 | 57% | 24 of 36 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 0 | 0 | 1:52 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 40 of 71 | 56% | 46 of 77 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean O'Malley | 58 of 96 | 60% | 24 of 57 | 13 of 18 | 21 of 21 | 47 of 81 | 5 of 6 | 6 of 9 |
| Petr Yan | 84 of 163 | 51% | 63 of 132 | 6 of 14 | 15 of 17 | 80 of 158 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean O'Malley | 19 of 31 | 61% | 5 of 15 | 3 of 5 | 11 of 11 | 17 of 29 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Petr Yan | 23 of 55 | 41% | 13 of 37 | 3 of 9 | 7 of 9 | 23 of 55 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Sean O'Malley | 24 of 39 | 61% | 12 of 25 | 7 of 9 | 5 of 5 | 17 of 29 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 7 |
| Petr Yan | 21 of 37 | 56% | 17 of 32 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 21 of 36 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | |
| 3 | Sean O'Malley | 15 of 26 | 57% | 7 of 17 | 3 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 13 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 |
| Petr Yan | 40 of 71 | 56% | 33 of 63 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 5 | 36 of 67 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Yan (-265), O’Malley (+225)
Round 1
Yan and O’Malley launch into action at the prompting of referee Jason Herzog. Yan is in orthodox stance; O’Mally southpaw. Yan stalks forward as O’Malley slides around the outside of the cage. Yan switches stances and flicks out his right jab, then switches back. Herzog shouts a warning to O’Malley to watch his extended fingers. Yan lands a right low kick and eats a hard right hand counter. O’Malley connects with a right low kick. Halfway through the round, Yan changes levels for a double-leg near the fence. O’Malley backs into the cage, trying to keep the Russian from taking his back. Yan gives up on the takedown and they return to the center. Yan lands a series of three left hands upstairs, then drops for another takedown. This time, he hoists the taller man and dumps him to the canvas. With a minute left, Yan is in O’Malley’s guard. O’Malley goes to stand and eats some punches on the way up, but they return to their feet. O’Malley shoots a takedown at the 10-second clapper, briefly takes Yan’s back in the ensuing scramble, but they separate before the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Yan
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Round 2
Yan lands an outside low kick, then one to the inside of O’Malley’s lead leg. O’Malley comes back with a huge uppercut that has Yan hurt badly. Yan staggers away as O’Malley gives chase, landing more punches. Yan turns the tables with a massive punch of his own and now O’Malley is rocked. Yan ducks under and drags O’Malley to the mat. Yan is in O’Malley’s guard as O’Malley squirms and looks to escape. O’Malley pops up and Yan drives him to the fence. O’Malley grounds himself with a hand on the canvas to forestall knees to the head. They separate and a moment later, Yan pushes O’Malley back to the floor with a nice inside trip. O’Malley pops right back up. Under two minutes to go and Yan is matching O’Malley down. O’Malley pushes him back with a kick up the middle, and slips the counter punch. Yan flicks a high kick upstairs, then comes in behind it for a takedown. Yan is in O’Malley’s guard at the base of the fence with 45 seconds left in the round. Yan postures up and lands a couple of punches. The round expires.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Yan
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Round 3
Yan shoots for a takedown right away, but O’Malley defends well and stands him back up. O’Malley flicks out a couple of jabs. Yan lands a low kick. Yan swarms forward with hooks, then shoves O’Malley to the cage. O’Malley pushes him back off, and lands an intercepting knee that cuts Yan badly. Yan is bleeding right away. Yan comes up short with a pair of punches, then lands a one-two. O’Malley throws a high kick that glances. Yan shoots a fast takedown from way outside, but drives O’Malley to the fence, and gets him to the ground. Yan takes O’Malley’s back as they stand. O’Malley escapes and they separate. There’s 90 seconds left as they reset in the middle. O’Malley lands a pair of jabs to Yan’s bloodied right eye. Yan drags O’Malley to the ground late in the round, and is landing punches from guard at the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Yan (30-27 Yan)
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Yan (30-27 Yan)
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 O’Malley (29-28 Yan)
The Official Result
Sean O’Malley def. Petr Yan via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
Angelo picks Petr Yan confidently, calling him a phenomenal striker with fantastic takedown defense and surprising takedown offense. He notes Yan's power, accuracy, and grappling, and believes O'Malley will have trouble finding a rhythm. He acknowledges Yan's tendency to take the first round off but still expects a one-sided fight.
Big Brady picks Yan to win by TKO in the second round. He notes Yan's power (nearly 10 knockdowns in the UFC) and ability to mix in takedowns. O'Malley has faced mostly strikers and hasn't been tested on the ground; Yan can pressure him and potentially finish on top. He believes Yan's experience against elite strikers like Aldo and Sandhagen gives him a clear edge.
Cody is confident in Yan, noting that Yan is an underrated wrestler who can take O'Malley down and control him. He points out O'Malley's weaknesses against pressure and wrestlers, referencing the Marlon Vera fight. Cody believes Yan's experience and ability to figure out opponents as the fight goes on will be key. He thinks Yan can win by decision or inside the distance, and that O'Malley's popularity is inflating his odds.
Connor is confident Yan will win, arguing that Yan's layered striking and ability to adapt will overwhelm O'Malley. He notes that O'Malley's offense is based on feints and theoretical threats, while Yan has multiple modes of attack and will take easy targets like leg kicks. He also points out that Yan can pressure O'Malley to the fence and take him down, as he did against Sandhagen.
Daniel Levi picks Petr Yan to win, citing Yan's proven chin and ability to both give and take damage. He questions O'Malley's durability, noting that while O'Malley can strike well, it's unknown how he handles getting hit by a powerful puncher like Yan. Levi thinks Yan will pressure O'Malley and make him fight, and that Yan's experience against tough opponents gives him the edge. He also mentions that Yan may start slow but will win rounds as the fight progresses. Levi does not bet this fight but is confident in Yan.
Yan has a slow-starting style but excels in championship rounds. He has wrestling upside that could exploit O'Malley's weakness on the ground. O'Malley may be competitive early with kicks, but Yan's takedowns and top control should secure rounds. Yan by decision at -110 is the pick, and if the line drops to -250, the moneyline becomes attractive.
Paul is confident in Yan, citing that Yan is the better fighter and that O'Malley's action is due to his brand. He worries about Yan giving up round one but thinks Yan will figure out O'Malley and win. Paul notes Yan's wrestling and takedowns as a path to victory, and mentions he took a small bet on Yan by submission at long odds. He believes Yan's experience and skill gap will show.
The MMA Guru picks Petr Yan over Sean O'Malley by third-round TKO. He believes Yan's pressure, combinations, and ability to crowd O'Malley will be too much. He notes O'Malley's struggles against volume strikers and his tendency to spin, which Yan can exploit. He predicts O'Malley wins the first round but gets hurt in the second and finished in the third.
Zane picks Yan, emphasizing that Yan's pressure and ability to take easy targets will expose O'Malley's defensive flaws. He compares O'Malley to Darren Till, noting that both rely on a coiled-spring style that elite fighters eventually figure out. He believes Yan will force O'Malley into uncomfortable positions and break him down over time.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aljamain Sterling | 0 | 62 of 110 | 56% | 91 of 143 | 2 of 22 | 9% | 0 | 0 | 8:31 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 63 of 103 | 61% | 139 of 186 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 5:52 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aljamain Sterling | 0 | 19 of 40 | 47% | 20 of 41 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 13 of 26 | 50% | 13 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Aljamain Sterling | 0 | 17 of 29 | 58% | 42 of 55 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:50 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 4 of 5 | 80% | 21 of 24 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Aljamain Sterling | 0 | 6 of 13 | 46% | 8 of 18 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 3:43 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 8 of 15 | 53% | 20 of 27 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 | |
| 4 | Aljamain Sterling | 0 | 8 of 10 | 80% | 8 of 10 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 18 of 25 | 72% | 48 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 3:51 | |
| 5 | Aljamain Sterling | 0 | 12 of 18 | 66% | 13 of 19 | 0 of 10 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:58 |
| Petr Yan | 0 | 20 of 32 | 62% | 37 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:54 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aljamain Sterling | 62 of 110 | 56% | 29 of 66 | 26 of 35 | 7 of 9 | 42 of 84 | 5 of 7 | 15 of 19 |
| Petr Yan | 63 of 103 | 61% | 32 of 71 | 17 of 18 | 14 of 14 | 46 of 80 | 8 of 11 | 9 of 12 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aljamain Sterling | 19 of 40 | 47% | 5 of 22 | 11 of 14 | 3 of 4 | 19 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Petr Yan | 13 of 26 | 50% | 7 of 20 | 4 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 12 of 25 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Aljamain Sterling | 17 of 29 | 58% | 14 of 20 | 1 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 18 |
| Petr Yan | 4 of 5 | 80% | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Aljamain Sterling | 6 of 13 | 46% | 2 of 8 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
| Petr Yan | 8 of 15 | 53% | 2 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 4 | 7 of 13 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 4 | Aljamain Sterling | 8 of 10 | 80% | 2 of 4 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Petr Yan | 18 of 25 | 72% | 10 of 17 | 4 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 9 of 13 | 4 of 5 | 5 of 7 | |
| 5 | Aljamain Sterling | 12 of 18 | 66% | 6 of 12 | 4 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 10 of 14 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Petr Yan | 20 of 32 | 62% | 12 of 23 | 6 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 15 of 25 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 5 |
Angelo picks Petr Yan by decision. He notes that Yan was winning the first fight and has better takedown defense (90%). He expects more of the same without the illegal knee, though he acknowledges Sterling's striking stats were close. He thinks Yan is safe for parlays.
Big Brady picks Petr Yan to win by fourth-round knockout. He references the first fight where Yan was winning before the illegal knee, and expects a similar pattern: Yan starts slow, builds into the fight, and takes over in later rounds. Yan's wrestling, cardio, and finishing ability are superior. Sterling may have a better game plan but Yan is the better five-round fighter.
Cody picks Yan but is worried about a potential upset. He thinks Sterling needs to fight an ultra-conservative game plan of jabbing and kicking, using the big octagon to avoid Yan's power. Cody notes Sterling's neck surgery and layoff, while Yan is active and experienced. He considers a draw possible if Sterling wins three rounds but gets 10-8'd in one. Ultimately, he sticks with Yan but with reservations.
Levi considers Yan the undisputed champion and a master of adjustments. He criticizes Sterling's durability and cardio, noting that Yan's pressure and reads will lead to a faster start this time. He expects Yan to crowd Sterling, negate his unorthodox kicks, and eventually finish by TKO. He has parlayed Yan with Ian Garry.
I think Yan gets stronger as the fight goes on and will find Sterling's chin. Sterling doesn't have the cardio to implement a 15-20 minute game plan. Yan will finish him late. I like Yan round 4/5/decision at -180 on FanDuel. The line is skewed due to public perception of Sterling.
Paul picks Yan, citing Yan's ability to calculate opponents and improve as the fight goes on, plus having four rounds of data from the first fight. He notes Sterling's wrestling was only 1 of 12 on takedowns and that he couldn't keep the pace for five rounds. Paul thinks Yan starts better this time and wins, though he doesn't love the -490 price.
The MMA Guru picks Petr Yan by decision, expecting a close fight. He thinks Sterling will win the first two rounds but Yan will edge the later rounds, winning 48-47. He criticizes Sterling's reaction to the illegal knee and notes Yan's toughness and strength. He believes Sterling will be more reserved, giving Yan time to figure him out.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petr Yan | 1 | 149 of 270 | 55% | 158 of 280 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 1 | 1 | 1:09 |
| Cory Sandhagen | 0 | 169 of 445 | 37% | 172 of 449 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 1 | 0:20 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petr Yan | 0 | 19 of 37 | 51% | 19 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Cory Sandhagen | 0 | 37 of 85 | 43% | 39 of 87 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 | |
| 2 | Petr Yan | 0 | 38 of 65 | 58% | 40 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Cory Sandhagen | 0 | 45 of 113 | 39% | 45 of 113 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Petr Yan | 1 | 36 of 57 | 63% | 41 of 63 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:40 |
| Cory Sandhagen | 0 | 37 of 86 | 43% | 37 of 87 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:07 | |
| 4 | Petr Yan | 0 | 36 of 67 | 53% | 38 of 69 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:24 |
| Cory Sandhagen | 0 | 25 of 83 | 30% | 26 of 84 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 | |
| 5 | Petr Yan | 0 | 20 of 44 | 45% | 20 of 44 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Cory Sandhagen | 0 | 25 of 78 | 32% | 25 of 78 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petr Yan | 149 of 270 | 55% | 100 of 217 | 27 of 29 | 22 of 24 | 135 of 252 | 7 of 9 | 7 of 9 |
| Cory Sandhagen | 169 of 445 | 37% | 118 of 389 | 28 of 32 | 23 of 24 | 168 of 443 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petr Yan | 19 of 37 | 51% | 4 of 21 | 4 of 4 | 11 of 12 | 17 of 35 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Cory Sandhagen | 37 of 85 | 43% | 21 of 68 | 6 of 6 | 10 of 11 | 36 of 83 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Petr Yan | 38 of 65 | 58% | 23 of 50 | 8 of 8 | 7 of 7 | 36 of 63 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Cory Sandhagen | 45 of 113 | 39% | 30 of 95 | 9 of 12 | 6 of 6 | 45 of 113 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Petr Yan | 36 of 57 | 63% | 29 of 49 | 5 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 28 of 46 | 1 of 2 | 7 of 9 |
| Cory Sandhagen | 37 of 86 | 43% | 29 of 78 | 4 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 37 of 86 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 4 | Petr Yan | 36 of 67 | 53% | 28 of 59 | 8 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 34 of 64 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Cory Sandhagen | 25 of 83 | 30% | 20 of 77 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 25 of 83 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 5 | Petr Yan | 20 of 44 | 45% | 16 of 38 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 20 of 44 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Cory Sandhagen | 25 of 78 | 32% | 18 of 71 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 25 of 78 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Petr Yan to win a competitive decision. He notes both are great strikers, but Yan has the edge in boxing and can mix in takedowns. Sandhagen's takedown defense is a weakness (65% on paper, but was lower before the Dillashaw fight). Yan's wrestling and control time should be the difference. He expects a close fight but Yan edges it out.
Cody is high on Petr Yan, calling him a 'terminator' with cardio, striking, and underrated wrestling. He notes Yan has scored takedowns in his last six fights, including against Aljamain Sterling and Jose Aldo. He thinks Yan's wrestling will be the difference against Sandhagen, who can be taken down. He suggests betting Yan live for a better price but is confident Yan wins.
Daniel picks Petr Yan to defend his title, calling him a top-five pound-for-pound fighter. He highlights Yan's well-roundedness, cardio, and ability to lull opponents into a false sense of security before dropping them. Daniel notes Yan's takedown success against Jose Aldo and Aljamain Sterling, and believes Sandhagen's clinch issues and tendency to give up his back will be exploited. He predicts a fourth-round TKO.
Sandhagen's volume and output from distance will be Yan's kryptonite. Yan prefers to strike but Sandhagen throws 16.5 strikes per minute from outside and has the cardio to maintain it. Yan's takedowns are a threat, but he doesn't usually grapple heavily. Sandhagen wins a volume-based decision.
Paul agrees with Cody, adding that playing Yan live is risky because Yan might get an early takedown and the line will move to -400. He thinks Sandhagen's only chance is if it's a pure striking match, but Yan's wrestling will be the difference. He sees Yan as the clear side.
The MMA Guru picks Petr Yan to win by TKO in the later rounds. He highlights Yan's grappling, especially when taking the back, and notes that Sandhagen gives up his back frequently. He thinks Yan will catch kicks, sweep, and take Sandhagen down. He questions Sandhagen's KO power, noting his recent finishes were against chinny opponents. He predicts Yan will be patient, chop at the legs, and eventually finish Sandhagen in the fourth or fifth round.
Expert Picks (9)
Angelo picks Petr Yan confidently, calling him a phenomenal striker with fantastic takedown defense and surprising takedown offense. He notes Yan's power, accuracy, and grappling, and believes O'Malley will have trouble finding a rhythm. He acknowledges Yan's tendency to take the first round off but still expects a one-sided fight.
Big Brady picks Yan to win by TKO in the second round. He notes Yan's power (nearly 10 knockdowns in the UFC) and ability to mix in takedowns. O'Malley has faced mostly strikers and hasn't been tested on the ground; Yan can pressure him and potentially finish on top. He believes Yan's experience against elite strikers like Aldo and Sandhagen gives him a clear edge.
Cody is confident in Yan, noting that Yan is an underrated wrestler who can take O'Malley down and control him. He points out O'Malley's weaknesses against pressure and wrestlers, referencing the Marlon Vera fight. Cody believes Yan's experience and ability to figure out opponents as the fight goes on will be key. He thinks Yan can win by decision or inside the distance, and that O'Malley's popularity is inflating his odds.
Connor is confident Yan will win, arguing that Yan's layered striking and ability to adapt will overwhelm O'Malley. He notes that O'Malley's offense is based on feints and theoretical threats, while Yan has multiple modes of attack and will take easy targets like leg kicks. He also points out that Yan can pressure O'Malley to the fence and take him down, as he did against Sandhagen.
Daniel Levi picks Petr Yan to win, citing Yan's proven chin and ability to both give and take damage. He questions O'Malley's durability, noting that while O'Malley can strike well, it's unknown how he handles getting hit by a powerful puncher like Yan. Levi thinks Yan will pressure O'Malley and make him fight, and that Yan's experience against tough opponents gives him the edge. He also mentions that Yan may start slow but will win rounds as the fight progresses. Levi does not bet this fight but is confident in Yan.
Yan has a slow-starting style but excels in championship rounds. He has wrestling upside that could exploit O'Malley's weakness on the ground. O'Malley may be competitive early with kicks, but Yan's takedowns and top control should secure rounds. Yan by decision at -110 is the pick, and if the line drops to -250, the moneyline becomes attractive.
Paul is confident in Yan, citing that Yan is the better fighter and that O'Malley's action is due to his brand. He worries about Yan giving up round one but thinks Yan will figure out O'Malley and win. Paul notes Yan's wrestling and takedowns as a path to victory, and mentions he took a small bet on Yan by submission at long odds. He believes Yan's experience and skill gap will show.
The MMA Guru picks Petr Yan over Sean O'Malley by third-round TKO. He believes Yan's pressure, combinations, and ability to crowd O'Malley will be too much. He notes O'Malley's struggles against volume strikers and his tendency to spin, which Yan can exploit. He predicts O'Malley wins the first round but gets hurt in the second and finished in the third.
Zane picks Yan, emphasizing that Yan's pressure and ability to take easy targets will expose O'Malley's defensive flaws. He compares O'Malley to Darren Till, noting that both rely on a coiled-spring style that elite fighters eventually figure out. He believes Yan will force O'Malley into uncomfortable positions and break him down over time.
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