Pros react after Sean O’Malley defeats Song Yadong at UFC 324

Tonight’s UFC 324 event was co-headlined by a key men’s bantamweight matchup between Sean O’Malley and Song Yadong.

O’Malley (19-3 MMA) was returning to action for the first time since UFC 316, where he suffered a submission loss to Merab Dvalishvili. That setback marked Sean’s second defeat in a row, as he was previously dethroned by ‘The Machine’ at UFC 306 in September of 2024.

Meanwhile, Song Yadong (22-9-1 MMA) had most previously competed 11 months ago, where he earned a technical decision victory over Henry Cejudo. ‘The Kung Fu Kid’ had gone 3-2 over his past five Octagon appearances, this while suffering losses to Cory Sandhagen and Petr Yan respectively.

Tonight’s UFC 324 co-main event resulted in a hard fought back and forth affair. After a close opening round, Yadong appeared to be turning the tide in his favor in round two. However, Sean O’Malley stormed back in the final five minutes, battering Song with some solid left hands and a hard knee. After fifteen minutes of action, ‘Suga’ was awarded the decision victory.

Official UFC 324 Results: Sean O’Malley def. Song Yadong by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Check out how the pros reacted to ‘O’Malley vs. Yadong’ below:

If Song doesn’t poke O’Methly in the eye he’s racist #UFC324

— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) January 25, 2026

10-9 O’Malley in R1

— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) January 25, 2026

Not much debate in that round. I think most probably have it 19-19, but 20-18 Song isn’t off the table.

— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) January 25, 2026

The difference in the levels in the corner could be the difference for Song going into the 3rd

— Al Iaquinta🗽 (@ALIAQUINTA) January 25, 2026

Sean took that one

— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) January 25, 2026

I have it 29-28 O’Malley

Comes down to a closely contested first

— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) January 25, 2026

Post-fight reactions to Sean O’Malley defeating Song Yadong at UFC 324:

I had Sean winning first and third round. I can see people scoring it for song though

— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) January 25, 2026

Just give O’Malley a 30-24 at this point 😂😂😂 #UFC324

— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) January 25, 2026

I need that Yan-O’Malley rematch so I don’t hate it

— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) January 25, 2026

Just woke up 🥱 Anything important happened?

— Petr “No Mercy” Yan (@PetrYanUFC) January 25, 2026

Who would you like to see O’Malley fight next following his decision victory over Yadong this evening in Las Vegas? Share your thoughts in the comment section PENN Nation!