Sean O’Malley apologizes for ‘silly little joke’ after racism claims from UFC 324 rival

Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley apologized to Song Yadong after a controversial attire decision during a past faceoff.

UFC 324 features plenty of intriguing storylines this weekend as Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett square off for the interim lightweight belt in the main event on Saturday. Gaethje vs. Pimblett will take place amidst Ilia Topuria’s ongoing hiatus from his title reign due to personal issues outside of the Octagon.

The co-main event, while without a belt on the line, is arguably just as important. Former UFC champion Sean O’Malley looks to snap a two-fight losing streak against surging striker Song Yadong.

While the buildup to O’Malley vs. Yadong has been relatively cordial, things ramped up a notch at their first pre-UFC 324 faceoff. O’Malley wore a facemask in his first faceoff with Yadong, a nod to Yadong’s Chinese background and the COVID-19 pandemic.

O’Malley’s controversial choice sparked strong backlash from fans on social media. Yadong went as far as to accuse O’Malley of racism ahead of their fight.

Sean O’Malley: Faceoff with mask ‘taken out of context’

At his UFC 324 media day press conference, O’Malley reacted to the backlash for wearing a mask in his first faceoff with Yadong.

Sean O’Malley wore a mask to his #UFC324 faceoff vs. China’s Song Yadong. pic.twitter.com/0EqFKtdaGA

— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) December 6, 2025

“My intentions were never harmful,” O’Malley said.

“It was supposed to be a little silly joke. It was that, and it got taken out of context. I apologize if I offended anybody.” (h/t MMA Mania)

O’Malley is searching for his first UFC victory since a unanimous decision win over Marlon Vera at UFC 299. After the victory over Vera, O’Malley lost back-to-back fights to Merab Dvalishvili and appeared out of the title mix.

But after Petr Yan’s title win last month, O’Malley and others make intriguing contenders for the new champion. O’Malley has the chance to make a statement this weekend at UFC 324.