Sean O’Malley cautions Petr Yan about Merab Dvalishvili trilogy: ‘Sounds like a mistake’

Sean O’Malley is urging Petr Yan to avoid a big mistake.

Yan became a two-time UFC Bantamweight Champion when he defeated Merab Dvalishvili in the UFC 323 main event in late 2025. It was a stellar performance from “No Mercy,” who proved that he was never truly out of the 135-pound title picture despite some setbacks.

As impressive as that performance was, O’Malley doesn’t want to see his former foe fly too close to the sun. The bantamweight king has undergone minor surgery on his back, which will put him out of action until the halfway point of 2026.

In a new video on his YouTube channel, O’Malley said it would be an error on Yan’s part if he rushes a trilogy fight with Dvalishvili soon after his procedure (via MMAJunkie).

“Ideally, I want Petr Yan next,” O’Malley said. “I hate the idea of him coming off back surgery and fighting Merab, especially if he tries to rush it. I f*cking rushed it with my hip and that’s completely different than a back. I don’t know how extensive his back surgery is. It sounds bad. Back surgery? Then you’re going to fight Merab. You’re going to fight Merab within a year after having back surgery? It sounds like a f*cking terrible mistake.”

O’Malley is waiting to see what the UFC matchmakers decide to do with the next bantamweight title fight. The “Suga” show has said he plans to wait for the winner of Yan vs Dvalishvili 3 if that is indeed the plan. A win for Yan would likely open the door for O’Malley to face “No Mercy” a second time, while getting another UFC bantamweight title fight.

Do you think Petr Yan should face Merab Dvalishvili again upon his return? Would you prefer another contender? Let us know in the comment section below.