Umar Nurmagomedov predicts UFC 324 clash between Sean O’Malley and Song Yadong

Top bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov has his pick for a pivotal UFC 324 clash.

The UFC’s debut on Paramount+ this Saturday will feature a 135-pound clash between former titleholder Sean O’Malley and Song Yadong. There is some heat going into the bout, as Yadong has taken exception to O’Malley’s antics involving a controversial mask joke.

“I’m OK, but don’t bring the racism in this sport,” Yadong told reporters. “Just keep it sport. He already regrets it. He got an interview from China, and he said he’s sorry to fans. He tried to get inside my head, like mind games, but I don’t care. I just focus on the fight.”

O’Malley apologized during a UFC 324 media day session.

“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 – I apologize if I offended anybody.”

When it comes down to the actual fight, Nurmagomedov is giving the edge to the “Suga” show. He explained why when talking to the UFC Paramount team (via MMAJunkie).

“I think O’Malley will win,” Nurmagomedov said “He’s taller, taller than Yadong. If the fight is going to be in the striking, I think he’s going to control this fight.”

A victory for O’Malley could put him right back in title contention. The good news for O’Malley is that Merab Dvalishvili lost the UFC Bantamweight Championship before the end of 2025. Dvalishvili scored two wins over O’Malley, and now the former 135-pound king could have an easier path back to the gold.

The current titleholder, Petr Yan, has a controversial split decision loss against O’Malley. That bout took place back in 2022 and it led to O’Malley eventually dethroning Aljamain Sterling to become the UFC Bantamweight Champion. Time will tell if a rematch between Yan and O’Malley could be in the cards for 2026.