Sean O’Malley Warns Petr Yan Against Making ‘Terrible Mistake’ for Next Title Defense

Sean O’Malley thinks Petr Yan will do better to fight him instead of Merab Dvalishvili after the champion’s recent back surgery. 

Yan recently underwent a lumbar spine surgery and is expected to return this summer. While Yan said that it was a “minor” surgery, he needed nine hours of anaesthesia. Yan is expected to put his title on the line in a rematch against Dvalishvili upon his return. However, O’Malley advises Yan not to return soon from the surgery against Dvalishvili. O’Malley believes Yan could be compromised against Dvalishvili, who is known for relentless grappling. O’Malley wants Yan to fight him instead, as “Suga” is not exactly known for his wrestling.

‘I Suck at Wrestling’

  “I want Petr Yan next,” O’Malley said on YouTube. “I hate the idea of him coming off back surgery and fighting Merab… You’re gonna f—-ing fight Merab within a year after back surgery? It sounds like a f—-ing terrible mistake… I’m not gonna go out there and try to shoot and wrestle him. Why would you fight Merab after back surgery when you can fight me? I suck at wrestling. I can’t grapple, I’m 1-2 in my last three.”

Yan (20-5) outclassed Dvalishvili (21-5) in every aspect to win the title at UFC 323 last year. Dvalishvili won the title against O’Malley in 2024 and defended it thrice last year before losing to Yan. Meanwhile, O’Malley (19-3) rebounded from back-to-back title losses against Dvalishvili with a win over Yadong Song at UFC 324 last month.  

This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com

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