Get ready for an explosive UFC 324 co-main event! The highly anticipated clash between Sean O'Malley and Song Yadong is almost here, and it's shaping up to be a thrilling showdown.
On January 24th, 2026, these two warriors will step into the octagon at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom has provided an insightful breakdown of this highly anticipated matchup.
O'Malley, the former champ, is determined to get back on top after consecutive title fight losses to Merab Dvalishvili. His last victory, a unanimous decision over Marlon Vera at UFC 299, was his sole title defense.
Meanwhile, Song Yadong has been knocking on the door of a title shot for quite some time. With a record of 22-8-1 in MMA and 11-3-1 in the UFC, he's been consistently impressive. His recent technical decision win over former two-division champ Henry Cejudo has earned him this opportunity against O'Malley.
But here's where it gets controversial... With Kayla Harrison's injury forcing her out of her title fight, this impromptu co-main event has taken center stage. O'Malley, fresh from a disappointing series of losses to Dvalishvili, is looking to regain his bantamweight belt. On the other hand, Yadong, known for his inconsistent performances, is coming off a surprising main event win over Cejudo.
And this is the part most people miss... Despite O'Malley's recent setbacks, his striking abilities and shot selections are top-notch. The 'Kung Fu Kid' may have underrated wrestling skills and effective leg kicks, but his tendency to focus on headhunting could play into O'Malley's favor.
While some may argue that Yadong could pull off an upset, especially considering O'Malley's controversial comments during their press conference, the odds are slightly stacked against him. O'Malley's durability remains a question mark, but his overall skill set gives him the edge in this prediction.
The experts' pick: O'Malley to edge out the victory via decision.
Oddsmakers and the public agree, with O'Malley favored at -215 and Yadong at +172 on FanDuel.
Mark your calendars for this exciting matchup! O'Malley and Song are expected to enter the cage around 10:40 p.m. ET (7:40 p.m. PT) on Paramount+.
Who do you think will emerge victorious? Will Yadong pull off the upset, or will O'Malley reclaim his spot at the top? Let's discuss in the comments and share your predictions!
