Sean O’Malley is keeping a close eye on his former opponent ahead of his return to the UFC.
Last December, Yan avenged his 2023 loss to Merab Dvalishvili with an impressive performance at UFC 323, bringing an end to the Georgian star’s long title reign in the process.
Given how dominant Dvalishvili’s run had been, many believed he deserved an immediate rematch. But ‘Suga’ has advised against that being the champion’s next move.
Sean O’Malley tells Pet Yan to avoid Merab Dvalishvili in first fight back from surgery
In January, O’Malley returned to the Octagon for the first time since losing twice in a row to Dvalishvili. His comeback fight was against Song Yadong.
And the 31-year-old managed to get back in the win column, earning a narrow decision victory over the Chinese contender.
After that fight, O’Malley called for a rematch with Yan and asked that it take place during the UFC event at the White House in June.
The champion is currently recovering after recently undergoing back surgery. He hopes to return within months, but there is no official word on when he will be cleared to compete again.
Looking ahead to his return, O’Malley has suggested Yan avoid fighting Dvalishvili straight away, saying it could risk re-injuring his back.
“I want Petr Yan next, I hate the idea of him coming off back surgery and fighting Merab,” ‘Suga’ said on his YouTube channel.
“Especially if he tries to rush it, I f—— rushed it with my hip and that’s completely different than a back. I don’t know what, or how extensive his back surgery is, like, it sounds bad, and then you’re gonna fight Merab?
“You’re gonna fight Merab within a year of having back surgery? It sounds like a terrible mistake, so I don’t know. I’m not gonna go out there and shoot and try 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 3.”
Is Sean O’Malley vs Petr Yan 2 a good fit for the UFC White House event?
With Yan aiming to be back in action in the next few months, the timing could work out well for O’Malley.
‘Suga’ is likely to be one of the few American fighters competing for a championship belt on the June 14 card.
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