O'Malley sets up Song at UFC 324 after Jan -

In a tough fight, Sean O'Malley defeated Song Yadong by decision at UFC 324 on Saturday night, then challenged champion Petr Yan to a rematch.

LAS VEGAS -- Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley used a last-round stoppage to get back on the scoresheet and score a unanimous decision over Song Yadong on Saturday night in the main event of UFC 324 at T-Mobile Arena.

All three judges scored the fight 29-28 against O'Malley, which means he will face the current champion for his next fight.

"Petr Yan has something I want," O'Malley said."You want that rematch. I want it too. Big respect [to former champion Merab Dvalishvili], but that's what I want next."

O'Malley began his title fight with Aljamain Sterling in 2022 by defeating Yan, whom he stopped in the second round to become champion.However, O'Malley was only able to secure one title shot, after which he was brought back down to earth after consecutive losses to Dvalishvili.

On Saturday night, O'Malley, the UFC's third-ranked bantamweight, fought patiently and calmly, utilizing position changes, a sharp jab and solid footwork to avoid the power of the fifth-ranked Song.The difference in speed was evident from the opening seconds, but Song continued to press forward to prevent O'Malley from using his length to land punches with his powerful right hand.

After being neutralized offensively in the first round, Song scored a takedown in the final seconds, giving O'Malley something to think about.

The fight was a draw in the final round after Song had a more active second round.O'Malley pinned Song with right hands and knees in the closing minutes to close out the show with his first victory in nearly two years.

The bout with Song was elevated to co-main event after Kayla Harrison pulled out of her UFC bantamweight title defense against Amanda Nunes.