Most UFC fans would welcome a trilogy fight between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili. However, things seem set up for the promotion to again go after the money and make Sean O’Malley the new champ’s first challenger.
On Saturday night at UFC 323, fight fans were given one of the best title fights of 2025. In the night’s main event, defending bantamweight king Dvalishvili looked to win a 15th straight fight and defend his belt for the fourth time in a rematch with former champion Yan. And the fight delivered in every way possible.
Instead of Dvalishvili wearing down a foe with his relentless wrestling attack, Yan displayed superb take-down defense and forced the champ into a violent battle on the feet. While the Georgian had moments, he could not overcome Yan’s jab and outstanding body work in the final three rounds. After 25 minutes, the Russian avenged his 2023 loss to Dvalishvili and became a two-time UFC bantamweight champion.
After such an entertaining fight, the idea of a trilogy early in 2026 makes sense. Both of their first two matchups were highly competitive, and Dvalishvili’s recent run stamped his place as one of the best 135-pound fighters ever.
However, in the UFC, sense and merit don’t necessarily matter in fight booking. And that is why it is far from a guarantee that we get Yan vs. Dvalishvili III next.
Could a Sean O’Malley rematch be next for Petr Yan?
The UFC’s recent title fight bookings were the latest evidence that the company always prefers marketable fan-favorites in championship bouts over top contenders. In January, instead of Arman Tsarukyan competing for the interim lightweight title, popular stars Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett will fight for the belt.
Also next month, instead of Movsar Evloev or Lerone Murphy getting a well-deserved crack at featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski, Diego Lopes will get a second opportunity at the champ despite decisively losing to him in April. Both main event matchups have been universally panned by UFC fans and analysts. But that won’t stop the company from doing it again with Yan’s first title defense.
At UFC 324, Sean O’Malley will be back in action in a scrap with top-10 talent Yadong Song. If “Suga” scores a win, especially by knockout, you can bet the house on the idea that Dana White and his matchmakers will ponder putting him in a title fight with Yan. And O’Malley already seems to think that is a strong possibility.
What makes it a realistic option beyond basic marketability is that the two have history. The American scored a split-decision win over the Russian in 2022. The victory landed him a title shot in his next bout, which he won. The new champ might be very open to a chance at revenge again in his first title defense. Especially with O’Malley being the bigger money fight because of his undeniable popularity.
With the UFC needing some big-name American talent for their White House event in June, and multiple title fights, don’t be surprised if Yan vs. O’Malley II is one of the featured bouts on that card if “Suga” gets a win next month.
