Song Yadong has hinted that he will face either Sean O’Malley or Umar Nurmagomedov when the UFC launches its Paramount+ era at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026.
The No. 5-ranked bantamweight revealed on Douyin (China’s TikTok) that he has signed a bout agreement for UFC 324, naming O’Malley and Nurmagomedov as the two possible opponents. The post was later shared by MMA reporter Chris Presnell.
Song hasn’t fought since February at UFC Seattle, where he defeated Henry Cejudo by technical decision after an eye poke ended the bout. Both potential opponents have expressed interest in facing him:
- Umar Nurmagomedov suggested after beating Mario Bautista in October that he could earn another shot at champion Merab Dvalishvili by defeating Song.
- Sean O’Malley, coming off consecutive losses to Dvalishvili, said in September he liked the matchup and was open to fighting Song in early 2026.
The bantamweight division is already in the spotlight ahead of UFC 323 next week, where champion Merab Dvalishvili defends his title against Petr Yan. The card also features Henry Cejudo versus rising contender Payton Talbott.
If Song’s hint proves accurate, UFC 324 could determine the first bantamweight title challenger of the new year.
