Reigning UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan has shared his thoughts on his next potential opponent, expressing a preference for a title fight against China's Song Yadong rather than a rematch with Sean O'Malley.
As reported by İdman.Biz, the Russian fighter discussed his options during a press conference ahead of UFC 333.
Asked whether he would prefer to face O'Malley again or defend his title against Song Yadong, Yan suggested that the Chinese contender had a stronger claim to the opportunity.
"I think Song deserves a title shot more. But ultimately, that's up to the UFC matchmakers. I don't really care who they offer me. I'll fight whoever they put in front of me," Yan said.
The Russian champion also criticised the UFC's treatment of O'Malley, arguing that the American had already received sufficient opportunities to reclaim the bantamweight title.
"The UFC has already gone out of its way to help Sean O'Malley. They gave him two fights against Merab Dvalishvili, and he failed both times. So I don't see much point in it. They've spent a long time raising this chicken and are trying to make as much money out of him as possible," Yan added.
Yan and O'Malley previously faced each other at UFC 280 in October 2022, when the American secured a controversial split-decision victory.
The Russian fighter has made it clear that he is willing to face either contender, leaving the final decision on his next title defence to the UFC.
