Sean O’Malley refutes claims UFC just gives him whatever he wants, addresses potential Petr Yan, Merab Dvalishvili rematches

Sean O'Malley pushed back against the perception that the UFC grants him preferential matchmaking treatment, explaining that while he makes requests, the promotion does not simply rubber-stamp his wishes.

O'Malley revealed that he initially requested a fight with former champion Petr Yan for the upcoming White House card but was denied without explanation. Only then did the UFC offer him Aiemann Zahabi, a pairing O'Malley had previously sought but been refused. "At first, I asked for Petr [Yan]," O'Malley told MMA Fighting. "They said no. Then they offered me Aiemann and I said yeah." He emphasized that his star power does not translate to matchmaking control, noting that the UFC books fights for strategic reasons beyond fighter preference.

O'Malley acknowledged the complicated landscape at bantamweight. Current champion Yan has emerged as the clear contender, Merab Dvalishvili—who defeated O'Malley twice—has stated he expects his promised title shot, and O'Malley holds a 0–2 record against Dvalishvili. Despite these obstacles, O'Malley expressed openness to a third fight with Dvalishvili, noting an unusual friendship between them. "I like Merab and I think Merab likes me," O'Malley said. "It's a weird relationship."

The bantamweight champion has been active, fighting four title fights in one year, which may factor into the UFC's future scheduling decisions. O'Malley conceded he cannot predict whether a knockout of Zahabi will propel him into title contention or whether he will need to wait for the Yan–Dvalishvili rematch to play out. Ultimately, O'Malley focused on the immediate task: performing at the White House. "If it's meant to be, it'll happen. But yeah, 100% focus on Aiemann," he concluded.