The featured non-title bout at UFC 280 pits two of the world’s best bantamweights head to head in a fascinating clash between former champion and surging contender.
Petr Yan has been to the mountain top and remains one of the very best fighters on the planet at 135 pounds. But, after his disqualification loss to Aljamain Sterling, and subsequent decision defeat in the rematch, Yan is looking to pick up the pieces and position himself for another shot at the gold in early 2023.
But his next assignment is a tricky one, to say the least. “Suga” Sean O’Malley has been earmarked for stardom ever since his stunning knockout on Dana White’s Contender Series had Snoop Dogg in raptures, and UFC president Dana White excited for O’Malley’s fighting potential on the big stage.
O’Malley has matured and developed his game steadily as he has risen up the bantamweight ranks at his own pace. Now he’s ready to take on the division’s best and in Yan he faces the acid test of his championship credentials as he prepares to gatecrash the title picture at 135 pounds with an eye-catching victory over a recent former champion.
Ahead of the matchup, get the full lowdown from both camps in UFC 280 Countdown as Yan and O’Malley prepare for battle in Abu Dhabi.
