The UFC octagon witnessed a thrilling comeback story! Sean O'Malley, after facing two consecutive defeats, rose like a phoenix to defeat Song Yadong at UFC 324. But was it a fluke, or is O'Malley truly back in the game?
On January 24th, 2026, O'Malley (with a record of 19-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC) secured a unanimous decision victory over Song (22-9-1 MMA, 11-4-1 UFC) in Las Vegas, marking his return to the bantamweight title contention. This win puts him back on the radar of the current champion, Petr Yan.
But here's where it gets interesting: O'Malley's victory has sparked a range of reactions from fellow fighters. Some celebrate his resilience, while others question the legitimacy of his comeback. Was this a one-off performance, or has O'Malley truly regained his former glory?
Below, you'll find a collection of reactions from the MMA community, previously shared on Twitter, that showcase the diverse opinions surrounding this controversial win. Get ready to dive into the world of mixed martial arts and decide for yourself: Is O'Malley a contender or pretender?