Sean O’Malley has named Petr Yan as the greatest bantamweight ever in UFC history, according to MMASucka. The announcement was made during an episode of the “One Night with Steiny” podcast, where O’Malley discussed his changing opinions on June 14, 2026.
What happened
During the podcast, Sean O’Malley, nicknamed “Suga,” outlined his shifting views on the greatest bantamweight fighters. Previously, he named Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili as contenders for that title. However, after assessing recent performances, O’Malley stated, “Petr is the greatest bantamweight of all-time.”
O’Malley had advocated for a fight against Yan during the UFC Freedom 250 event, which took place on June 14. This fight would have served as a rematch of their previous contest, which O’Malley won by split decision in October 2022. “I wanted the Petr fight,” O’Malley remarked, but expressed disappointment that it did not materialize.
“When they called me and said ‘Do you want to fight on the White House card?’, I was like ‘I want Petr Yan.’
Why it matters
O’Malley’s endorsement of Yan highlights the significance of fighter legacies within the UFC’s bantamweight division. By publicly declaring Yan as the G.O.A.T., O’Malley shifts the narrative around championship accolades and rivalries that shape the sport. This acknowledgment could impact future matchups and fan perceptions of both fighters.
Background
On October 22, 2022, O’Malley narrowly defeated Petr Yan in a controversial split decision, which fueled speculation about the necessity of a rematch. After that fight, O’Malley faced Aljamain Sterling in a title bout on June 14, 2023, further complicating the narrative surrounding the bantamweight championship.
What’s next
Sean O’Malley is set to appear at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026, where Conor McGregor will make his comeback against Max Holloway. O’Malley will continue his career while contemplating future matchups in the bantamweight division.
