UFC 324 features plenty of intriguing storylines this weekend as Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett battle for the interim lightweight title in the main event on Saturday. Gaethje vs. Pimblett will take place amid Ilia Topuria’s ongoing hiatus from his title reign due to personal issues outside the Octagon.
The co-main event, while no belt is at stake, is arguably just as important. Former UFC champion Sean O’Malley looks set to snap a two-fight losing streak against rising striker Song Yadong.
Although the lead-up to O’Malley vs. Yadong was relatively cordial, things kicked up a notch in their first showdown before UFC 324. O’Malley wore a face mask during his first showdown with Yadong, a nod to Yadong’s Chinese background and the COVID-19 pandemic.
O’Malley’s controversial choice sparked strong reactions from fans on social media. Yadong went as far as to accuse O’Malley of racism prior to their fight.
Sean O’Malley: Face-off with mask ‘taken out of context’
Be with UFC 324 media day press conferenceO’Malley responded to the backlash for wearing a mask during his first confrontation with Yadong.
Sean O’Malley wore a mask for him #UFC324 confrontation with the Chinese Song Yadong. pic.twitter.com/0EqFKtdaGA
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) December 6, 2025
“My intentions were never harmful,” O’Malley said.
“It was supposed to be a joke. It was, and it was taken out of context. I apologize if I offended anyone.” (h/t Mmas Mania)
O’Malley is looking for his first UFC win since a unanimous decision win over Marlon Vera at UFC 299. After the win over Vera, O’Malley lost consecutive fights to Merab Dvalishvili and found himself out of the title mix.
But after Petr Yan won the title last month, O’Malley and others are intriguing candidates for the new champion. O’Malley has a chance to make a statement this weekend at UFC 324.
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