Betting
Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong Preview – UFC 324 Tips, Odds, & Predictions
Date: Sunday, 25 January 2026 Time: 02:00 AM GMT Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, USA It will be a packed card at UFC 324 on Sunday, 25 January in Las Vegas. Apart from title contests involving Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes, as well as Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, there will be plenty of interest in the bantamweight bout featuring Sean O’Malley and Song Yadong. American O’Malley is third in the bantamweight rankings, possessing an 18-3 record, while Chinese star Yadong is fifth in the rankings, but he is more battle-hardened. Yes, Yadong has a 22-8 record, but his results have been a bit mixed lately, winning three and losing two of his past five fights. Nevertheless, those betting on UFC won’t have much trouble in discovering markets and lines, as operators will be going into overdrive to ensure they are stacked with tasty match odds.
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(L-R) Opponents Sean O'Malley and Song Yadong / Getty Images
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability: O’Malley Strong Favorite
Those after solid UFC betting insights ought to take a look at the moneyline prices for O’Malley vs Yadong. We’ve shared the odds available at one of the top online betting sites in the USA
Sean O’Malley: 11/25 (1.44) – 69.4%
Song Yadong: 9/5 (2.80) – 35.7%
*Odds courtesy of BetMGM, subject to change.
Tale of the Tape
Some UFC betting sportsbooks may plug a few stats, such as recent form, but for a more in-depth overview, we’ve compared O’Malley and Yadong, assessing their career win records and respective fighting styles.
Reading this information before any given bout will help you make more informed betting decisions and ultimately give you more confidence when settling on picks.
Tale of the Tape
| Attribute | O’Malley | Yadong |
| Age | 31 | 28 |
| Height | 5’11 (180cm) | 5’8 (173cm) |
| Weight | 135lbs (61.2 kg) | 136lbs (61.6kg) |
| Reach | 72” (183cm) | 67” (170cm) |
| Record | 18-3-0 | 22-8-1 |
| KO/TKO | 11 Wins (61%) | 9 Wins (41%) |
| Submission | 2 Wins (11%) | 3 Wins (14%) |
| Decisions | 5 Wins (28%) | 10 Wins (45%) |
Sean O’Malley News
One of the most accurate strikers in MMA history, Sean O’Malley has been devastating at times, racking up 11 wins by KO/TKO, which equates to a return of 61%.
A creative kickboxer with an ability to blend feints with switches in stance, O’Malley, who is also known as ‘Suga’, O’Malley lands big strikes with volume, and his five-inch reach advantage could stand him in good stead.
O’Malley, who is making his return to the Octagon on the back of a two-fight losing streak, will feel like he has a point to prove. The American recently admitted that while the majority of his focus is on Yadong, he’s also looking to further challenges ahead and has called out Petr Yan for a rematch, having previously beaten Yan.
Currently, retirement is the furthest thought from O’Malley’s mind, and he has overcome Yadong before. This was in 2022 when O’Malley won by a split decision to put himself in the frame for a shot at the bantamweight title, but now Yadong has the belt, O’Malley will be pumped up for this contest.
Song Yadong News
Based at Team Alpha Male gym in Sacramento, California, Song Yadong poses a serious threat to O’Malley. With his tight combinations, Yadong carries raw power and is strong defensively.
He can slip through the fingers of fighters with longer reach, and while he doesn’t match O’Malley for timing of shots, he has the mental fortitude and durability to go the distance in bouts. This is illustrated by the fact that he’s spent, on average, just over 13 minutes inside the Octagon compared to O’Malley at around 11 minutes.
While Yan got the better of Yadong at UFC 299, Yadong has won three of his past four bouts. Known as the “Kung Fu Kid”, Yadong arguably hasn’t hit his peak, and he’s still got plenty of mileage in the tank.
Suggested Bets
We’re always checking in on sites for UFC betting to see what kinds of markets they have advertised for the biggest bouts. Ahead of Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong, we’ve pointed you in the direction of some popular lines that could influence your betting strategies.
Sean O’Malley to Win by KO/TKO: O’Malley will be eager to put on a show for the expectant Vegas crowd, and he is the fan favorite. Given his ability to strike heavily and outwit his opponents, he could cause Yadong plenty of problems. A win for Malley by KO/TKO has legs to it. (67/100 with FanDuel)
Song Yadong to Win by Decision: Yadong is a danger, and while his results have wavered, his defense skills are the stuff of legend. He’s great at grappling, and the stats show he’s often taken bouts by decision. Whether it is a unanimous or split decision remains to be seen, but Yadong could take the bout on the judges’ scorecard. (14/25 with BetRivers)
Sean O’Malley to Win inside Four Rounds: On average, O’Malley has spent less time in the Octagon than Yadong. If Yadong isn’t careful, it could be a quick contest. O’Malley’s victory over Alijamain Sterling, for example, at UFC 292 in August 2023, was decided within 51 seconds of the second round. To be slightly more conservative, a win inside four rounds is inviting. (83/100 with ESPN Bet)
Value Bets
Song Yadong to Win by KO/TKO: Although the bulk of his wins have come via decision, Yadong has also delivered nine wins by TKO/KO, which equates to 41%. He’s peaking at just the right time, and perhaps his odds for a TKO/KO win ought to be slightly shorter. (4/1 with DraftKings)
Fight to Go the Distance: Yadong has been accustomed to some grueling fights, some of which have gone the full five rounds. He has the stamina to go the distance, although you imagine O’Malley won’t be as keen. (4/1 with Hard Rock Bet)
Song Yadong to Win: The moneyline is a great starting point for trying out at UFC bookmakers, and while Yadong is trading as the underdog, he could turn on the style. Should he come through, it would be arguably one of the best results of his career. (5/1 with Fanatics)
Prediction: O’Malley to Win Inside Four Rounds
Although O’Malley vs Yadong won’t take top billing on the UFC 324 main card, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will be a dull contest. Yadong may boast more experience in terms of fight appearances, but O’Malley has an excellent record of 18-3, and he will be desperate to show his best days aren’t behind him.
Roared on by a lively Vegas crowd, O’Malley will feed off the energy, and he could deliver a win with his immense striking. The American could clinch victory and do so within four rounds.
Charles Perrin has spent more than six years covering the world of sports betting, during which he has collaborated with some of the most recognised sportsbooks in the UK, including industry leaders such as bet365 and William Hill.