The Daniel Cormier Show - Sean O'Malley on KNOCKING OUT Song Yadong, Merb Dvalishvili losing to Petr Yan

How you feeling today?

Feeling good. It’s fight week in Vegas, and I love that energy.

You’ve started owning every situation; has podcasting and being more open helped you handle wins, losses, and letting fans behind the curtain?

I ride the ups and downs and focus on my wife, kids, and a good life. Not letting opinions stick makes it easier to share my life online.

After the last one, how long before you moved on without rushing back just to fix it?

I tried to jump right back, even called Dana and Hunter to slide into a co-main when one fell apart, but waiting was better. I took little damage, stayed in shape, got back in the gym, and the reset helped.

Song Yadong is durable and dangerous, but most would try to wrestle you; do you expect him to clinch and shoot?

I expect him to grab, fence-press, and mix in takedowns, and we’re ready for that; if he wants to strike, fine too.

Was this the kind of opponent you had in mind on the way back?

Aiemann Zahabi called me out and I liked it, then the UFC offered Song in January and I said yes; I just wanted to fight.

With Petr Yan back on top, a guy you’ve beaten, what puts you next in line?

Yan’s win sharpened the path; one great performance and I’m right there for the belt. A rematch with Petr is massive, and if they go Merab-Petr again, so be it—I believe a big win gets me the shot.

Did it surprise you how he hurt Merab?

A little, but I know how good Petr is; the first time there was a hand injury and a small cage, and this time he matched the pace and edged it. Merab never quit, both were impressive.

Merab finally looked a bit tired after so many fights.

He didn’t look as shredded, and the extra travel could have played a part.

You joked about being on prelims and folks ran with it.

It was sarcasm; I still feel like a superstar, and I’m on the first Paramount card for a reason. The stock paused, now we’re back on the rocket.

What issues can Song bring, and how does this play out?

He’s explosive, fast, and hits hard, and he’s hungry; I’ll read him in real time and solve it.

You get everyone’s best as the division’s star, so what does Saturday night look like?

Best Song meets best Sugar in a high-level fight, and I get my hand raised.

Sean O’Malley fights this weekend at UFC 324 in the co-main against Song Yadong. Check out his YouTube, and until next time, like, subscribe, and tell your friends—peace.