Petr Yan’s Next Challenger to Be Decided at UFC 324
UFC 324 is gearing up to be a pivotal event for the bantamweight division. The outcomes of this fight card will directly influence the next challenger for the champion, Petr Yan. Two key contenders—Sean O’Malley and Umar Nurmagomedov—are both looking to secure their shots at the title.
Petr Yan’s Championship Profile
Petr Yan, who hails from Yekaterinburg, Russia, has a record of 20 wins and 5 losses. He recently achieved a significant victory against Merab Dvalishvili on December 7, 2025, at UFC 323. Yan won that match decisively, with scorecards showing 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 in his favor.
Key Matchups at UFC 324
UFC 324 will unfold in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event features an exciting main event between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje. In the co-main event, Sean O’Malley will face Song Yadong, while Umar Nurmagomedov will take on Deiveson Figueiredo in the preliminaries. The results from these fights are crucial for determining who will challenge for Yan’s title.
Potential Contenders
- Sean O’Malley: The former bantamweight champion previously defeated Yan in a split decision in their 2022 encounter. A victory against Yadong could set up a highly anticipated rematch.
- Umar Nurmagomedov: If Nurmagomedov secures a win over Figueiredo, he will position himself strongly for a title shot. He recently faced a setback against Dvalishvili but remains a formidable contender.
Impact on the Bantamweight Division
The outcomes at UFC 324 could dramatically reshape the bantamweight division. A close win for O’Malley might drive him to push for a rematch with Yan, leveraging his previous victory over the champion. Conversely, a dominant performance by Nurmagomedov could lead to a title fight against Yan, potentially setting up an all-Russian clash.
As fans eagerly anticipate UFC 324, the stakes could not be higher. The results of these three critical matchups will determine Petr Yan’s next opponent and potentially alter the title landscape in the bantamweight division.
