The star that is on the rise of Sean O'Malley leaves a big step in the competition in the next battle.
O'Malley will face the former Bantam Class Champion Petr Yan at UFC 280 on October 22 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, he announced Wednesday at ESPN "DC & RC."
Manager Yan confirmed MMA reporter Ariel Helwani that the former champion verbally agreed to the fight.
O'Malley came from the contest without content against Pedro Munhoz in early July. O'Malley stabbed Munhoz's eyes in the second half, and Munhoz could not continue.
"Sugar" has won three consecutive fights - including Ko Raulian Paiva and Thomas Almeida - towards the Munhoz battle, which is considered the biggest test to date.
Recently, Yan challenged Aljamain Sterling for the 135 pound title in April but appeared short with a separate decision. It was a re -win from their first controversial meeting where Yan lost the title because of disqualification. Between the two battles and Sterling, Yan claimed the temporary belt with a unanimous decision on Cory Sandhagen last October.
"No Mercy" holding indisputable gold from July 2020 to March 2021; He finished Jose Aldo for an empty rope.
UFC 280 will feature Charles Oliveira versus Islam Makhachev for an empty light title.