Tim Welch questions Daniel Cormier pitching Song Yadong over Sean O'Malley for Petr Yan

Follows Yan's five-round win over Merab Dvalishvili.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read

Tim Welch wonders if Daniel Cormier has something against Sean O'Malley after DC brought up Song Yadong, but not Suga, a Via @arielhelwani on X

What happened: Coach Tim Welch said he plans to speak directly with Daniel Cormier after the UFC commentator floated Song Yadong rather than Sean O'Malley as the next opponent for Petr Yan. Welch acknowledged he could be wrong about Cormier holding an issue with O'Malley, while separately praising Yan as one of the scariest fighters in MMA history.

Why it matters: Broadcast remarks from Cormier, who previously questioned fan interest in a Sean Strickland-Dricus du Plessis trilogy, frequently frame early matchmaking chatter after major cards. With Yan re-establishing his position in the 135-pound picture at Etihad Arena, O'Malley's camp is pushing to keep a Yan matchup ahead of a bout with Song.

By the numbers: Petr Yan improved his professional record to 21-5-0 by defeating Merab Dvalishvili via five-round decision (R5 5:00) in the UFC 333 co-main event at Etihad Arena.

What to watch: Welch said he intends to address the matchmaking omission with Cormier in person. UFC officials have not announced Yan's next bantamweight booking following UFC 333.

Sources

@arielhelwani 2026-10-26T19:44:33.939877+00:00

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