UFC legend Michael Bisping has explained why he was surprised to see Sean O’Malley get the win over Song Yadong.
On Saturday night at UFC 324, Sean O’Malley got himself back in the win column with a narrow decision triumph over Song Yadong. While it wasn’t the most convincing of victories, all that really matters for ‘Suga’ is that he got his hand raised. Of course, there were many out there who felt as if he shouldn’t have been the one to get the nod.
RELATED: Sean O’Malley details why he’ll hold out for a title shot after UFC 324 win
O’Malley’s future in the bantamweight division isn’t quite clear, either. Some feel as if he should be put back in a world title position against Petr Yan, whereas others want to see him pick up at least one more win before being given such an opportunity.
In a recent reaction video that he filmed at the event, Michael Bisping gave his thoughts on how O’Malley vs Song played out.
Bisping’s view on O’Malley vs Song
“We’re just near the end of Round 1 of Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong, tentative start for O’Malley,” Bisping said on his YouTube channel. “Of course Song Yadong swinging heavily, putting everything into every shot. Sean moving well, staying out of the range, not really taking any shots. Neither man has landed anything big, but at the end of the first round, a nice double leg by Song Yadong, took him down, O’Malley goes for the guillotine, didn’t get it.
“Song escapes, gets on top, didn’t really do any damage, but of course with the control time and with the pressure and the overall aggression we saw from Song Yadong, Round 1 is a 10-9 to Song Yadong. Sean O’Malley has got to start planting his feet and start trying to do some damage. He looked a little nervous at the start of the fight.”
“Wow,” Bisping said with his mouth open. “That’s a shock. Wow. Sean O’Malley gets the decision. Wow. I didn’t expect that. I thought two rounds to one for Song Yadong. Either way, close fight. Those first two rounds were very close. Fair play to O’Malley. He’s back with a win, wasn’t easy. I’m not going to call it a robbery. I personally had it 2-1 for Song, but they were close.”
Quotes via MMA Junkie
Do you agree? Let us know in the comments, BJPENN Nation!