Sean O’Malley’s Mask Stunt at UFC Press Event Draws Rebuke From Song Yadong

Overview

• O’Malley wore a surgical mask during a staredown with Song Yadong at the UFC’s 2026 Seasonal Press Conference in Las Vegas.
• Song Yadong responded on X by saying, “O’Malley grabbing a covid mask is a throwback to the only stretch of his career when people liked him.”
• Fan reaction was split, with some labeling the gesture racist and others treating it as a joke.
• The UFC amplified the moment by posting the face-off video on X.
• O’Malley, a former bantamweight champion returning in a rare undercard outing, is slated to face Yadong on the UFC 324 main card at T-Mobile Arena.