UFC Freedom 250 Results: Sean O'Malley calls out Petr Yan after win over Aiemann Zahabi at the White House
(Courtesy : UFC)
Sean O’Malley shines again with a statement win at the White House.
Sean O’Malley continued rebuilding momentum in the bantamweight division with an impressive second-round TKO victory over Aiemann Zahabi at UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C.
The former bantamweight champion entered the fight looking to strengthen his comeback after back-to-back losses to Merab Dvalishvili. Following a strong performance against Song Yadong at UFC 324, O’Malley once again reminded fans why he remains one of the UFC’s most dangerous and entertaining strikers.
Zahabi entered the contest riding a seven-fight winning streak that included victories over former stars Jose Aldo and Marlon “Chito” Vera. The younger brother of renowned coach Firas Zahabi also carried confidence into the matchup, but O’Malley’s speed and precision ultimately proved too much to handle.
Round 1
Both fighters opened cautiously with constant movement and feints. Zahabi found early success with sharp inside low kicks, while O’Malley focused on controlling the center and creating angles with his footwork.
Zahabi struggled to close the distance consistently as O’Malley used his reach advantage effectively. Whenever Zahabi landed a clean shot, O’Malley often answered back with a harder and more accurate counter.
The former champion slowly began finding his rhythm with the jab before stunning Zahabi midway through the round with a clean right hand. O’Malley followed it with another sharp strike and a knee up the middle that forced Zahabi onto the back foot.
Despite absorbing several heavy shots, Zahabi stayed composed and survived the round without major damage. However, O’Malley’s cleaner striking and octagon control earned him the opening frame.
Round 2
O’Malley immediately reclaimed the center of the cage to begin the second round, but Zahabi responded aggressively with punishing inside leg kicks. Several of the kicks visibly affected O’Malley’s balance and briefly slowed his movement.
Still, O’Malley’s timing remained exceptional. He repeatedly slipped away from Zahabi’s forward pressure before landing crisp jabs and sharp right hands in return. The striking exchanges became increasingly dangerous as both men settled into the fight’s rhythm.
Zahabi continued attacking the legs, but O’Malley’s precision punching steadily broke through the guard. A spinning kick to the body and a fast three-punch combination further shifted momentum toward the former champion.
The finish finally arrived after O’Malley blasted Zahabi with a left hook that dropped him to the canvas. O’Malley immediately rushed forward and landed a crushing follow-up right hand, forcing the referee to step in for the second-round TKO.
Official result
Sean O’Malley defeated Aiemann Zahabi via second-round KO at UFC Freedom 250. The victory keeps O’Malley firmly in the bantamweight title picture and marks another major step in his comeback journey. O’Malley also called out the reigning champion Petr Yan, after the win, over whom he holds a UD win at UFC 280 back in 2022.
Result: Sean O’Malley defeats Aiemann Zahabi via KO (right hand) at 4:02 of R2
Who won in the match between Sean O’Malley vs Aiemann Zahabi?
Sean O’Malley defeated Aiemann Zahabi by KO (right hand) at 4:02 of Round 2 in the fifth fight of the night. O’Malley called out reigning champion Petr Yan after the impressive win. He holds a UD win over the champion from their first meeting at UFC 280.
Who will headline the White House card?
A unification bout between Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria and interim titleholder Justin Gaethje will headline the event. It is a rare collision of two genuine finishers, with Topuria making the first defense of his lightweight belt after knocking out Charles Oliveira last June.
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