Who Will Step Up At 135 Pounds? Why Either Sean O’Malley Or Umar Nurmagomedov Could Land A Top 5 Bantamweight Bout At UFC 324
The buzz around UFC 324, reportedly scheduled for January 24, 2026, is heating up. Among the potential showstoppers are top bantamweight matchups. Recent reports suggest that either Sean O’Malley or Umar Nurmagomedov might be booked against a top 5 bantamweight at UFC 324. With the bantamweight division in flux, that could make 135-pound stakes as high as they have been in years.
Here is a breakdown of why this fight makes sense and which scenario might produce the most fireworks.
What Led To UFC 324 Being In The Spotlight
The lead-up to UFC 324 coincides with a major transition for the promotion. As UFC shifts into its new broadcast era on Paramount Plus, the January 24 date stands out; it may become one of the inaugural cards under that new deal.
That kind of timing often draws attention not just from matchmakers but from fans and media alike. On top of that, UFC has already started filling out the card with other noteworthy fights.
A high-profile women’s bout and a big featherweight clash have been reported, which helps set the tone for a stacked card and adds incentive to include a blockbuster bantamweight fight as a key selling point. With the division’s landscape changing and compelling storylines emerging, it makes sense that matchmakers are considering serious bantamweight options.
Why Umar Nurmagomedov Makes Sense Now
Umar has quietly risen through the ranks since his UFC debut in 2021. He built a strong record inside the Octagon, defeating names like Brian Kelleher, Nate Maness, Raoni Barcelos, Bekzat Almakhan, and securing a solid win over Cory Sandhagen.
Those wins earned him a title shot at UFC 311 against champion Merab Dvalishvili on January 18, 2025. Though he fell short, losing by unanimous decision, the performance was good enough to keep him near the top of the division. As of the latest rankings in November 2025, Umar sits at No. 1 just ahead of O’Malley.
Umar’s appeal goes beyond just results. He carries the Nurmagomedov name, trains under notable camps, and brings a mix of grappling and striking that could give many contenders problems.
For UFC heading into a new broadcast era, he represents a strong package, a young contender,a familiar surname, and legitimate upside. If UFC wants a fresh face at the top of bantamweight heading into 2026, someone hungry, marketable, and undisputed, Umar fits that bill well.
Why Sean O’Malley Still Has A Case
Despite two consecutive losses, both to Merab Dvalishvili and now having dropped in the rankings to No. 2, O’Malley remains a huge name. His fights consistently draw attention and pay-per-view interest, which still makes him one of the UFC’s most marketable bantamweights.
O’Malley has expressed a willingness to get back into action as soon as he recovers. The goal remains to return to world title status. Recently, he has been linked with potential comeback fights as early as late 2025 or early 2026.
For UFC, putting O’Malley back into a high-stakes bout at UFC 324 could serve as a quick redemption story for a former champion, a narrative many fans would gravitate towards. Especially under the new broadcast era, a return of the fallen champ angle could generate substantial buzz.
Scenarios That Could Play Out Who Faces A Top 5 Opponent At UFC 324
Umar Nurmagomedov Steps Up
If UFC wants to push a fresh contender at 135 pounds, booking Umar against a ranked top 5 opponent for UFC 324 would make strategic sense. It gives the division a chance to see if Umar is ready for prime time again and potentially establishes a new title challenger as the new year begins.
Because he sits at No. 1, the opponent could be any of the top 5 names below him, offering stylistic matchups that test his all-around game. A strong performance for him would reignite the title picture in 2026, especially if champion Dvalishvili continues defending.
Sean O’Malley Returns For A High Profile Bout
If UFC decides to lean on star power and storylines, O’Malley’s return at UFC 324 against a top 5 bantamweight gives fans a redemption arc. He remains one of the sport’s biggest draws; seeing him bounce back or struggle again adds intrigue, especially given his striking pedigree and past status as champion. It could also set the stage for a get back to the top road, perhaps even a shot at the belt, depending on outcomes.
A Tactical Mix Which Opponent
Whichever of the two lands the fight UFC matchmakers could pick from a number of ranked opponents offering something for different narratives. A matchup with a well-rounded grappling-heavy fighter tests Umar’s evolution, a striking-heavy or high pace opponent tests O’Malley’s resilience and durability. Either way, the showdown could shift the balance of the division heading into 2026.
What It Could Mean For The Bantamweight Division
Booking either Umar or O’Malley against a top 5 opponent at UFC 324 would set the tone for the bantamweight division heading into the new broadcast era. If Umar wins convincingly, you might see a renewed challenger emerge, perhaps even pushing for a title shot early in 2026.
That could introduce fresh matchups and shake up the pecking order, possibly dethroning the idea of a stagnant division led by only a few familiar names. If O’Malley rebounds with a strong performance, it could validate him as a marketable contender deserving another shot and perhaps reposition him as a mainstay contender even if he does not get the immediate title fight.
In either scenario UFC benefits a high stakes bantamweight fight on a major card during a major transition period boosts visibility.
For fans, the division gains unpredictability, which in today’s match-making environment is a breath of fresh air. Given the current landscape and how both fighters are positioned, a top 5 bantamweight bout involving either Umar Nurmagomedov or Sean O’Malley at UFC 324 is justifiable. Whether UFC goes for a rising star or a comeback story, the result will send ripples through the division early in 2026.
