Sean O’Malley secured the biggest victory of his career to date by defeating Petr Yan by split decision at <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/ufc/" target="_blank">UFC 280</a> in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night. The American, fighting outside the US for the first time in his UFC career, came through a gripping encounter to take the contest 28-29, 29-28, 29-28. Yan, the former bantamweight champion and No 1-ranked contender, was rocked a number of times throughout, but typically fought back brilliantly. However, the Russian also had to deal with a severe cut about his right eye that clearly bothered him. O’Malley, the No 11-ranked challenger at bantamweight, is expected to next fight for the belt. “It’s kind of a blur to be honest,” O’Malley said. "He caught me with some good shots. Petr’s a tough dude, a tough Russian right there. I’d like to watch it back before I really dissect it.” Asked if he feels he deserves to face champion Aljamain Sterling next for the bantamweight belt – the American retained his title against TJ Dillashaw in Abu Dhabi also on Saturday night – O’Malley said: “It’s so hard; as [UFC president] Dana [White] says, it’s hard to make fights the day of. I’m sore, I’m tired, I’ve a headache. I don’t want to fight anyone. I want to go home see my princess. "It’s inevitable, I turn 28 tomorrow. I’m going to be in this sport for a long time. The people want me to be champ. It’s going to happen sooner rather than later."