Las Vegas, NV, October 27, 2025
News Summary
The heavyweight title fight at UFC 321 between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane ended controversially as it was ruled a no contest due to an accidental eye poke. Dana White expressed his frustration over the decision and announced a rematch set for UFC 323. The co-main event saw Mackenzie Dern win the vacant women’s strawweight title, while other notable fights saw victories for Umar Nurmagomedov and Alexander Volkov. This event spurred discussions around stricter refereeing in mixed martial arts.
Las Vegas, NV – The highly anticipated heavyweight title fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 ended in controversy as it was ruled a no contest due to an accidental eye poke. The incident overshadowed what promised to be an exciting matchup, taking place at the 4:35 mark of the first round. Aspinall, currently holding a record of 15 wins and 3 losses, was unable to continue after the poke affected his vision, prompting the referee to halt the bout officially at 4:09 in the first round.
Dana White, the president of the UFC, expressed his frustration regarding the fight’s conclusion, calling it a “shitty ending.” In response to the unexpected halt, White announced that a rematch between Aspinall and Gane would take place, stating that both fighters are in excellent shape and should compete again as soon as possible, ideally at UFC 323, which is scheduled for December 6.
In addition to the main event, the co-main event featured Mackenzie Dern claiming the vacant women’s strawweight title, after defeating Virna Jandiroba by unanimous decision. Dern’s victory was especially emotional as she dedicated the win to her daughter, Moa. Other notable fights on the card included Umar Nurmagomedov, who earned a unanimous decision against Mario Bautista in a bantamweight eliminator bout, and Alexander Volkov, who narrowly won by split decision over Jailton Almeida in the heavyweight division. Azamat Murzakanov also made headlines with a first-round stoppage against Aleksandar Rakic in light heavyweight competition.
It is significant that this marked the first time in UFC history that a main event title fight ended with an immediate no contest due to an inadvertent eye poke. Gane demonstrated a strong performance during the fight’s brief duration, utilizing effective footwork and striking, thereby raising discussions about the oversight of fouls and the necessity of stricter refereeing in mixed martial arts.
Furthermore, White’s endorsement of a rematch highlights ongoing interest in the heavyweight title picture, regardless of the controversial ending. UFC fans are now anticipating the second encounter between Aspinall and Gane, closely watching how it will unfold and whether it will change the landscape of the heavyweight division.
Key Takeaways from UFC 321
- Main event ended in no contest due to accidental eye poke at 4:35 mark.
- Dana White promises a rematch, ideally on December 6 at UFC 323.
- Mackenzie Dern won the vacant women’s strawweight title via unanimous decision.
- Umar Nurmagomedov and Alexander Volkov also secured victories in their respective bouts.
- This incident has sparked discussions on the need for stricter enforcement of rules within the Octagon.
Background Context
The UFC, known for its high-stakes fights and elite athletes, has increasingly faced scrutiny over officiating and rule enforcement in matches. Accidental eye pokes and other fouls have previously raised concerns about fighter safety and fair competition. This latest bout serves as a flashpoint for these ongoing discussions as Dana White pushes for immediate action in favor of fans and fighters alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why was the UFC 321 main event declared a no contest?
The main event between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane was declared a no contest due to an accidental eye poke that incapacitated Aspinall.
2. When will the rematch between Aspinall and Gane take place?
The rematch is being scheduled for UFC 323, which is set to occur on December 6.
3. Who won the co-main event at UFC 321?
Mackenzie Dern won the vacant women’s strawweight title by defeating Virna Jandiroba by unanimous decision.
4. What other notable fights occurred during UFC 321?
Umar Nurmagomedov won against Mario Bautista, and Alexander Volkov won by split decision against Jailton Almeida, while Azamat Murzakanov scored a first-round stoppage against Aleksandar Rakic.
Key Features of UFC 321
| Fighter | Record | Result | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Aspinall | 15-3-0 | No Contest | Main Event vs. Ciryl Gane |
| Ciryl Gane | 11-2-0 | No Contest | Main Event vs. Tom Aspinall |
| Mackenzie Dern | 12-2-0 | Won | Co-Main vs. Virna Jandiroba |
| Umar Nurmagomedov | 19-1-0 | Won | Bantamweight Eliminator vs. Mario Bautista |
| Alexander Volkov | 39-11-0 | Won | Heavyweight vs. Jailton Almeida |
| Azamat Murzakanov | 16-0-0 | Won | Light Heavyweight vs. Aleksandar Rakic |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UFC 321 Set for Abu Dhabi Showdown
Tom Aspinall to Defend Heavyweight Title at UFC 321
Additional Resources
- New York Post: UFC 321 Controversy
- CBS Sports: UFC 321 Results
- MMA Junkie: Mackenzie Dern’s Victory
- Wikipedia: Mixed Martial Arts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mixed Martial Arts
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