Abu Dhabi, October 22, 2025
News Summary
UFC 321 is gearing up for a thrilling showdown at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, featuring heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall defending his title against Ciryl Gane. The event will showcase 13 exhilarating fights across multiple weight classes, including a co-main event for the vacant strawweight title between Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba. With significant implications for the future of several divisions, UFC 321 is poised to be one of the year’s premier fight cards.
Abu Dhabi Set for UFC 321 Showdown
UFC 321 will kick off on October 25, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, featuring a high-stakes match between heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and former interim champion Ciryl Gane. The event, which includes a total of 13 fights spanning multiple weight classes, promises some of the most exciting matchups of the year.
Main Event Features Aspinall vs. Gane
In the main event, champion Tom Aspinall (15-3) will defend his title against Ciryl Gane (13-2). This marks Aspinall’s return to the Octagon following a Round 1 knockout victory over Curtis Blaydes in July of the previous year. Aspinall ascended from interim champion to undisputed champion after Jon Jones announced his retirement in June. The matchup pairs Aspinall’s impressive record, including seven performance of the night bonuses, against Gane, who has faced challenges in his last two title attempts against Jones and Ngannou.
Coverage Details
UFC 321’s coverage will start at 4 PM BST (11 AM ET), with the highly anticipated main event expected to commence at 10 PM BST (5 PM ET). Fans in the UK can catch the action on TNT Sports Box Office, while viewers in the US can access it via ESPN+ PPV.
Co-Main Event and Other Key Bouts
The co-main event will see Mackenzie Dern face Virna Jandiroba for the vacant strawweight title after Zhang Weili vacated it to move up in weight. Both fighters are eager to establish themselves as champions in a division that currently lacks depth.
In another critical bout, Umar Nurmagomedov (18-1) will clash with Mario Bautista (9-1) in a bantamweight fight that could determine who challenges for the title next. Nurmagomedov, returning after experiencing his first loss earlier this year, will face Bautista, who is currently riding an eight-fight winning streak and is gaining recognition in the division.
Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight Battles
The heavyweight division will also see action as Alexander Volkov faces Jailton Almeida in an encounter with title implications. Almeida, a grappling specialist with a record of 8-1, hopes to secure a future title shot by defeating Volkov, who is seeking redemption following a close loss to Gane.
In the light heavyweight category, Aleksandar Rakic will go head-to-head with Azamat Murzakanov. Murzakanov, still undefeated at 5-0 in the UFC, looks to solidify his ranking against Rakic, who has previously been a competitor among elite heavyweights.
Preliminary Card Highlights
This event will also include a preliminary card filled with matchups across lightweight, middleweight, and flyweight divisions, featuring fighters enthusiastic about making their mark in the UFC. Notable fighters to watch include Bautista, Murzakanov, and Delgado, each with significant records and the potential to disrupt their divisions.
Event Significance
UFC 321 is shaping up to be one of the premier fight cards of the year, highlighting critical matchups that could influence the future of several divisions within the UFC.
FAQ
What date and location is UFC 321 taking place?
UFC 321 is scheduled for October 25, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Who are the main event fighters?
The main event features heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall defending his title against former interim champion Ciryl Gane.
What is the coverage schedule for UFC 321?
Coverage begins at 4 PM BST (11 AM ET), with the main event expected to start at 10 PM BST (5 PM ET).
Where can I watch the event?
Viewers in the UK can watch UFC 321 on TNT Sports Box Office, and subscribers in the US can tune into ESPN+ PPV.
What is the significance of the co-main event?
The co-main event features Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba fighting for the vacant strawweight title, which presents a chance for both fighters to become champions in a division facing challenges.
Key Features of UFC 321
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | October 25, 2025 |
| Location | Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| Main Event | Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane |
| Co-Main Event | Mackenzie Dern vs. Virna Jandiroba |
| Starting Time | 4 PM BST (11 AM ET) |
| Main Event Time | 10 PM BST (5 PM ET) |
| Viewing Options (UK) | TNT Sports Box Office |
| Viewing Options (US) | ESPN+ PPV |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tom Aspinall to Defend Heavyweight Title at UFC 321
Additional Resources
- UFC: Fighters Rise – UFC 321
- Wikipedia: Ultimate Fighting Championship
- ESPN: UFC 321 – How to Watch
- Google Search: UFC 321
- CBS Sports: UFC 321 Storylines
- Google Scholar: UFC 321
- MMA Junkie: UFC 321 Lineup and Odds
- Encyclopedia Britannica: UFC
- Forbes: UFC 321 Full Fight Card
- Google News: UFC 321
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