Abu Dhabi, October 21, 2025
News Summary
Abu Dhabi will host UFC 321 featuring Tom Aspinall defending his heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane. The event includes a co-main title fight and a series of preliminary bouts, marking a notable moment for UFC’s growth in the region. Aspinall, known for his explosive style, aims for a decisive victory over Gane, who recently faced challenges in title fights.
Abu Dhabi is set to host UFC 321 on Saturday, October 25, 2025, where Tom Aspinall will defend his undisputed heavyweight title against former interim champion Ciryl Gane. The highly anticipated match will take place at the Etihad Arena, with preliminary action starting at 10 AM ET followed by the main card at 2 PM ET.
The preliminary fights will be available on FX, with live streaming on Disney+ and ESPN+. For those looking to catch the main event, it can be viewed on ESPN+ for a pay-per-view price of $79.99. This marks a significant moment in the UFC calendar, as it has been 11 months since the undisputed heavyweight championship was last defended.
Tom Aspinall ascended to the undisputed championship after Jon Jones’ retirement, which elevated him from interim champion status. Aspinall holds a professional MMA record of 15 wins and 3 losses, with a notable 8 wins and just 1 loss in the UFC. His only defeat was due to a freak knee injury in the initial seconds of his fight against Curtis Blaydes in 2022.
Aspinall is known for his explosive performance inside the Octagon, registering 7 first-round finishes, the most of any fighter across nine appearances in UFC history. His average fight duration of 2 minutes and 2 seconds is the shortest in UFC records, while spending only 1 second in the bottom position demonstrates his defensive prowess. He averages a remarkable 4.09 knockdowns every 15 minutes, the highest ever for a heavyweight, as well as 8.07 significant strikes landed per minute, which also leads in the heavyweight division.
The co-main event showcases a fight for the vacant strawweight title, featuring Mackenzie Dern against Virna Jandiroba. Other significant fights on the card include Umar Nurmagomedov facing Mario Bautista, Alexander Volkov battling Jailton Almeida, and Aleksandar Rakic going up against Azamat Murzakanov.
Aspinall has expressed a clear motivation to assert his dominance in the heavyweight division, seeking a decisive victory over Gane following his elevation as champion. Ciryl Gane, on the other hand, recently had a controversial win against Alexander Volkov, though he has faced setbacks with two prior title fight losses. Aspinall enters the fight as the favored contender with odds listed at -425 against Gane.
This UFC event signifies an expansion of the organization’s reach into the Middle East, emphasizing its aim to cultivate a burgeoning fanbase in the region. With a mix of emerging talent and established fighters, UFC 321 promises an exciting display of mixed martial arts that fans won’t want to miss.
FAQ
When is UFC 321 taking place?
UFC 321 is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025.
Where will UFC 321 be held?
The event will take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
How can I watch UFC 321?
Preliminary fights can be watched on FX and streamed on Disney+ and ESPN+, while the main card is available on ESPN+ for $79.99 (pay-per-view).
Who is fighting in the main event?
The main event features Tom Aspinall defending his heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane.
Key Features of UFC 321
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | October 25, 2025 |
| Location | Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi |
| Main Event | Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane |
| Preliminary Card Time | 10 AM ET |
| Main Card Time | 2 PM ET |
| Main Card Price | $79.99 (pay-per-view) |
| Aspinall’s Record | 15 wins, 3 losses |
| Co-Main Event | Mackenzie Dern vs. Virna Jandiroba |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Bloody Elbow: UFC 321 Preview
- Google Search: UFC 321
- MMA Fighting: UFC 321 Roundtable
- Google Scholar: UFC 321
- MMA Mania: Mackenzie Dern Not Ready
- Encyclopedia Britannica: UFC
- Sherdog: Umar Nurmagomedov Interview
- Google News: UFC 321
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
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