Abu Dhabi, October 21, 2025
News Summary
The eagerly awaited UFC 321 event will showcase Tom Aspinall defending his heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Fans can expect a day filled with mixed martial arts action, featuring a preliminary card followed by the main event. Aspinall, with an impressive record, looks to solidify his championship reign against Gane, who aims to reclaim the heavyweight title. Additional fights, including a co-main event for the vacant strawweight title, add excitement to the lineup.
Abu Dhabi Hosts UFC 321: Aspinall Defends Heavyweight Title Against Gane
UFC 321 is set to take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The highly anticipated main event features Tom Aspinall defending his undisputed heavyweight championship against Ciryl Gane, the former interim champion. This match marks the first defense of the heavyweight title in 11 months, following Aspinall’s elevation from interim champion under unique circumstances.
The event provides fans with a full day of mixed martial arts, starting with preliminary card action at 10 AM ET, and the main card kicking off at 2 PM ET. The preliminary fights can be viewed on FX, as well as streamed on Disney+ and ESPN+. For those looking to catch the main card, it will be available to watch on ESPN+ for a pay-per-view fee of $79.99.
Aspinall’s Championship Background
Tom Aspinall, who possesses an impressive MMA record of 15 wins and 3 losses, currently holds the undisputed heavyweight championship after being elevated due to Jon Jones’ retirement. Aspinall has made a significant impact in the UFC, with 8 wins and only 1 loss in the promotion. His sole defeat came from a freak accident—a knee injury sustained in the opening seconds of a fight against Curtis Blaydes in 2022.
Aspinall’s UFC tenure has been marked by remarkable statistics, including 7 first-round finishes, the most by any fighter in UFC history with only nine Octagon appearances. He has the shortest average fight time at 2 minutes and 2 seconds, signalling his efficiency and effectiveness in the octagon. Remarkably, Aspinall spent just one second in the bottom position throughout his UFC career, showcasing his grappling skills and ability to avoid submission attempts.
Additionally, he averages 4.09 knockdowns per 15 minutes, the highest in UFC heavyweight history, and lands an astonishing 8.07 significant strikes per minute, also a record for his weight class. His significant strike differential stands at plus-5.18 per minute, emphasizing his striking prowess and ability to dominate his opponents.
Ciryl Gane: A Challenging Opponent
Ciryl Gane is entering this title fight coming off a controversial win against Alexander Volkov, but his past includes two previous losses in title fights. This adds an intriguing dynamic to the matchup, as Gane aims to reclaim his status at the top of the heavyweight division. The betting odds currently favor Aspinall, who is listed at -425.
Co-Main Event Highlights
In addition to the heavyweight title bout, UFC 321 features a co-main event for the vacant strawweight title, with Mackenzie Dern taking on Virna Jandiroba. Other notable matchups include Umar Nurmagomedov facing Mario Bautista, Alexander Volkov against Jailton Almeida, and Aleksandar Rakic competing against Azamat Murzakanov.
This event is part of the UFC’s ongoing strategy to expand its footprint in the Middle East region, bringing premier mixed martial arts competition to a growing fanbase.
Conclusion
UFC 321 promises to deliver exhilarating fights, with the heavyweight title on the line and formidable contenders in the co-main event. Fans eagerly await the outcome as Tom Aspinall looks to solidify his reign against Ciryl Gane in Abu Dhabi.
FAQ Section
What is UFC 321?
UFC 321 is a mixed martial arts event scheduled for October 25, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, featuring a heavyweight title fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane.
Where can I watch UFC 321?
The preliminary card can be viewed on FX and streamed on Disney+ and ESPN+. The main card is available for pay-per-view on ESPN+ for $79.99.
When does the event start?
The preliminary card starts at 10 AM ET, while the main card begins at 2 PM ET.
What is Tom Aspinall’s record?
Tom Aspinall has an MMA record of 15 wins and 3 losses, with an 8-1 record in the UFC.
What is Ciryl Gane’s recent performance?
Ciryl Gane is coming off a controversial win against Alexander Volkov, but he has two prior losses in title fights.
What other fights are featured on the card?
Notable fights on the card include Mackenzie Dern vs. Virna Jandiroba, Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Mario Bautista, Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida, and Aleksandar Rakic vs. Azamat Murzakanov.
Key Features of UFC 321
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | October 25, 2025 |
| Location | Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| Main Fight | Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane |
| Co-Main Event | Mackenzie Dern vs. Virna Jandiroba |
| Preliminary Card Start Time | 10 AM ET |
| Main Card Start Time | 2 PM ET |
| Pay-Per-View Price | $79.99 on ESPN+ |
| Aspinall’s Record | 15 Wins, 3 Losses |
| Gane’s Record | Former Interim Champion |
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
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