Abu Dhabi, October 22, 2025
News Summary
UFC 321 is set to showcase a thrilling lineup with heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall defending his title against Ciryl Gane. The event will also feature a co-main event for the vacant strawweight title and other significant matchups across multiple divisions. Fans can expect a high-stakes evening that promises to redefine rankings in several categories. UFC 321 will take place on October 25 in Abu Dhabi, with an impressive fight card that includes emergent talent and veteran fighters alike.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – UFC 321 is set to take place on October 25, 2025, showcasing an electrifying lineup of 13 fights across various weight classes. The event is poised to feature heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall defending his title against former interim champion Ciryl Gane in the highly anticipated main event.
Aspinall, with a professional record of 15 wins and 3 losses, will be making his return to the Octagon after a Round 1 knockout victory over Curtis Blaydes in July of last year. He was elevated to the undisputed champion status following the retirement of Jon Jones in June 2025. Aspinall has been recognized seven times for his outstanding performances in the Octagon.
In contrast, Gane comes into this matchup with a record of 13 wins and 2 losses and is looking to rebound after suffering defeats in his last two title fights against Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou. This headliner is not only crucial for Aspinall but also for Gane as he attempts to reclaim his standing in the heavyweight division.
UFC 321’s fight card will kick off at 4 PM BST (11 AM ET), with the main event projected to start at 10 PM BST (5 PM ET). For fans wishing to watch, the pay-per-view will be available on TNT Sports Box Office in the UK and ESPN+ PPV in the US.
Co-Main Event Highlights
The co-main event features a battle for the vacant strawweight title between Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba. With Zhang Weili vacating her championship to move up in weight, both fighters are eager to establish themselves as titleholders within a division that currently lacks depth.
Other Noteworthy Fights
In the bantamweight division, Umar Nurmagomedov (18-1) will face Mario Bautista (9-1) in a bout that could determine the next title challenger. Nurmagomedov is looking to bounce back after suffering his first professional loss earlier this year in a title fight, while Bautista rides an eight-fight winning streak and is seen as an underappreciated competitor.
Furthermore, heavyweight contenders Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida will go head-to-head, with Almeida aiming to solidify his title contender status through this matchup. Almeida is known for his grappling abilities, while Volkov seeks redemption after a controversial loss to Gane.
Light heavyweight athletes Aleksandar Rakic and Azamat Murzakanov are also set to compete in what is anticipated to be a significant clash within their category. Murzakanov remains undefeated in the UFC with a record of 5-0, while Rakic has previous experience against elite heavyweights and is eager to reclaim his spot among the ranks.
Preliminary Card and Rising Stars
The preliminary card offers additional matchups across lightweight, middleweight, and flyweight divisions featuring ambitious fighters keen on making their mark in the UFC. Promising fighters to keep an eye on during UFC 321 include Bautista, Murzakanov, and another rising star, Delgado, all of whom have impressive records and the potential to impact their respective divisions significantly.
UFC 321 is being regarded as one of the best fight cards of the year, showcasing crucial matchups across various weight classes that promise to shape the future of multiple divisions.
Fight Card Summary
| Fight | Division | Fighter Records |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane | Heavyweight Championship | Aspinall (15-3), Gane (13-2) |
| Mackenzie Dern vs. Virna Jandiroba | Strawweight Title | Dern (Record TBD), Jandiroba (Record TBD) |
| Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Mario Bautista | Bantamweight | Nurmagomedov (18-1), Bautista (9-1) |
| Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida | Heavyweight | Volkov (Record TBD), Almeida (8-1) |
| Aleksandar Rakic vs. Azamat Murzakanov | Light Heavyweight | Rakic (Record TBD), Murzakanov (5-0) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When will UFC 321 take place?
UFC 321 is set for October 25, 2025.
Where is UFC 321 being held?
The event will take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
What are the main fights on the card?
The main event features Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title, and the co-main event features Mackenzie Dern vs. Virna Jandiroba for the vacant strawweight title.
How can I watch UFC 321?
The pay-per-view will be available on TNT Sports Box Office in the UK and ESPN+ PPV in the US.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UFC 321: Aspinall Set to Defend Heavyweight Title
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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