News Summary
UFC 321 is poised to take place at Etihad Arena, featuring a notable heavyweight championship bout between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane. Aspinall, defending his title for the first time, is facing a determined Gane, aiming to re-establish his stature after recent title losses. The event will also include a co-main event for the vacant strawweight title and other exciting matchups that promise to impact the heavyweight and bantamweight divisions. Fan access will be available via various pay-per-view platforms.
Abu Dhabi will host UFC 321 on October 25, 2025, at the Etihad Arena. This highly anticipated event features a total of 13 fights across various weight classes, highlighted by a championship bout between heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and former interim champion Ciryl Gane.
The main event is particularly significant, as Aspinall, with a record of 15-3, will defend his title for the first time following his elevation from interim to undisputed champion after Jon Jones announced his retirement in June. Aspinall is coming off a Round 1 knockout victory against Curtis Blaydes in July of the previous year, reflecting his status as one of the top fighters in the division. His performances have earned him a total of seven performance of the night bonuses throughout his career.
On the other hand, Gane enters this bout with a record of 13-2, after losing his last two title challenges against Jones and Francis Ngannou. Gane is aiming to re-establish himself in the heavyweight division with a win against Aspinall.
The event’s coverage will begin at 4 PM BST (11 AM ET), with the main event anticipated to start at 10 PM BST (5 PM ET). Fans in the UK can watch the pay-per-view through TNT Sports Box Office, while those in the US can access it via ESPN+ PPV.
In addition to the heavyweight title fight, UFC 321 features a co-main event where Mackenzie Dern faces Virna Jandiroba for the vacant strawweight title. This matchup arises as former champion Zhang Weili has vacated the title to pursue opportunities in a higher weight class. Both fighters are vying to cement their legacy by capturing a championship in a division that is currently lacking depth.
Another significant bout on the card includes Umar Nurmagomedov (18-1) facing off against Mario Bautista (9-1) in a bantamweight clash. The outcome of this fight could potentially determine the next title challenger. Nurmagomedov is looking to bounce back after suffering his first loss in a title contest against Merab Dvalishvili earlier this year. Meanwhile, Bautista, riding an impressive eight-fight winning streak, is recognized as a formidable competitor within the division.
The heavyweight match between Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida also holds title implications. Almeida, whose record stands at 8-1, is a grappling expert aiming for a title shot, while Volkov is eager to recover from a controversial loss to Gane.
Moreover, the event will feature a notable light heavyweight clash between Aleksandar Rakic and Azamat Murzakanov. Murzakanov, who remains undefeated at 5-0 in the UFC, is aiming to solidify his ranking, while Rakic seeks to regain his footing after previously competing at a high level with elite heavyweights.
Complementing these prominent fights, the preliminary card will showcase matchups across multiple divisions such as lightweight, middleweight, and flyweight, with numerous fighters aiming to establish their foothold in the UFC.
UFC 321 is generating buzz as it features a lineup filled with high-stakes matchups that could significantly influence the futures of various divisions within the organization. Noteworthy fighters to watch include Bautista, Murzakanov, and the promising Delgado, each of whom possesses impressive records that suggest they have the potential for impactful performances at this event.
This event is shaping up to be one of the most exciting fight cards of the year, and fans can expect thrilling bouts that promise to deliver some unforgettable moments in the Octagon.
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HERE Resources
UFC 321 Features Heavyweight Championship Showdown
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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