News Summary
The UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall will defend his title for the first time against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi. This event features two title fights, with Aspinall entering the octagon after a dominant performance and Gane ranked as the top contender. Their contrasting styles and fight records promise an electrifying match. Alongside them, Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern will compete for the vacant women’s strawweight championship. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+ PPV.
Abu Dhabi will host UFC 321 on Saturday, October 25, 2025, where the UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is set to defend his title for the first time against the former interim champion Ciryl Gane. The event will take place at the Etihad Arena, showcasing two title fights at the top of the card, highlighting the event’s significance in the UFC calendar.
Aspinall, who transitioned from interim to undisputed champion following Jon Jones’s retirement, boasts a professional fight record of 15 wins and 3 losses. His last appearance in the octagon was a remarkable performance, where he knocked out Curtis Blaydes in the first round 15 months ago. Aspinall weighed in for the fight at 255 pounds (18st 3lb), which is 7.5 pounds heavier than Gane, who tipped the scales at 247.5 pounds (17st 9.5lb).
Ciryl Gane enters this championship match with a record of 13 wins and 2 losses. Known for his striking prowess, Gane has won his last two fights and is currently ranked as the number one contender in the heavyweight division. Previously, Gane held the interim championship title but faced defeats against Francis Ngannou in 2022 and Jon Jones in March 2023, falling short of securing the undisputed title on both occasions.
Co-Main Event Details
The co-main event will feature Virna Jandiroba taking on Mackenzie Dern for the vacant women’s strawweight championship. Jandiroba is currently enjoying a five-fight win streak, while Dern has alternated wins and losses in her last four contests, compiling a record of 2-2 during that stretch.
Event Significance
UFC 321 is pivotal for both Aspinall and Gane as they look to establish their legacies in the heavyweight division. Aspinall’s striking activities are unique due to his record for the shortest average fight time in the UFC, clocking in at just 2 minutes and 2 seconds. Remarkably, he has finished all of his professional bouts by stoppage. His grappling skills further enhance his fighting style, creating a contrasting dynamic against Gane’s striking accuracy of 61.3%.
Experts are analyzing the fight closely, weighing Gane’s technical striking against Aspinall’s knockout power and grappling advantages. This matchup is expected to pose significant challenges for both fighters as they strategize to secure the victory.
Viewing Information
Fight fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+ PPV. The preliminary card will kick off at 10 a.m. ET, followed by the main card at 2 p.m. ET, highlighting the excitement surrounding this high-stakes event.
As the event approaches, excitement continues to build. Aspinall has expressed enthusiasm about defending his title and hinted at delivering a “very special performance.” Meanwhile, Gane maintained a calm demeanor during the weigh-ins, taking the opportunity to express gratitude to his supporters, showing confidence as he prepares for this high-profile battle.
The heavyweight championship match is anticipated to be one of the highlights of the UFC calendar, with both fighters eager to prove their worth in the octagon.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UFC 321 Set to Feature Heavyweight Championship Fight
UFC 321 Features Heavyweight Championship Showdown
UFC 323 Set for Historic Bantamweight Title Rematch
UFC BJJ 2 Features Elite Grappling and New Champions
Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
