News Summary
The upcoming UFC 321 event in Abu Dhabi promises a thrilling lineup, headlined by a heavyweight clash between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane. Aspinall, back after a lengthy absence, faces Gane, eager to reclaim his spot following recent losses. The co-main event features Mackenzie Dern against Virna Jandiroba for the vacant strawweight title, while other featured bouts include Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Mario Bautista and Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida. With rising talents showcased across the preliminary card, UFC 321 is set to be a defining event for multiple divisions.
UFC 321 Set for Major Fight Card in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – On October 25, 2025, the UFC will host one of its most anticipated events of the year at the Etihad Arena. UFC 321 features 13 fights across multiple weight classes, including a headline bout that has fans eagerly awaiting a high-stakes heavyweight clash between reigning champion Tom Aspinall and former interim champion Ciryl Gane.
Main Event Highlights
The main event pits heavyweight Tom Aspinall (15-3) against Ciryl Gane (13-2) in a fight that carries significant implications for the division’s landscape. Aspinall, who is returning to the Octagon after over a year following his quick first-round knockout of Curtis Blaydes in July of the previous year, was elevated from interim to undisputed heavyweight champion after Jon Jones retired in June. Aspinall has a notable record of earning performance of the night bonuses seven times and is regarded as a rising force in the heavyweight division.
Gane, who last fought in title bouts against Jones and Ngannou, has suffered recent setbacks, losing the last two championship fights. Despite this, Gane remains a formidable contender with a strong ground game and striking skills. The bout, scheduled to start around 10 PM BST (5 PM ET), promises to be a crucial encounter for divisional rankings.
Co-Main Event and Other Key Matchups
The co-main event features Mackenzie Dern versus Virna Jandiroba for the vacant strawweight title. The title was vacated by Zhang Weili after her move up to the next weight class. Both fighters aim to cement their status as champion in a division currently considered to lack depth due to several top contenders moving divisions or experiencing losses. The outcome of this fight could significantly impact the division’s future landscape.
Further battles include a bantamweight showdown between Umar Nurmagomedov (18-1) and Mario Bautista (9-1). Nurmagomedov, returning after his first loss in a title challenge earlier this year, faces Bautista, who has been on an impressive eight-fight winning streak and is viewed as an underdog with potential to shake up the division’s rankings.
In the heavyweight division, Alexander Volkov takes on Jailton Almeida. Almeida, an emerging grappling specialist with an 8-1 record, is seeking a win that could lead to a title shot, while Volkov is attempting to recover from a controversial defeat to Gane and reassert his standing in the heavyweight ranks.
The light heavyweight division features a notable clash between Aleksandar Rakic and Azamat Murzakanov. Murzakanov, who remains undefeated at 5-0 in the UFC, aims to elevate his career further, while Rakic, known for competing against some top heavyweights earlier in his career, looks to re-establish himself in the division.
Preliminary Card and Rising Talent
The preliminary fights will showcase fighters across lightweight, middleweight, and flyweight divisions, serving as an opportunity for emerging talent to make a mark. The event is expected to be competitive and dynamic, with fighters eager to showcase their skills in front of a global audience.
Among the fighters gaining attention are Mario Bautista for his consistent winning streak, Azamat Murzakanov for his undefeated UFC record, and Gabriel Delgado who is considered a promising contender in his division. These fighters each have the potential to significantly impact their weight classes based on their performances at UFC 321.
Broadcast Details and Expectations
Coverage for UFC 321 begins at 4 PM BST (11 AM ET), with the main card scheduled to start at 10 PM BST (5 PM ET). In the United States, the event will be available via ESPN+ Pay-Per-View, while in the United Kingdom, fans can watch on TNT Sports Box Office. The event has garnered excitement as one of the year’s premier fight cards, with multiple bouts that could influence the future of their respective divisions.
Overall, UFC 321 is anticipated to deliver intense competition, high-level skills, and decisive outcomes that will shape the rankings and championship prospects across the UFC’s divisions, making it a must-watch event for MMA fans worldwide.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UFC 321 Set for Abu Dhabi with Heavyweight Championship on the Line
UFC 320 to Feature Two Title Fights at T-Mobile Arena
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
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, 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 the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
