News Summary
UFC 321 is scheduled to take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, featuring a heavyweight title defense by Tom Aspinall against Ciryl Gane. Aspinall, who became the undisputed champion after Jon Jones’ retirement, aims to solidify his status in the division. The event will also include exciting matchups on the preliminary card and co-main event, further highlighting UFC’s expansion in the Middle East. Fans can look forward to an action-packed card promising high stakes and dynamic performances.
UFC 321 Set for Abu Dhabi with Major Heavyweight Matchup
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates — This Saturday, October 25, 2025, the Etihad Arena will host UFC 321, a highly anticipated mixed martial arts event featuring a heavyweight title defense in the main event. The event marks the first time in nearly a year that the undisputed heavyweight champion is defending his title, underscoring its significance in the UFC calendar for 2025.
Main Event: Heavyweight Title Defense
Tom Aspinall, who recently ascended from interim to undisputed champion after Jon Jones’ retirement, will face Ciryl Gane, a former interim titleholder seeking to reclaim his standing in the heavyweight division. Aspinall holds a professional MMA record of 15 wins and 3 losses, with his UFC record standing at 8 wins and 1 loss. His lone defeat was due to an unexpected knee injury in 2022 during a fight against Curtis Blaydes.
Aspinall has demonstrated a remarkable ability to finish fights early, with 7 of his UFC wins coming in the first round. His fighting style is characterized by aggressive striking and quick finishes, making him one of the most dynamic heavyweights in UFC history. He averages 8.07 significant strikes per minute and holds the highest significant strike differential of +5.18 per minute among heavyweight fighters. Additionally, Aspinall is known for his high number of knockdowns, averaging 4.09 per 15 minutes, the top record for UFC heavyweight history.
Event Schedule and Viewing Options
The preliminary card begins at 10 a.m. Eastern Time, featuring several exciting matchups, and will be available on FX, as well as for streaming on Disney+ and ESPN+. The main card is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. Eastern Time and can be viewed exclusively via ESPN+ pay-per-view, costing $79.99.
Co-Main Event and Other Notable Contests
The co-main event features a battle for the vacant strawweight title between Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba. Fans can also look forward to other compelling fights, including Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Mario Bautista, Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida, and Aleksandar Rakic vs. Azamat Murzakanov.
Background and Context
Tom Aspinall aims to solidify his dominance in the heavyweight division by securing a decisive victory over Gane, especially after achieving undisputed champion status following Jon Jones’ departure from the division. Aspinall’s recent performances have generated expectations for him to maintain his top-tier status and potentially set up future title defenses.
Ciryl Gane enters this fight coming off a somewhat controversial win against Alexander Volkov. Gane has experienced two previous losses in title fights, both of which he aims to avenge with a victory over Aspinall. Gane’s style, marked by technical striking and agility, contrasts with Aspinall’s aggressive approach.
Betting odds favor Aspinall to win the bout, with a line of -425, indicating he is a strong favorite among bookmakers.
UFC’s Expansion into the Middle East
UFC continues to expand its global reach with events in the Middle East, leveraging Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a host city for international MMA. UFC 321 is part of broader efforts to establish a more significant presence in the Middle East market, engaging local fans and showcasing top-tier fighters in the region.
Overall, UFC 321 promises to deliver high-stakes action with a focus on heavyweight drama, anticipated finishes, and a mix of veteran and emerging talents. Fans worldwide are set to tune in to witness the next chapter in the fighters’ careers and the continued evolution of the UFC in 2025.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UFC 320 to Feature Two Title Fights at T-Mobile Arena
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
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.
