News Summary
UFC 321 will take place at Etihad Arena, featuring heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall defending his title against Ciryl Gane. This event promises an action-packed card with 13 fights, including a co-main event for the vacant strawweight title between Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba. Other notable matchups include bantamweights Umar Nurmagomedov and Mario Bautista, and heavyweights Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida. Expect significant implications for contenders across multiple divisions at this thrilling event.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – UFC 321 is set for an electrifying showdown on October 25, 2025, at the Etihad Arena, headlined by heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall defensing his title against former interim champion Ciryl Gane. This high-stakes event features a total of 13 fights spanning multiple weight classes, promising significant implications across various divisions.
The main event will feature Aspinall, with a record of 15-3, returning to the Octagon for the first time since his first-round knockout victory over Curtis Blaydes in July of the previous year. Aspinall was elevated to the undisputed heavyweight champion following Jon Jones’ retirement in June. Notably, he has earned performance of the night bonuses seven times throughout his career, demonstrating his finishing ability and entertaining fighting style.
On the other hand, Ciryl Gane, with a record of 13-2, is looking to rebound after suffering defeats in his last two title bouts against both Jones and Francis Ngannou. This matchup is pivotal for Gane, who aims to reclaim his position in the heavyweight division after a series of challenging contests.
UFC 321 is poised to commence coverage at 4 PM BST (11 AM ET), with the main event slated to start at 10 PM BST (5 PM ET). Fans in the UK can catch the event on TNT Sports Box Office, while viewers in the United States can tune in via ESPN+ PPV.
In the co-main event, the vacant strawweight title will be contested by Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba. Both fighters are eager to establish themselves as champions in a division currently characterized by a lack of depth following Zhang Weili‘s move up in weight. This match presents a significant opportunity for both competitors to secure their legacies within the sport.
Another noteworthy bout on the card features bantamweight fighters Umar Nurmagomedov (18-1) and Mario Bautista (9-1). This clash could determine the next title challenger in one of the most competitive divisions in the UFC. Nurmagomedov is looking to bounce back after experiencing his first loss in a title fight against Merab Dvalishvili earlier this year. Conversely, Bautista is entering the fight on an impressive eight-fight winning streak, positioning him as an underappreciated contender within the bantamweight ranks.
Additionally, heavyweight competitors Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida are set to clash, with each fighter seeking to establish their title aspirations. Almeida, a grappling specialist with a record of 8-1, aims to secure a title shot with a victory over Volkov, who is determined to recover from a controversial loss to Gane.
Light heavyweight fighters Aleksandar Rakic and Azamat Murzakanov will also face off in another critical bout within their division. Murzakanov, undefeated in the UFC at 5-0, is eager to solidify his ranking against Rakic, a former competitor among elite heavyweights.
The preliminary card features a variety of matchups across multiple divisions, including lightweight, middleweight, and flyweight. Numerous fighters are keen to seize the opportunity to make a strong impression and establish themselves in the UFC.
Three promising athletes to keep an eye on during UFC 321 include Bautista, Murzakanov, and Delgado. Each possesses impressive records and the potential for significant impacts in their respective weight classes. UFC 321 is touted as one of the premier fight cards of the year, compelling fans with its exciting matchups and pivotal fights that are sure to shape the futures of numerous competitors across the organization.
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HERE Resources
Abu Dhabi Hosts UFC 321 Title Showdown
Las Vegas to Host UFC 320 Featuring Two Title Fights
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 INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion 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 Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
