News Summary
The upcoming UFC 321 event in Abu Dhabi will feature heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall defending his title against former interim champion Ciryl Gane. This highly anticipated match marks Aspinall’s first title defense and comes after his impressive victory over Curtis Blaydes. Gane, boasting a strong record, looks to reclaim the championship after previous losses. Additionally, a co-main event will see Virna Jandiroba face Mackenzie Dern for the vacant women’s strawweight title. With elevated stakes and diverse fight styles, this event promises exciting matchups for MMA fans.
Abu Dhabi will host the highly anticipated main event of UFC 321 on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The bout will see UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall defending his title for the first time against former interim champion Ciryl Gane. This match is expected to be a significant highlight in the world of mixed martial arts.
Aspinall, who claimed the interim title in July 2022, boasts a professional record of 15 wins and 3 losses, and currently holds the undisputed championship following Jon Jones‘ retirement. He is coming off an impressive victory over Curtis Blaydes, whom he defeated by knockout in the first round 15 months ago. Aspinall weighed in at 255 pounds (18st 3lb), which is 7.5 pounds heavier than his opponent Gane, who weighed in at 247.5 pounds (17st 9.5lb).
Ciryl Gane presents a formidable challenge, with a record of 13 wins and 2 losses. He has recently achieved back-to-back victories, solidifying his position as the number one contender in the heavyweight division. Gane was previously the interim champion but lost the undisputed title to Francis Ngannou in 2022 and again to Jon Jones in March 2023.
The co-main event of UFC 321 will feature a match for the vacant women’s strawweight championship, pitting Virna Jandiroba against Mackenzie Dern. Jandiroba is currently riding a five-fight win streak, while Dern’s record in her last four fights stands at 2-2.
UFC 321 is particularly significant as it will showcase two title fights at the top of the card, reflecting the stakes involved for both Aspinall and Gane. Aspinall has expressed excitement for his title defense, promising a “very special performance” and emphasizing the importance of this matchup for his career progression. In contrast, Gane maintained a calm demeanor during weigh-ins, expressing gratitude to the crowd.
Aspinall is known for his remarkably quick fight pace, holding the UFC record for the shortest average fight time at 2 minutes and 2 seconds, and has finished all his professional bouts by stoppage. His skills combine effective striking and grappling, offering a diverse threat for Gane. On the other hand, Gane has demonstrated exceptional striking accuracy at 61.3%, showcasing his technical prowess in recent matches.
Experts anticipate a compelling matchup between the two fighters. While Gane may be regarded as the more technical striker, Aspinall’s knockout power and grappling strengths could provide him with an advantage leading to victory. This clash of styles is expected to draw significant interest from fans and analysts alike.
UFC 321 will be available for viewing on ESPN+ PPV, with preliminary fights beginning at 10 a.m. ET, followed by the main card scheduled for 2 p.m. ET. With elevated stakes for both title fights, the event promises to be a milestone in the careers of the participating fighters, notably Aspinall and Gane.
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
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