The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to Abu Dhabi this fall with a blockbuster card. UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane is set for Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Etihad Arena, Yas Island, marking the promotion’s 22nd visit to the UAE. Headlined by a heavyweight title clash between England’s Tom Aspinall and France’s Ciryl Gane, the event promises to deliver high stakes, championship drama, and a lineup stacked with global MMA talent.
A Heavyweight Showdown: Aspinall vs. Gane
The main event features UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall (15-3) making his first defense of the undisputed title. Aspinall has quickly risen to the top of the division, showcasing his crisp boxing, speed, and underrated grappling. After being elevated to undisputed champion earlier this year, the Manchester-born fighter will now put his belt on the line in enemy territory.
Across the cage stands Ciryl “Bon Gamin” Gane (13-2), a former interim champion known for his elite footwork and technical striking. Gane has already fought for undisputed gold twice before, falling short against Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones. With this third opportunity, he hopes to finally cement himself as the best heavyweight in the world.
This matchup represents a clash of styles: Aspinall’s aggressive pressure and finishing ability versus Gane’s fluid movement and precision striking. The heavyweight division has been searching for stability in recent years, and UFC 321 could crown a dominant champion for the future.
Co-Main Event: Strawweight Gold on the Line
The co-main event is just as compelling. With Zhang Weili vacating the UFC Strawweight Championship to pursue flyweight glory, the vacant title will be contested between Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern.
Jandiroba, a former Invicta FC champion, brings world-class jiu-jitsu and relentless pressure. Standing across from her, Dern is one of the most dangerous submission artists in women’s MMA. The two fighters have met before at UFC 256 in 2020, where Dern claimed a unanimous decision victory. Now, nearly five years later, Jandiroba will look to avenge that loss and capture UFC gold for the first time.
Main Card Highlights
Beyond the two title fights, UFC 321 features a stacked main card with major divisional implications:
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Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida (Heavyweight)
A crucial matchup between veteran striker Volkov and rising grappling powerhouse Almeida. The winner could find themselves in the conversation for a future title shot. -
Aleksandar Rakić vs. Azamat Murzakanov (Light Heavyweight)
Rakić returns after injury setbacks to face the undefeated Murzakanov, who has quickly made waves at 205 pounds. -
Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Chris Barnett (Heavyweight)
Fan-favorite Barnett brings his wild energy against Abdelwahab, Egypt’s first UFC fighter. -
Ikram Aliskerov vs. Park Jun-yong (Middleweight)
A clash of two well-rounded middleweights looking to break into the rankings. -
Azat Maksum vs. Mitch Raposo (Flyweight)
Maksum, a surging flyweight from Kazakhstan, tests himself against American prospect Raposo. -
Jaqueline Amorim vs. Mizuki Inoue (Women’s Strawweight)
Two aggressive fighters aiming to climb the competitive strawweight ladder.
Prelims and Featured Bouts
The undercard is equally strong, with several matchups featuring rising talent and established contenders:
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Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Mario Bautista (Bantamweight)
Originally scheduled for UFC Vancouver, this bout has been shifted to Abu Dhabi. Nurmagomedov, cousin of Khabib, is unbeaten in the UFC and looking to edge closer to title contention. Bautista, however, has been on a hot streak and could steal the spotlight with an upset. -
Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady vs. Matheus Camilo (Lightweight)
A battle between two entertaining lightweights, sure to deliver fireworks. -
Mateusz Rębecki vs. Ľudovít Klein (Lightweight)
Rębecki, one of Poland’s top fighters, takes on Slovakia’s Klein in a matchup of powerful strikers. -
Nathaniel Wood vs. Jose Miguel Delgado (Featherweight)
England’s Wood faces American newcomer Delgado in a fight that could determine the next big thing at 145 pounds
Event Details: How to Watch
Fans around the world can catch UFC 321 live:
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Early Prelims: 4:15 PM GST (Watch on UFC Fight Pass)
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Prelims: 8:00 PM GST (Watch on Starzplay)
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Main Card (PPV): 12:00 AM GST, available on Starzplay in the Middle East and through ESPN+/Disney+ in the U.S.
Tickets for UFC 321 are available through official UFC outlets and Etihad Arena’s box office, with VIP experiences also offered.
Why UFC 321 Matters
This event is significant for several reasons. First, it could solidify Tom Aspinall’s status as the true heavyweight king or mark Ciryl Gane’s long-awaited redemption. Second, the crowning of a new women’s strawweight champion ensures fresh storylines for one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions. Finally, with a deep undercard, UFC 321 has the potential to influence title pictures across multiple weight classes heading into 2026.
For Abu Dhabi, the event also continues its tradition as a global hub for MMA. The Etihad Arena has hosted some of the UFC’s most memorable cards in recent years, and UFC 321 looks primed to add to that legacy.
Final Thoughts
With two championship fights, multiple top-contender bouts, and an international stage, UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane is shaping up as one of the year’s biggest events. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a casual viewer, this card offers must-watch action from start to finish.
As fight night approaches, MainCardMoney will keep you updated with fight-week news, betting analysis, and breakdowns of the key matchups. Stay tuned for all things UFC 321.
