The highly anticipated UFC 321: Aspinall vs Gane delivered drama, heartbreak, and big performances at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on October 25, 2025. While fans expected a defining heavyweight clash, the main event ended abruptly in controversy after an accidental eye poke stopped the fight in the first round. Still, the rest of the card offered thrilling action — from Mackenzie Dern’s championship win to Umar Nurmagomedov’s technical dominance and Azamat Murzakanov’s brutal knockout.
Let’s break down all the main highlights, results, and what’s next for the UFC after a chaotic night in Abu Dhabi.
Main Event: Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane Ends in No Contest
The heavyweight title fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane was set to settle one of the most competitive divisions in MMA. Unfortunately, the bout ended in shocking fashion just 4:35 into Round 1 after Gane accidentally poked Aspinall in both eyes during an exchange.
Aspinall, clearly in pain, told the referee he couldn’t see, leading to the fight being ruled a no contest. The Abu Dhabi crowd, disappointed by the sudden ending, initially booed, prompting Aspinall to respond emotionally:
“Guys, I just got poked knuckle-deep in the eyeball. What are you booing for? I didn’t do the poke!”
Before the incident, both fighters looked sharp. Gane’s jab opened a cut on Aspinall’s nose, while the Briton landed several heavy leg kicks. The early moments hinted at a tactical and explosive battle — one that ended too soon.
Afterward, Gane apologized, saying, “I’m sorry for Tom, for the fans, and for myself. We both put a lot into this. I hope we can run it back.”
Dana White later confirmed the UFC is working to rebook the rematch, calling it “unfinished business” for both men.
Co-Main Event: Mackenzie Dern Becomes Strawweight Champion
In the co-main event, Mackenzie Dern captured her first UFC title, defeating Virna Jandiroba by unanimous decision (48–47, 48–47, 49–46) to claim the vacant women’s strawweight belt.
The two world-class grapplers turned their rematch into a striking battle, with Dern landing the cleaner, more damaging shots throughout the five-round contest. Jandiroba scored multiple takedowns but struggled to create real offense on the ground.
Dern’s improved striking and composure were key to her victory, marking a full-circle moment for the Brazilian-American. A decade after winning her biggest jiu-jitsu title in Abu Dhabi, she returned to the same city to achieve UFC gold.
“I feel like I’ve grown so much as a fighter,” Dern said post-fight. “This belt is a dream come true. I’ve worked for this moment my entire life.”
⚡ Umar Nurmagomedov Dominates Mario Bautista
In the bantamweight division, Umar Nurmagomedov delivered a measured yet dominant performance against Mario Bautista, winning by unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 30–27).
Nurmagomedov, cousin of former champion Khabib, showed his trademark grappling control and defensive precision, neutralizing Bautista’s striking while landing crisp counters.
The win keeps Nurmagomedov near the top of the bantamweight ladder, and he is now expected to face the winner of Merab Dvalishvili vs Petr Yan 2 for a potential title shot in 2026.
Alexander Volkov Outpoints Jailton Almeida in Heavyweight Battle
Veteran heavyweight Alexander Volkov edged Jailton Almeida in a close split decision (29–28, 29–28, 28–29). Almeida repeatedly took Volkov down but failed to inflict real damage, while Volkov landed the cleaner strikes and controlled the pace on the feet.
The judges favored Volkov’s aggression and activity, giving the Russian a much-needed bounce-back win and keeping him in the top-five mix.
Azamat Murzakanov Stuns Rakic with Brutal Knockout
Kicking off the main card, Azamat Murzakanov extended his unbeaten streak to 16–0 by finishing Aleksandar Rakic with a devastating first-round knockout.
The Russian power puncher connected with a short right hand that instantly dropped Rakic, earning him a Performance of the Night bonus and a potential No. 1 contender fight in the light heavyweight division.
Murzakanov told Daniel Cormier afterward:
“I’m ready for anyone in the top five. I want the belt next.”
Prelims Highlights
The undercard featured several standout moments:
-
Quillan Salkilld defeated Nasrat Haqparast via head-kick knockout in Round 1 — one of the night’s most viral finishes.
-
Nathaniel Wood earned a close unanimous decision win over Jose Delgado, marking his third straight victory.
-
Valter Walker scored a slick heel-hook submission in under 90 seconds, securing a $50K bonus.
-
Ľudovít Klein vs Mateusz Rebecki won Fight of the Night honors after a back-and-forth majority decision thriller.
Bonus Winners
-
Fight of the Night: Ľudovít Klein vs Mateusz Rebecki
-
Performance of the Night: Quillan Salkilld, Valter Walker
Each earned a $50,000 bonus for their spectacular performances.
What’s Next?
The heavyweight division remains in limbo following the Aspinall–Gane no contest. A rematch early next year seems likely, possibly at UFC 324 in January 2026. Mackenzie Dern now stands atop the strawweight division, with top contenders like Tatiana Suarez and Amanda Lemos likely eyeing her first defense.
Meanwhile, Umar Nurmagomedov’s win sets up a major storyline heading into UFC 323, where Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan meet in their championship rematch.
Despite the anticlimactic ending, UFC 321 still delivered elite-level fights, new champions, and fresh rivalries — ensuring that the UFC’s 2025 season ends with more questions than answers.
