News Summary
UFC 321 is set for October 25, 2025, in Abu Dhabi featuring 13 fights across various weight classes. Highlighted by heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall defending his title against Ciryl Gane, the event features pivotal matchups that could reshape several divisions. Fans can also look forward to a co-main event with Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba vying for the vacant strawweight title, and important fights in bantamweight and heavyweight categories.
Abu Dhabi to Host UFC 321 on October 25, 2025
UFC 321 will take place on October 25, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The event features a total of 13 fights across various weight classes, with a highlight on high-stakes matchups that could significantly impact several divisions within the UFC.
The main event will see heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall defend his title against former interim champion Ciryl Gane. Aspinall, boasting a record of 15 wins and 3 losses, returns to the Octagon for the first time since his first-round knockout of Curtis Blaydes in July of last year. His elevation from interim champion to undisputed champion followed the retirement of Jon Jones in June.
In contrast, Gane, with a record of 13 wins and 2 losses, enters the fight following two consecutive losses in title bouts against Jones and Ngannou, both for the UFC heavyweight championship. This matchup is pivotal for Gane, as a victory could rejuvenate his championship aspirations.
Event Timing and Coverage
UFC 321 coverage will start at 4 PM BST (11 AM ET), with the main event expected to take place around 10 PM BST (5 PM ET). The pay-per-view will be accessible via TNT Sports Box Office in the UK and ESPN+ PPV in the US.
Co-Main Event and Other Key Fights
The co-main event features Mackenzie Dern facing Virna Jandiroba for the vacant strawweight title, which was relinquished by Zhang Weili when she moved up a weight class. Both fighters are looking to make a name for themselves in a division that is currently lacking depth.
An important bantamweight clash is set to take place between Umar Nurmagomedov (18-1) and Mario Bautista (9-1). Nurmagomedov returns to the Octagon after suffering his first career loss in a title fight against Merab Dvalishvili earlier this year. Meanwhile, Bautista rides an impressive eight-fight winning streak, positioning himself as a potential future title challenger.
In another high-stakes heavyweight encounter, Alexander Volkov will battle Jailton Almeida, who is an 8-1 grappling specialist looking to claim a title shot with a win. Volkov aims to rebound from a controversial loss to Gane, making this matchup crucial for both contenders.
Additional Highlights in the Fight Card
The event also features a significant light heavyweight bout between Aleksandar Rakic and Azamat Murzakanov. Murzakanov, an undefeated fighter at 5-0 in the UFC, hopes to solidify his ranking with this fight against Rakic, who has previously competed against elite heavyweights.
The preliminary card includes various matchups across different divisions including lightweight, middleweight, and flyweight. Fighters on this card are eager to establish their presence and demonstrate their capabilities within the UFC.
Promising Fighters to Watch
Among the standout athletes to keep an eye on at UFC 321 are Bautista, Murzakanov, and another promising fighter, Delgado. Each of these competitors has notable records and the potential to make significant impacts in their respective divisions.
What to Expect from UFC 321
UFC 321 is being hailed as one of the best fight cards of the year, with anticipated exciting matchups and crucial fights poised to shape the futures of multiple divisions in the UFC. As the event approaches, fans and analysts alike are eagerly looking forward to the outcomes of these pivotal bouts.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Abu Dhabi Hosts UFC 321 Heavyweight Championship Fight
UFC 320 Set for Las Vegas with 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 MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
