Abu Dhabi, October 21, 2025
News Summary
UFC 321 will take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, featuring Tom Aspinall defending his heavyweight championship against Ciryl Gane. The event marks the first title defense in 11 months, alongside key fights like Mackenzie Dern vs. Virna Jandiroba. Aspinall aims to solidify his top position in the heavyweight division after his notable rise. The event is part of UFC’s expansion in the Middle East, catering to a growing audience for MMA.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – UFC 321 is set to take place this Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The main event will feature Tom Aspinall defending his undisputed heavyweight championship against Ciryl Gane, the former interim champion. This highly-anticipated match marks the first time the heavyweight title has been defended in 11 months.
The preliminary card action is scheduled to start at 10 AM ET, followed by the main card kicking off at 2 PM ET. Fans can catch the preliminary bouts on FX, as well as stream them on Disney+ and ESPN+. The main card will be available on ESPN+ on a pay-per-view basis for $79.99.
Tom Aspinall, who earned the undisputed championship after being elevated from interim champion due to the retirement of Jon Jones, holds an MMA record of 15 wins and 3 losses. In the UFC, he has achieved a record of 8 wins and 1 loss. His only defeat came in 2022 when he suffered a freak knee injury in the opening seconds of a bout against Curtis Blaydes.
Aspinall is known for his impressive performance inside the Octagon, holding the record for the most first-round finishes by any fighter in any weight class, tallying 7 in his nine UFC appearances. He maintains the shortest average fight time in UFC history at just 2 minutes and 2 seconds, demonstrating his ability to finish opponents quickly. Additionally, Aspinall spends the least amount of time in the bottom position, recorded at a mere 1 second.
Statistically, Aspinall excels with an average of 4.09 knockdowns per 15 minutes of fight time, which is the highest in UFC heavyweight history. He also lands an average of 8.07 significant strikes per minute, holding the highest significant strike differential (plus-5.18 per minute) within the heavyweight division.
In the co-main event, a fight for the vacant strawweight title will see Mackenzie Dern face off against Virna Jandiroba. Other notable matchups on the card include Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Mario Bautista, Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida, and Aleksandar Rakic vs. Azamat Murzakanov.
Aspinall is focused on establishing his dominance in the heavyweight division, particularly after being crowned the undisputed champion following Jon Jones’ retirement. In contrast, Ciryl Gane is coming off a controversial victory against Alexander Volkov but has experienced two previous losses in title fights. Aspinall is favored to win the bout, currently holding a betting line of -425.
This event is part of the UFC’s ongoing effort to expand its footprint in the Middle East, showcasing top-tier fight talent and a growing interest in mixed martial arts in the region.
FAQ
What date and time is UFC 321 taking place?
UFC 321 is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025. The preliminary card begins at 10 AM ET and the main card at 2 PM ET.
Where is UFC 321 being held?
The event will take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
How can I watch UFC 321?
The preliminary card can be viewed on FX and streamed on Disney+ and ESPN+. The main card is available on a pay-per-view basis through ESPN+ for $79.99.
Who is fighting in the main event?
The main event features Tom Aspinall defending his heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane.
What is Tom Aspinall’s MMA record?
Tom Aspinall has an MMA record of 15 wins and 3 losses, with 8 wins and 1 loss in the UFC.
What are some of Tom Aspinall’s notable statistics?
Aspinall holds records for the most first-round finishes in UFC history, the shortest average fight time, and the highest average knockdowns and significant strikes landed per minute in the heavyweight division.
Key Features of UFC 321
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | October 25, 2025 |
| Location | Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi |
| Main Event | Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane |
| Co-Main Event | Mackenzie Dern vs. Virna Jandiroba |
| Preliminary Card Start Time | 10 AM ET |
| Main Card Start Time | 2 PM ET |
| Main Card Price | $79.99 on ESPN+ PPV |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Bloody Elbow: UFC 321 Preview
- Google Search: UFC 321
- MMA Fighting: UFC 321 Roundtable
- Google Scholar: UFC 321
- MMA Mania: Mackenzie Dern Not Ready
- Encyclopedia Britannica: UFC
- Sherdog: Umar Nurmagomedov Interview
- Google News: UFC 321
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