Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, October 22, 2025
News Summary
UFC 321 is set to take place at the Etihad Arena, headlined by heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall defending his title against Ciryl Gane. The event will showcase 13 thrilling fights, including a co-main event with Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba competing for the vacant strawweight title. Fans can look forward to exciting matchups that promise to shape the future of multiple divisions in the UFC.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – UFC 321 is set to deliver an electrifying night of mixed martial arts on October 25, 2025, at the Etihad Arena. The card features a total of 13 fights across various weight classes, headlined by a highly anticipated main event where heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall defends his title against former interim champion Ciryl Gane.
Aspinall, who enters the Octagon with a record of 15-3, last fought in July of the previous year when he achieved a notable first-round knockout victory over Curtis Blaydes. Following the retirement of Jon Jones in June, Aspinall was elevated from interim champion to undisputed heavyweight champion. Known for his explosive fighting style, he has also earned performance of the night bonuses on seven occasions throughout his career.
Gane, with a fighting record of 13-2, will be desperate to return to form, having suffered defeats in his last two title challenges against Jones and Francis Ngannou. The bout promises to be an intense matchup, with significant implications for the heavyweight division.
Coverage for UFC 321 begins at 4 PM BST (11 AM ET), with the main event expected to kick off at 10 PM BST (5 PM ET). Fans in the UK can watch the event through TNT Sports Box Office, whereas audiences in the US can tune in via ESPN+ PPV.
Co-Main Event and Significant Bouts
In the co-main event, Mackenzie Dern faces off against Virna Jandiroba for the vacant strawweight title. This title became available after Zhang Weili moved up in weight. Both Dern and Jandiroba are eager to establish themselves as champions in a division that currently lacks depth.
In another significant match, Umar Nurmagomedov will fight Mario Bautista in a bantamweight clash that could determine the next title challenger. Nurmagomedov heads into this bout with an 18-1 record after suffering his first loss in a title match against Merab Dvalishvili earlier this year. Meanwhile, Bautista enters on an impressive eight-fight winning streak and has established himself as a serious contender within the division.
Additionally, Alexander Volkov will take on Jailton Almeida in a heavyweight match that carries title implications. Almeida, a grappling specialist with a record of 8-1, looks to secure a shot at the title, while Volkov aims to rebound from a controversial loss to Gane.
Other Noteworthy Matches
The event will also feature a clash between light heavyweight fighters Aleksandar Rakic and Azamat Murzakanov. Murzakanov, currently undefeated at 5-0 in the UFC, is looking to solidify his rank against Rakic, a fighter known for his previous competitiveness against elite heavyweights.
The preliminary card will include fighters from various divisions such as lightweight, middleweight, and flyweight, all eager to make their mark in the UFC. Among those to watch are Bautista, Murzakanov, and newcomer Delgado, who are considered promising talents poised to influence their respective divisions.
Overall, UFC 321 is being hailed as one of the best fight cards of the year, with exciting matchups and critical fights that may significantly shape the futures of multiple divisions.
Key Features of UFC 321
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | October 25, 2025 |
| Main Event | Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane |
| Co-Main Event | Mackenzie Dern vs Virna Jandiroba |
| Umar Nurmagomedov vs Mario Bautista | Bantamweight clash |
| Alexander Volkov vs Jailton Almeida | Heavyweight bout |
| Preliminary Card | Matches across various divisions |
| Coverage Start Time | 4 PM BST (11 AM ET) |
| Main Event Start Time | 10 PM BST (5 PM ET) |
| Viewing Options | TNT Sports Box Office (UK); ESPN+ PPV (US) |
FAQ
When and where is UFC 321 taking place?
UFC 321 will take place on October 25, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Who are the main fighters in UFC 321?
The main event features heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall defending his title against former interim champion Ciryl Gane.
What time does the main event start?
The main event is expected to start at 10 PM BST (5 PM ET).
How can I watch UFC 321?
Fans can watch UFC 321 on TNT Sports Box Office in the UK and ESPN+ PPV in the US.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UFC 321: Tom Aspinall Defends Heavyweight Championship
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 HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris 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 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
