Abu Dhabi, October 25, 2025
News Summary
UFC 321 is set to take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, featuring a heavyweight title fight between champion Tom Aspinall and contender Ciryl Gane. Aspinall defends his title for the first time after an impressive knockout victory over Curtis Blaydes. Gane, ranked as the number one contender, aims for redemption after recent losses. The event also includes a co-main title fight for the women’s strawweight championship. Both fighters bring unique strengths, making this matchup a highly anticipated event for fans.
Abu Dhabi Set to Host UFC 321 with Title Fight Between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane
The highly anticipated UFC 321 is scheduled for October 25, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, where current heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall will defend his title for the first time against former interim champion Ciryl Gane. This main event marks a pivotal clash in the heavyweight division as both fighters look to cement their legacies.
Aspinall, who boasts a professional record of 15 wins and 3 losses, gained the interim title in July 2022. Following the retirement of Jon Jones, Aspinall became the undisputed champion and is fresh off an impressive knockout victory against Curtis Blaydes in the first round, just over 15 months ago. He weighed in at 255 pounds, making him 7.5 pounds heavier than Gane, who weighed in at 247.5 pounds.
Meanwhile, Gane, ranked as the number one contender in the division, holds a record of 13 wins and 2 losses. He has recently experienced a resurgence with two consecutive victories and is poised for a great comeback after losing the undisputed title to Francis Ngannou in 2022 and again to Jon Jones in March 2023. Both fighters’ reputations make this matchup one of the most exciting events in recent UFC history.
The co-main event will feature a title fight for the vacant women’s strawweight championship between Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern. Jandiroba is currently enjoying a five-fight win streak, while Dern has a mixed record of 2 wins and 2 losses in her last four outings. The inclusion of two title fights at UFC 321 underscores the significance of this event.
Aspinall has made headlines for his record of shortest average fight time in the UFC, clocking in at just 2 minutes and 2 seconds, as he has finished every professional fight by stoppage. Gane is recognized for his technical striking, boasting an impressive striking accuracy of 61.3%. Experts suggest that while Gane may have the upper hand in technical striking, Aspinall’s knockout power and grappling skills give him compelling advantages in this matchup.
UFC 321 will be aired on ESPN+ as a pay-per-view event. The prelims begin at 10 a.m. ET, followed by the main card kicking off at 2 p.m. ET.
Background Context
The UFC heavyweight division has always attracted significant attention, with champions often enjoying high-profile bouts that capture sports fans’ imaginations. Tom Aspinall’s rise to the top has seen him become a formidable force, especially since his knockout of Curtis Blaydes, which showcased his potential as a dominant champion. Ciryl Gane, on the other hand, has proven to be a worthy contender with his technical skill and experience that stems from his previous title challenges.
As the date approaches, fight fans are eager to witness whether Aspinall will successfully defend his title, solidifying his status in the heavyweight ranks, or if Gane will reclaim a championship he has previously held. Both fighters bring distinct strengths to the octagon, making this title fight a not-to-miss event in the world of mixed martial arts.
FAQ Section
What date will UFC 321 take place?
UFC 321 is scheduled for October 25, 2025.
Where is the event taking place?
The event will be held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Who are the main fighters in the title fight?
The main fight features Tom Aspinall defending his heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane.
What is Tom Aspinall’s current professional record?
Tom Aspinall has a professional record of 15 wins and 3 losses.
What weight did the fighters weigh in at?
Tom Aspinall weighed in at 255 pounds, while Ciryl Gane weighed in at 247.5 pounds.
What is the co-main event of UFC 321?
The co-main event features Virna Jandiroba against Mackenzie Dern for the vacant women’s strawweight championship.
How can fans watch UFC 321?
UFC 321 will be available on ESPN+ PPV, with prelims starting at 10 a.m. ET and the main card at 2 p.m. ET.
| Fighter | Record | Weight | Recent Fight Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Aspinall | 15-3 | 255 lbs | Win (KO) |
| Ciryl Gane | 13-2 | 247.5 lbs | Win (Detail) |
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Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
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