News Summary
UFC 321 will feature Tom Aspinall defending his heavyweight title against former interim champion Ciryl Gane at the Etihad Arena. Aspinall, who has made a remarkable rise in the UFC, looks to solidify his reign as champion. The event also includes a co-main title bout between Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba. With high stakes and thrilling matchups, anticipation is building among fans eager to see top fighters showcase their skills in this event.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – UFC 321 is set to take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Etihad Arena, featuring a highly anticipated heavyweight title match between reigning champion Tom Aspinall and former interim champion Ciryl Gane. This event marks the first time in 11 months that the undisputed heavyweight title will be defended.
The preliminary card will kick off at 10 AM ET, followed by the main card at 2 PM ET. Fans can catch the preliminary bouts on FX and can stream them on Disney+ and ESPN+. For those wishing to watch the main event, it will be available via pay-per-view on ESPN+ for a fee of $79.99.
Aspinall, who has an MMA record of 15 wins and 3 losses, including 8 wins in the UFC, received his title when he was elevated from interim champion following the retirement of Jon Jones. Aspinall’s rise to fame includes an impressive track record, with 7 first-round finishes under his belt, the most by any fighter across all weight classes in the first nine fights in UFC history. Additionally, he boasts the shortest average fight time recorded in UFC history at just 2 minutes and 2 seconds.
Having spent the least amount of time in the bottom position (1 second) of any UFC fighter, Aspinall’s performance reflects a remarkable efficiency in the Octagon. His offensive capabilities are evident with an average of 4.09 knockdowns per 15 minutes, the highest in UFC heavyweight history. He also lands an impressive average of 8.07 significant strikes per minute, coupled with a significant strike differential of plus-5.18 per minute.
In the co-main event, the vacant strawweight title will be contested by Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba, adding further excitement to an already stacked card. Other notable matchups include Umar Nurmagomedov facing Mario Bautista, Alexander Volkov going up against Jailton Almeida, and Aleksandar Rakic competing against Azamat Murzakanov.
Tensions abound as Aspinall, looking to assert his dominance in the heavyweight division, prepares for Gane, who is attempting to reclaim his status. Gane recently emerged with a controversial victory over Alexander Volkov, but he has suffered defeats in two prior title fights that left his aspirations hanging. Aspinall is currently favored to win the bout, carrying a betting line of -425, and is focused on achieving a decisive victory to solidify his championship reign.
This event is part of the UFC’s ongoing effort to expand its footprint in the Middle East, drawing attention to the region’s growing interest in mixed martial arts. Fans eagerly await the showcase of talent that UFC 321 promises to deliver, featuring top fighters across various weight classes.
As the event draws near, anticipation builds, not only for the main event between Aspinall and Gane but also for the collective display of skill and competitive spirit that characterizes the UFC. With a packed card and high stakes, UFC 321 aims to deliver thrilling moments for viewers around the globe.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UFC 320 Features Major Title Fights at T-Mobile Arena
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
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore 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 the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
