The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to the Middle East this weekend with UFC 321, taking place at the iconic Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The highly anticipated main event will feature heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall putting his title on the line for the first time against former interim champion Ciryl Gane.
This bout marks a defining moment in the heavyweight division, as two of the most skilled and technical big men in MMA prepare to clash for supremacy. Both fighters have something to prove — Aspinall aims to solidify his status as the undisputed king, while Gane looks for redemption after previous title setbacks.
The Road to UFC 321
Tom Aspinall (15-3-0) has been one of the fastest-rising stars in the UFC. The British fighter became the undisputed heavyweight champion following the retirement of Jon Jones, who vacated the title earlier this year. Aspinall’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks — in July 2022, he suffered a devastating knee injury during a fight against Curtis Blaydes, resulting in a first-round TKO loss.
After a long and determined recovery, Aspinall returned to the Octagon stronger than ever. In a 2024 rematch with Blaydes, he delivered a spectacular one-minute knockout, proving not only his physical recovery but also his mental toughness. That victory set the stage for his championship reign — and now, his first title defense.
Ciryl Gane (13-2-0), meanwhile, enters this fight with a reputation as one of the most technically gifted heavyweights in UFC history. The Frenchman captured the interim heavyweight title in 2021 with a dominant win over Derrick Lewis. However, his reign was short-lived — he lost the unification bout to Francis Ngannou in early 2022 via unanimous decision.
Despite that loss, Gane’s striking precision and footwork have kept him near the top of the division. Known for his movement and kickboxing-based style, Gane represents a unique challenge for any heavyweight — including Aspinall, who relies on speed, timing, and power to overwhelm opponents.
When and Where to Watch
Fans around the world are eagerly awaiting this matchup. The UFC 321 main card will be available exclusively on Pay-Per-View, while the prelims can be streamed live on ESPN+, Disney+, and FX.
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Location: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Prelims: Start at 10 a.m. ET
Main card: Begins at 2 p.m. ET
Aspinall vs. Gane ringwalk: Expected around 4:30 p.m. ET
Main Card Breakdown
According to ESPN, the UFC 321 lineup is stacked with a mix of title bouts, rising stars, and international talent:
Tom Aspinall (-400) vs. Ciryl Gane (+300) — Heavyweight Championship
Virna Jandiroba (+140) vs. Mackenzie Dern (-170) — Women’s Strawweight Title
Umar Nurmagomedov (-700) vs. Mario Bautista (+450) — Bantamweight Bout
Alexander Volkov (+195) vs. Jailton Almeida (-240) — Heavyweight
Aleksandar Rakic (EVEN) vs. Azamat Murzakanov (-120) — Light Heavyweight
The undercard also features notable names like Ikram Aliskerov, Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady, Nathaniel Wood, and Hamdy Abdelwahab, ensuring a full day of thrilling action from top to bottom.
What to Expect in the Main Event
Aspinall enters as a strong betting favorite, but fans know that anything can happen inside the Octagon — especially when two heavyweight finishers collide. Aspinall’s speed and boxing combinations have earned him multiple first-round finishes, while Gane’s technical footwork and counter-striking make him a dangerous opponent if the fight extends into the later rounds.
Stylistically, this fight could turn into a chess match of movement, timing, and precision. Aspinall’s well-rounded skill set — combining boxing, grappling, and fight IQ — may give him the edge, but Gane’s experience in big fights and composure under pressure can’t be underestimated.
Both fighters have expressed respect for each other in pre-fight interviews, but neither is backing down from the goal: to be recognized as the best heavyweight on the planet.
Global Stage in Abu Dhabi
UFC’s partnership with Abu Dhabi continues to bring world-class MMA to an international audience. The Etihad Arena has become a second home for major UFC events, drawing fans from across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The 2025 card promises to deliver another unforgettable spectacle — one that could redefine the heavyweight landscape once again.
As the lights go down in Abu Dhabi and the Octagon door closes, all eyes will be on Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane — two elite athletes ready to test their limits for heavyweight glory.
Whether you’re tuning in from the U.S., the U.K., or anywhere around the world, UFC 321 is set to be one of the most exciting events of the year — a battle of skill, power, and destiny that will determine the future of the heavyweight division.