UFC 321 Abu Dhabi: Complete Event Analysis and Live Results - October 25, 2025

The mixed martial arts world turned its attention to the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on October 25, 2025, as the UFC delivered one of the most anticipated championship events of the year. UFC 321 showcased a spectacular doubleheader featuring two world title fights that captivated fans worldwide and delivered the intensity that only championship MMA can provide.

Event Overview: A Championship Spectacle in the Desert

UFC 321: Aspinall vs Gane took place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, marking the promotion's 22nd visit to the UAE capital. This event was part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week 2025, a seven-day celebration of combat sports that transformed the city into a global hub for fight fans and athletes alike.

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The card originally featured 14 fights but was adjusted to 13 bouts after a late withdrawal. Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady pulled out less than 48 hours before the event, causing his lightweight bout with Matheus Camilo to be scrapped. Despite this last-minute change, the event proceeded with an action-packed lineup that kept fans on the edge of their seats from the early prelims through the championship main card.

Main Event: Aspinall vs Gane - Heavyweight Supremacy

The main event of UFC 321 featured Tom Aspinall defending his undisputed heavyweight championship for the first time against former interim champion Ciryl Gane. This matchup represented a pivotal moment in the heavyweight division's evolution and promised fireworks between two of the most skilled big men in MMA history.

Tom Aspinall: The English Destroyer

Tom Aspinall entered the octagon with a 15-3 record, having won three consecutive fights with finishes in 1 minute and 13 seconds or faster, establishing himself as the No. 4 ranked fighter in ESPN's men's pound-for-pound rankings. The British champion has been nothing short of sensational since joining the UFC, showcasing a rare combination of speed, power, and technical proficiency that's unprecedented in the heavyweight division.

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What makes Aspinall particularly dangerous is his ability to finish fights before his opponents can settle into their game plans. His finishing rate and average fight time speak to a fighter who doesn't waste movements and capitalizes on every opening with devastating efficiency. After capturing the interim title and defending it successfully, Aspinall was elevated to undisputed champion following Jon Jones' retirement, setting up this long-awaited collision with Gane.

Ciryl Gane: The French Technical Marvel

Ciryl Gane came into UFC 321 with a 13-2 record, marking his third attempt at UFC heavyweight championship gold after previous losses to Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones. The French fighter, known for his exceptional footwork and technical striking, represented one of the most skilled heavyweights ever to compete in the octagon.

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Gane's path to this third title shot demonstrated his resilience and skill. After suffering setbacks in his previous championship attempts, he rebuilt his championship credentials with consecutive victories, proving he belonged among the elite. His movement-based fighting style and kickboxing background made him a unique challenge for Aspinall's aggressive finishing approach.

Co-Main Event: Jandiroba vs Dern - Strawweight Gold on the Line

The co-main event featured an equally compelling championship bout as Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern competed for the vacant strawweight title after Zhang Weili moved up to flyweight to pursue two-division championship glory. This rematch carried significant historical weight, as the two Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialists had previously met in December 2020.

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A Rematch Five Years in the Making

When Jandiroba and Dern first met at UFC 256 in December 2020, Dern emerged victorious via unanimous decision. However, both fighters had evolved considerably since their initial encounter, making this championship rematch a completely different proposition.

Jandiroba, with her 22-3 record and ranking as ESPN's No. 10 women's pound-for-pound fighter, represented the grappling-heavy approach that has become her trademark. Her ability to control fights on the ground and secure submissions made her one of the most feared competitors in the division.

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Dern, carrying a 15-5 record, had continued developing her striking to complement her world-class Brazilian jiu-jitsu credentials. As a former world champion in BJJ, her ground game remained elite, but her improved stand-up skills made her a more complete mixed martial artist heading into this title fight.

Key Preliminary Card Highlights

The preliminary card delivered several memorable moments that set the tone for the championship bouts to follow.

Valter Walker's Submission Mastery

Brazilian heavyweight Valter Walker continued his impressive run with a heel hook submission victory over Louie Sutherland at just 1:24 of the first round. Walker has developed a reputation as a "heel hook collector," showcasing submission skills rarely seen in the heavyweight division where knockouts typically reign supreme.

Following his victory, Walker didn't waste time calling for his next opponent, specifically requesting Hamdy Abdelwahab for a November bout. His confidence and finishing ability have made him an exciting prospect in the heavyweight ranks.

Mitch Raposo Secures First UFC Victory

In a gritty three-round battle, Mitch Raposo earned his first UFC victory via unanimous decision over Azat Maksum, with a crucial point deduction in the third round playing a significant role in the outcome. The fight showcased the classic wrestling versus boxing dynamic, with Raposo finding success with his striking combinations while having to defend grinding takedown attempts throughout the contest.

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The turning point came when Maksum was penalized for a blatant fence grab in the final round, essentially eliminating his chances of winning on the scorecards. This victory gave Raposo his first win in three UFC appearances and provided a foundation to build upon in his octagon career.

Mizuki Shines in Women's Action

The women's strawweight division saw continued development as Mizuki improved her UFC record to three wins in four appearances. Her third-round performance demonstrated improved striking against a tiring opponent, showcasing the kind of late-fight dominance that wins decisions and builds momentum.

Fight Card Details and Betting Lines

The main card featured several high-stakes matchups beyond the championship fights that had significant implications for their respective divisions:

Light Heavyweight Contenders Clash: Aleksandar Rakic faced Azamat Murzakanov in a bout that could determine the next light heavyweight title challenger. Both fighters entered ranked in the top tier of their division, making this a crucial fight for championship aspirations.

Heavyweight Eliminator: Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida competed in a heavyweight bout that many viewed as a title eliminator. The winner positioned themselves for a potential championship opportunity in 2026, adding extra stakes to an already intriguing matchup between two contrasting styles.

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Nurmagomedov's Redemption Quest: Umar Nurmagomedov faced Mario Bautista in a bantamweight bout after the fight was moved from UFC Fight Night the previous week. For Nurmagomedov, this represented a chance to rebound from his first professional defeat and reassert himself as a top contender in one of the UFC's deepest divisions.

Event Logistics and Viewing Experience

UFC 321 featured an early start time for North American audiences, with the main card beginning at 2:00 PM ET, due to Abu Dhabi being eight hours ahead of Eastern Time. This scheduling allowed the event to air during prime afternoon hours in the United States while accommodating the evening audience in the UAE.

The preliminary card aired on ESPN+, Disney+, and FX starting at 10:00 AM ET, providing extensive coverage of the undercard action. The main card was available exclusively through ESPN+ pay-per-view, continuing the UFC's streaming-first approach for major events.

Weigh-In Drama and Late Adjustments

The event wasn't without its drama before fight night. Jose Miguel Delgado weighed in at 147 pounds, one pound over the featherweight limit, while Azat Maksum came in at 129 pounds, three pounds over the flyweight limit. Both bouts proceeded at catchweight, with the fighters likely forfeiting portions of their purses due to missing weight.

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These weight misses, while unfortunate, didn't derail the event. The fighters who missed weight still competed, ensuring fans received the matchups they anticipated, albeit with the added context of the weigh-in failures.

Historical Context: UFC's Relationship with Abu Dhabi

The UFC's return to Abu Dhabi represents a continuing partnership between the promotion and the United Arab Emirates that has produced some of the most memorable events in recent years. The Etihad Arena has become the UFC's preferred venue in the region, offering world-class facilities and an enthusiastic fan base that embraces the sport's international appeal.

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Abu Dhabi's investment in combat sports has positioned the emirate as a global destination for major MMA events. The week-long celebration surrounding UFC 321, featuring open workouts, athlete meet-and-greets, and various fan activations, demonstrated the depth of this partnership and the city's commitment to becoming a permanent fixture on the UFC calendar.

Technical Analysis: What Made These Fights Special

From a technical perspective, UFC 321 offered fascinating stylistic matchups that highlighted different aspects of modern mixed martial arts:

The heavyweight title fight pitted Aspinall's explosive finishing ability against Gane's technical precision and movement. This clash of styles—aggressive power versus defensive footwork—created a chess match that tested both fighters' ability to implement their game plans under championship pressure.

The strawweight title fight featured two of the world's best grapplers, making it a potential submission showcase. Both Jandiroba and Dern possessed the skills to finish fights on the ground, but their evolved striking games added an extra dimension that made their rematch unpredictable.

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The supporting bouts featured similar high-level technical battles, with wrestlers facing strikers, grapplers facing counter-grapplers, and volume fighters facing power punchers. This diversity in fighting styles ensured that every bout on the card offered something unique for fight fans to appreciate.

Impact on Division Rankings and Future Matchmaking

The outcomes of UFC 321's championship fights had immediate implications for future UFC matchmaking and divisional hierarchies. The heavyweight and strawweight divisions both received clarity regarding their champions, setting up potential super fights and establishing clear contender paths for the rest of the roster.

The non-title fights on the main card also played crucial roles in determining future championship opportunities. Wins in Abu Dhabi meant elevated rankings, better opponents in future bookings, and increased leverage in contract negotiations for the fighters who performed well.

Conclusion: A Memorable Night in Abu Dhabi

UFC 321 delivered on its promise of championship-level action and memorable moments. From the early prelims through the main event, fighters showcased the skill, courage, and determination that makes mixed martial arts one of the world's fastest-growing sports.

For fans of technical fighting, devastating finishes, and championship drama, this event provided everything that makes the UFC special. The Abu Dhabi crowd witnessed history being made, as new champions were crowned or existing champions defended their gold with authority.

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As the dust settles on UFC 321, the MMA world turns its attention to what comes next. Championship victories create new storylines, challenge opportunities emerge for deserving contenders, and the relentless march of the UFC schedule continues with more incredible matchups on the horizon.

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Disclaimer: This content is created for informational and entertainment purposes. All fight results, statistics, and analysis are based on publicly available information. For official results and records, please visit UFC.com.