News Summary
UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is set to defend his title against former interim champion Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi. Aspinall, the reigning champion following Jon Jones’ retirement, has an impressive record and knocked out Curtis Blaydes in his last fight. Gane, ranked number one contender, looks to reclaim his title after recent victories. This event also features a strawweight championship bout between Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern, highlighting the significance of UFC 321 in the fighting calendar.
Abu Dhabi – The main event of UFC 321 will see UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall defend his title against former interim champion Ciryl Gane. This highly anticipated fight is scheduled to take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
Aspinall, who won the interim title in July 2022, boasts a formidable professional record of 15 wins and 3 losses. He is presently the undisputed heavyweight champion following the retirement of Jon Jones. Aspinall is coming off a notable win, having knocked out Curtis Blaydes in the first round 15 months ago, which added to his growing reputation in the arena.
For this upcoming bout, Aspinall weighed in at 255 pounds (18st 3lb), while Gane tipped the scales at 247.5 pounds (17st 9.5lb), making Aspinall 7.5 pounds heavier. Gane, currently ranked as the number one contender in the division, holds a record of 13 wins and 2 losses and enters the fight following two consecutive victories.
Ciryl Gane previously held the interim title but lost it to Francis Ngannou in 2022 and then again to Jon Jones in March 2023. His notable grappling and striking skills have made him a respected figure among fans and fighters alike. Experts predict an exciting matchup as Gane is recognized for his striking accuracy of 61.3%, while Aspinall possesses significant knockout power that has earned him the UFC record for the shortest average fight time at 2 minutes and 2 seconds. Remarkably, all of Aspinall’s professional fights have ended in stoppage.
The co-main event of UFC 321 will feature a strawweight championship fight between Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern. This bout is particularly significant as Jandiroba enters the ring on a five-fight win streak, whereas Dern’s recent record shows two wins and two losses in her last four bouts. The inclusion of two title fights in the event underscores its importance as a pivotal occasion in the UFC calendar.
As the date approaches, Aspinall has expressed enthusiasm for the fight, indicating that it represents a critical step in his career. Gane, on the other hand, maintained his composure during the weigh-ins, thanking fans and attendees for their support.
The event will be accessible to viewers via ESPN+ PPV, starting with preliminary fights at 10 a.m. ET, followed by the main card at 2 p.m. ET. With both fighters keen to establish their dominance, UFC 321 promises to deliver an electrifying experience for fans around the globe.
This matchup not only highlights the competitive nature of the heavyweight division but also encapsulates the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines Ultimate Fighting Championship events. With a blend of established champions and formidable contenders, UFC 321 is set to be a landmark event in the fight sports calendar.
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