The Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi hosted UFC 321 on Saturday, October 25, 2025 — an event loaded with promise, high-stakes matchups, and a heavyweight title bout that ended in shocking fashion.

Main Event: Aspinall vs. Gane Ends Abruptly

The night’s headliner between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane was expected to decide the undisputed future of the heavyweight division. Instead, it ended in frustration and disbelief.

The opening round started competitively, with Gane using his trademark movement and quick jabs to keep the champion at range. Aspinall countered with sharp leg kicks and combinations, looking comfortable under pressure. Just as the fight began to find its rhythm, disaster struck — a double eye poke from Gane left Aspinall unable to continue.

After a brief pause and medical evaluation, the referee ruled the bout a no contest, bringing an anticlimactic end to what was shaping up as a technical and evenly matched title fight. Aspinall, clearly distraught, told officials he could not see out of his right eye before being escorted from the Octagon for precautionary evaluation.

The result keeps Aspinall as the reigning champion, but the outcome leaves the division unsettled. A rematch appears inevitable, as both men had moments of success before the incident.

Co-Main Event: Dern Claims Strawweight Gold

In the co-main event, Mackenzie Dern captured the vacant UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship with a decisive victory over Virna Jandiroba. Dern’s striking has improved significantly, and she showcased crisp combinations paired with her trademark grappling control.

While Jandiroba found some early success with counter-hooks, Dern’s pressure and volume carried the later rounds. Judges scored the bout unanimously in Dern’s favor, crowning her as the new queen of the 115-pound division.

Other Notable Fights

The card delivered multiple highlights across divisions:

Umar Nurmagomedov continued his unbeaten run, defeating Mario Bautista by unanimous decision. Displaying calculated pressure and clean wrestling transitions, Nurmagomedov reaffirmed his position as one of the top prospects in the bantamweight division.

Heavyweight veteran Alexander Volkov edged Jailton Almeida by split decision after three grueling rounds. Volkov’s reach and defensive footwork allowed him to keep Almeida’s takedowns at bay and secure a much-needed win.

Rising lightweight Quillan Salkilld scored one of the night’s most explosive finishes, knocking out Nasrat Haqparast with a perfectly timed head kick midway through the opening round. The highlight-reel finish electrified the crowd and likely earned him a performance bonus.

Atmosphere and Attendance

With a capacity crowd filling the Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi once again proved why it remains one of the UFC’s premier global destinations. The card drew celebrities and sports figures alike, including a surprise appearance from former football star Wayne Rooney, who was on hand to support fellow Briton Tom Aspinall.

Despite the abrupt end to the main event, fans were treated to a night filled with drama, technical excellence, and standout performances from multiple divisions.

Looking Ahead

The fallout from UFC 321 will shape the coming months across multiple divisions.

The heavyweight title picture remains unresolved — a rematch between Aspinall and Gane is all but guaranteed once medical clearances are confirmed.

Mackenzie Dern’s victory opens the door for a new wave of challengers in the strawweight division, possibly including contenders like Amanda Lemos and Xiaonan Yan.

Umar Nurmagomedov is now knocking on the door of a title eliminator, as his dominance continues to mirror his family’s championship pedigree.

Final Word

UFC 321 will be remembered not for its definitive finishes but for its unpredictability. What began as a card filled with momentum ended in controversy, emotion, and uncertainty. Yet, even amid chaos, the performances of fighters like Mackenzie Dern, Umar Nurmagomedov, and Quillan Salkilld proved that the next generation of UFC talent is ready to carry the torch.

As the dust settles, one thing is certain — the story of UFC 321 is far from over, and the road to redemption for Tom Aspinall begins the moment the lights fade in Abu Dhabi.