Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates — Fight week for UFC 321 at the Etihad Arena has been anything but quiet. Just hours before the fighters make the walk, the card has undergone key shifts that are altering the storylines heading into one of the promotion’s biggest international events of the year.

Undercard Shake-Up

A scheduled lightweight clash between Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady and Matheus Camilo was officially pulled two days before fight night. Al-Selwady announced his withdrawal after completing his weight-cut, citing personal reasons “beyond [his] control.” The promotion confirmed that no replacement opponent would be found, trimming the card’s lineup and eliminating one of its featured regional bouts. The cancellation marks the first major alteration to the UFC 321 lineup since fight week began.

Weigh-In Results: Size Matters at the Top

Friday’s weigh-ins drew an energized crowd as heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and challenger Ciryl Gane hit the scales. Aspinall came in at 255 pounds, roughly 7½ pounds heavier than Gane’s 247.5, marking a slight increase from the Briton’s previous fight weight. While the champion looked noticeably fuller, his camp attributed the gain to an intensified strength-and-conditioning phase rather than added bulk. Gane, by contrast, appeared lean and mobile, signaling a tactical emphasis on speed and footwork to offset the size gap.

All title fights were made official, though two fighters elsewhere on the card missed weight and were fined by the athletic commission.

Betting Market Movements

Sportsbooks have responded to the weigh-ins and lineup changes. Aspinall remains a commanding favorite, hovering around -345, with Gane returning at roughly +275, depending on the book. Analysts note that those odds reflect both the champion’s recent form and Gane’s inconsistency in previous title appearances.

The women’s strawweight title bout between Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern opened with Jandiroba favored, but betting interest in Dern has tightened the line heading into fight night. Prop markets show balanced action on whether the fight goes the distance—fitting for two of the division’s most durable grapplers.

What It Means for UFC 321

With one bout removed and two championship fights in play, UFC 321’s spotlight now narrows to its elite matchups. For Aspinall, the stakes are clear: defend his crown convincingly and solidify himself as the next dominant heavyweight. For Gane, it’s redemption or regression—another title loss could halt his run among the division’s top contenders.

The canceled undercard fight and fluid betting lines have added intrigue to a card already heavy with expectation. Fans arriving at the Etihad Arena will see whether the night delivers on its promise: decisive performances, high-level skill, and moments that define legacies.

As the lights dim in Abu Dhabi, one certainty remains—UFC 321 has become more than a showcase; it’s a pressure test for champions, contenders, and the promotion itself.