Venue: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
Date: Saturday, 25 October 2025
Main Event: Tom Aspinall (c) vs Ciryl Gane — Undisputed Heavyweight Title
Context
Tom Aspinall makes his first defence of the undisputed UFC heavyweight crown against former interim champion Ciryl Gane. For Aspinall, it’s an opportunity to cement his reign and prove he’s the most complete heavyweight of his era. For Gane, this could be a final chance to capture the belt after falling short against Ngannou and Jones.
Technical Breakdown
- Aspinall: Exceptionally quick for his size, with crisp boxing, sharp counters, and underrated grappling. He changes levels fluidly and throws straight, high-percentage combinations. His composure under pressure is one of his defining traits.
- Gane: The most elegant striker in the division — mobile, light on his feet, and surgical with kicks and range control. However, defensive grappling has been his Achilles heel, particularly against strong wrestlers.
Tactical Keys
Aspinall will want to close distance, use feints to draw out Gane’s kicks, and explode into takedowns or overhand combinations. Gane’s best path is lateral movement, volume from the outside, and punishing Aspinall’s entries with low kicks and straight counters.
Analysis
If Gane can maintain range for extended stretches, his output and timing could frustrate Aspinall. Yet the Englishman’s speed, wrestling, and killer instinct make him the more complete athlete. Early pressure and clinch control could decide this one.
Co-Main Event: Mackenzie Dern vs Virna Jandiroba — Women’s Strawweight Title
Context
With the division’s previous champion moving up in weight, two elite grapplers meet for the vacant belt. Dern and Jandiroba fought in 2021, with Jandiroba edging a decision. Both have evolved significantly since.
Technical Breakdown
- Dern: World-class Brazilian jiu-jitsu, rapidly improving striking, and more confidence in forward pressure. Her challenge has always been linking her stand-up seamlessly into her grappling.
- Jandiroba: Physically stronger, with wrestling-based takedowns and better top control. She’s less dynamic on the feet but very durable.
Tactical Keys
Dern’s success hinges on forcing scrambles and attacking submissions in transition rather than chasing single-legs. Jandiroba will look to stay heavy from top position and wear Dern down. On the feet, Jandiroba’s boxing combinations might surprise if Dern overcommits.
Analysis
This could be a chess match on the mat. Dern’s creativity vs Jandiroba’s control makes for a fascinating stylistic contrast. Expect a mix of striking and high-level grappling exchanges over five tense rounds.
Alexander Volkov vs Jailton Almeida — Heavyweight Bout
Context
A key bout in the heavyweight pecking order. Volkov seeks to keep his title aspirations alive, while Almeida aims to rebound after a setback and prove his wrestling translates against elite opposition. The winner likely faces the winner of Aspinall vs Gane.
Technical Breakdown
- Volkov: Towering striker with piston-like straight punches and a punishing teep. Struggles when smothered but lethal in open space.
- Almeida: Explosive grappler with powerful double-legs and dominant top control. Limited striking, but relentless in pursuit of the takedown.
Tactical Keys
Volkov must maintain distance, punish entries, and use knees up the middle to discourage level changes. Almeida needs early takedowns and positional control before Volkov finds rhythm.
Analysis
If Almeida gets Volkov down early, it could be a long night for the Russian. But if Volkov stuffs the first few shots, the tide may turn dramatically — Almeida’s striking still hasn’t proven reliable over multiple rounds.
Aleksandar Rakić vs Azamat Murzakanov — Light Heavyweight Bout
Context
A battle between precision and power. Rakić returns after a long injury lay-off, looking to re-establish himself as a contender. Murzakanov, unbeaten in the UFC, aims to break into the top five.
Technical Breakdown
- Rakić: Tall, methodical striker who builds everything off his jab and low kicks. Excellent defence, though sometimes overly cautious.
- Murzakanov: Compact southpaw with explosive overhands and a ferocious left hook. Prefers pocket exchanges and thrives on chaos.
Tactical Keys
Rakić will want to dictate pace with distance management, slowing Murzakanov with calf kicks. Murzakanov must close distance quickly and force exchanges inside.
Analysis
This is a classic range battle. If Rakić stays disciplined and keeps Murzakanov on the end of his jab, he likely controls the fight. But Murzakanov’s power gives him a live-wire chance every second it stays standing.
Umar Nurmagomedov vs Mario Bautista — Bantamweight Bout
Context
A crucial test for the highly touted Nurmagomedov. Bautista has quietly built momentum and offers a well-rounded, high-volume challenge.
Technical Breakdown
- Nurmagomedov: Elite chain wrestler with exceptional timing, fluid movement, and an evolving striking arsenal built on straight kicks and counters.
- Bautista: Aggressive, durable, and well-versed in scrambles. Less explosive but thrives in pace and pressure.
Tactical Keys
Nurmagomedov should mix levels early, using feints to draw reactions and control tempo. Bautista must stay busy, defend takedowns, and push a frenetic pace to test Umar’s cardio over three rounds.
Analysis
If Bautista can deny early grappling success, this becomes interesting. But Nurmagomedov’s precision and positional dominance typically overwhelm even savvy opponents. Expect a tactical, methodical showcase of control.
Closing Thoughts
UFC 321 combines elite technique with championship stakes. Aspinall vs Gane headlines a heavyweight division in transition, while the co-main crowns a new strawweight queen. Beneath them lie pivotal bouts shaping the future contenders across weight classes — a perfect mix of tactical nuance and knockout potential.
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