Quick Read
- UFC 321 takes place October 25, 2025, at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
- Tom Aspinall defends his undisputed heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane.
- The main event is expected to start around 9:30pm UK time.
- Broadcast in the UK is exclusively on TNT Sports Box Office.
- Gane enters his third attempt at the undisputed heavyweight crown.
A New Era for UFC Heavyweights: Aspinall vs Gane
For fans of mixed martial arts, the heavyweight division has always carried a special kind of electricity. It’s the place where legends are made, where the margins for error shrink and every moment feels monumental. At UFC 321, Tom Aspinall steps into the cage for his first defense as the undisputed heavyweight champion, facing the formidable Ciryl Gane at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
It’s more than just another fight card—it’s a test of how far the division has come, and a glimpse of where it’s heading. Aspinall, the Wigan native, rose through the ranks with a blend of speed and technical prowess that’s rare among heavyweights. His journey to the top wasn’t without its detours. After claiming the interim title by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich in New York at UFC 295, Aspinall had to wait for clarity in the division, as Jon Jones—long the shadow looming over the championship—hesitated to commit to a showdown. Eventually, Jones walked away, and the mantle passed to Aspinall, marking a shift in the division’s power structure.
UFC 321 Fight Card and UK Viewing Details
Scheduled for Saturday, October 25, UFC 321 promises a night packed with high-stakes bouts. For UK viewers, the prelims kick off at 3pm BST, with the main card starting at 7pm BST. The headline clash between Aspinall and Gane is expected to begin around 9:30pm UK time, but as always, fight timings are subject to the unpredictable rhythm of the undercard.
Broadcast rights in the UK and Ireland are secured by TNT Sports, with the main card airing exclusively on TNT Sports Box Office for £19.99. This ensures that fans won’t miss a moment, whether they’re longtime followers of the sport or tuning in for the first time to witness history in the making.
Full Card Breakdown: Heavyweight Main Event and Rising Stars
The main event isn’t the only draw for UFC 321. Alongside Aspinall vs Gane, the main card features:
- Virna Jandiroba vs Mackenzie Dern
- Umar Nurmagomedov vs Mario Bautista
- Alexander Volkov vs Jailton Almeida
- Aleksandar Rakic vs Azamat Murzakanov
The preliminary card is equally stacked, showcasing up-and-coming talent eager to make their mark. From Ludovit Klein to Ikram Aliskerov, the undercard reflects the UFC’s ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of fighters.
Two Heavyweights, Two Paths: Aspinall’s Rise and Gane’s Third Attempt
Tom Aspinall’s ascent has been rapid, but not without its share of frustration. Waiting for Jon Jones’ decision left the division in limbo, a period marked by uncertainty and anticipation. When Jones finally chose to step away, Aspinall inherited not just the title, but the burden of expectation. His successful defense against Curtis Blaydes in July 2024 cemented his legitimacy, but the real test comes now.
Ciryl Gane, meanwhile, enters UFC 321 with a sense of unfinished business. The French fighter’s two previous attempts at undisputed gold ended in disappointment, but his split-decision victory over Alexander Volkov last December showcased his resilience. Gane’s style—a blend of agility and tactical intelligence—offers a unique challenge for Aspinall. As he puts it, «Tom’s the defending champion, he is the man to be beat. He’s never fought someone like me. I bring something different.»
Aspinall, ever the student of the sport, recognizes the stakes: «I think the biggest difference is we’re both better. We’re both better now than we were a few years ago. We both have a lot more experience. You know, Ciryl has had two title shots already. I defended the interim title and now hold the undisputed title. So I think this fight is going to be better, and I think it’s pretty rare that you see any guys of our size that move like we do. I think this is really like the new age of the heavyweights, and people are really going to start to see the difference now between guys like us and guys 10 years ago.»
What’s at Stake: The Heavyweight Division’s Future
The stakes at UFC 321 go beyond a single belt. Aspinall and Gane represent a new breed of heavyweights—athletes whose speed and versatility challenge the old paradigms. Their clash is about legacy, but it’s also about evolution. The winner will not only hold the title but set the tone for what’s possible in the division.
For Aspinall, a successful defense could mark the beginning of a dominant reign, one defined by activity rather than waiting on the sidelines. For Gane, victory would finally deliver the undisputed crown after years of near-misses. Both men have the tools, but only one will leave Abu Dhabi with the belt.
UFC 321 is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a crossroads moment for the sport’s most storied division. With every punch, kick, and takedown, the narrative of the heavyweight championship will be rewritten in real time.
Fans and pundits alike are watching closely, not just for the outcome, but for what it reveals about the future of MMA at its highest level. As the lights come up in Abu Dhabi, the world will be reminded: in the heavyweight division, every fight is a story, and every champion is just one bout away from history.
UFC 321’s main event stands as a pivotal moment in heavyweight history. With both Aspinall and Gane pushing the boundaries of what the division can be, the bout promises a showcase of skill, speed, and strategic evolution. Whoever emerges victorious will not only claim the title, but also redefine what it means to be a heavyweight in modern MMA.