Fight fans in the UAE are set to witness history as UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane adds the Middle East’s first women’s title fight to its blockbuster card, scheduled for October 25 at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island.
The event is headlined by heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall making the first defense of his title against Ciryl Gane, but new additions to the card are set to raise anticipation even higher.
Women’s Strawweight Title on the Line
In a historic milestone, the vacant UFC strawweight championship will be contested in Abu Dhabi for the very first time. Brazilian standouts Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern will face off in a highly anticipated rematch.
The two last met at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi, where Dern secured a unanimous decision victory during a strong run in her career. Since then, Dern has battled through ups and downs but has recently regained momentum with wins over Loopy Godinez and Amanda Ribas.
Jandiroba, meanwhile, has enjoyed her most consistent run to date, winning six of her last seven fights—including five straight—against top contenders such as Angela Hill, Marina Rodriguez, Amanda Lemos, Yan Xiaonan, and Godinez. Her relentless grappling and composure have made her a formidable presence in the division.
This clash not only crowns a new champion but also marks a symbolic moment, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a global hub for MMA and its commitment to promoting the sport, including among women across the region.
Nurmagomedov Returns in Bantamweight Clash
The card will also feature the return of Umar Nurmagomedov, who faces Mario Bautista in a pivotal bantamweight contest. Nurmagomedov has a storied history in Abu Dhabi, having debuted there in 2021 and headlined in 2023 against Cory Sandhagen.
Following the first loss of his professional career in a title bid against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311 in California, Nurmagomedov returns determined to re-establish himself in the division. Bautista, riding an eight-fight winning streak, most recently beat Patchy Mix at UFC 316 and enters as a rising contender eager to make his mark.
One of the Year’s Biggest MMA Events With Aspinall’s heavyweight title defense, a groundbreaking women’s championship fight, and Nurmagomedov’s return, UFC 321 is shaping up to be one of the biggest MMA spectacles of 2025, further cementing Abu Dhabi’s position as the region’s fight capital.
–Input WAM
