HERE’S SIX REASONS WHY THIS ISN’T ONE TO MISS
Abu Dhabi, UAE – 8 October 2025: With just two weeks to go until UFC® 321, excitement is building as Abu Dhabi prepares to host yet another electrifying night of showstopping bouts. In partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), UFC®, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation, is all set to take over the Etihad Arena on Yas Island on Saturday, October 25.
Here are six reasons why you cannot afford to miss this blockbuster event:
- Get ready for an action-packed showdown as UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall defends his title against No.1 contender Ciryl Gane
- With a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, heavyweight champion Aspinall is back in the Octagon® to defend his title for the first time. Facing him is former interim champ Gane, known for his speed, technique, and sharp footwork, who is hungry to reclaim UFC gold.
- Witness history being made at the first-ever Women’s Title fight to take place in the Middle East
- Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern will go head-to-head for the vacant strawweight title in what promises to be a fierce, history-making clash.
- Umar Nurmagomedov collides with Mario Bautista, with both hoping to cement their ranking in the bantamweight division
- After falling just short of claiming the bantamweight title from Merab Dvalishvili, Nurmagomedov will be looking to re-establish himself as one of the division’s elites. But Bautista won’t make it easy – he’s on an eight-fight win streak.
- Another must-see heavyweight collision is on the card as Alexander Volkov takes on Jailton Almeida
- No. 2 ranked contender Volkov is set to face No. 5 ranked Almeida, in a battle for a prime spot in the division. With both men in the top five, this bout is about more than just skill —it’s a potential opportunity to a title shot.
- Not one, not two, but three heavyweight showdowns are locked-in as Hamdy Abdelwahab faces Chris Barnett
- Fan-favourite Barnett, makes his long-awaited comeback as he takes on Egypt’s Abdelwahab, in a clash that will be nothing short of explosive.
- Get in on all the action throughout Abu Dhabi Showdown Week
- A weeklong series of city-wide events, Abu Dhabi Showdown Week brings UFC fans right into the heart of the action with dedicated fan events, open athlete workouts, ceremonial weigh-ins and so much more.
For further information on UFC® 321 and to stay updated with Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, visit VisitAbuDhabi.ae.
ENDS
About UFC®
UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 309 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 950 million households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.
