With just two weeks remaining until UFC 321, anticipation is rising as Abu Dhabi gears up to host another major night of mixed martial arts at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island. Taking place on October 25, the event marks the latest collaboration between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and UFC, continuing the city’s long-running relationship with the global MMA brand.
The headline fight will see UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall defend his title for the first time against top contender Ciryl Gane. Aspinall, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt known for his speed and technical skill, faces a serious challenge in Gane, the French striker who previously held the interim title and remains one of the division’s most tactical fighters.
Another key moment on the card will make history: the first-ever women’s title fight to take place in the Middle East. Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern will compete for the vacant strawweight belt, marking a milestone for the sport’s continued growth in the region.
In the bantamweight division, Umar Nurmagomedov faces Mario Bautista in a fight that could reshape the rankings. Nurmagomedov, who narrowly missed out on a title opportunity against Merab Dvalishvili, will look to reaffirm his position among the division’s elite, while Bautista enters with the momentum of an eight-fight winning streak.
Heavyweight contenders Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida will also meet in a high-stakes matchup that could push the winner closer to a title shot. Ranked No. 2 and No. 5 respectively, both fighters bring knockout power and top-tier experience to what is expected to be one of the evening’s most closely watched bouts.
Adding to the heavyweight-heavy lineup, Egypt’s Hamdy Abdelwahab returns to face fan favorite Chris Barnett. Known for his energetic style and unorthodox approach, Barnett’s comeback fight is likely to draw strong fan interest, especially against a determined Abdelwahab looking to make an impression on home soil.
Beyond fight night, the event is part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week — a citywide celebration that includes open workouts, public weigh-ins, fan activations, and athlete meet-and-greets. The week-long series aims to connect local and international fans with the sport’s biggest names while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a key global destination for live combat sports.
UFC 321 takes place on October 25 at Etihad Arena, with activities throughout the week leading up to the event. Updates and schedules are available at VisitAbuDhabi.ae.
