- UFC 321 lands in Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena on Saturday, 25 October.
- Headliner: Tom Aspinall defends his heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane.
- Co-main event: Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba fight for the vacant Strawweight title.
- STARZPLAY holds exclusive broadcast rights across the UAE and MENA.
- Abu Dhabi strengthens its reputation as the global home for top-tier MMA.
UFC 321 brings another massive weekend for fight fans as Etihad Arena once again becomes the centre of the MMA world. The heavyweight championship headline bout sees Tom Aspinall defending his crown against Ciryl Gane, streamed exclusively on STARZPLAY across the UAE and MENA region.
Abu Dhabi continues to prove it’s not just hosting the fights — it’s shaping the sport.
Aspinall vs Gane: A Heavyweight Clash with Legacy on the Line
Both fighters have something to prove.
- Tom Aspinall comes in riding a dominant three-fight win streak.
- Ciryl Gane is out to reclaim gold after rebuilding his momentum since losing to Jon Jones.
- The fight could reshape the entire heavyweight division.
Aspinall’s mix of speed, accuracy, and fight IQ has made him a standout champion. Gane, meanwhile, represents precision and patience — the kind of striker who can dismantle anyone on a good night. Their contrasting styles promise one of the year’s most technical heavyweight battles.
Women’s Strawweight Title: Dern vs Jandiroba
The co-main event isn’t just a warm-up — it’s history in motion.
- Mackenzie Dern gets her first-ever UFC title shot.
- Virna Jandiroba aims to bring another belt home to Brazil.
- The fight could redefine the women’s strawweight division.
Dern’s grappling pedigree is elite, but Jandiroba’s endurance and aggression make her a dangerous matchup. For both fighters, this is the kind of night that builds legacies.
Stacked Main Card with Global Appeal
It’s not just the headliners doing the heavy lifting. The rest of the card is packed with talent.
- Alexander Volkov vs Jailton Almeida – heavyweight fireworks.
- Umar Nurmagomedov vs Mario Bautista – bantamweight precision at its finest.
- Aleksandar Rakic vs Azamat Murzakanov – light heavyweight power play.
Each matchup brings a mix of styles and storylines that cater to casual fans and diehards alike.
Local Talent and Rising Stars
The prelims highlight how far regional MMA has come.
- Ikram Aliskerov and Abdul-Karim Al-Selwady represent the region’s fast-growing pool of fighters.
- Nathaniel Wood and Hamdy Abdelwahab bring international flavour and experience.
Their inclusion shows Abu Dhabi’s influence goes beyond hosting — it’s helping shape the next generation of fighters.
For fans in the UAE, the energy inside Etihad Arena is expected to match anything Las Vegas can offer.
Abu Dhabi: The Global Home of MMA
In just a few years, Abu Dhabi has gone from a hosting experiment to a cornerstone of UFC’s global schedule. From UFC 242 to the Fight Island era, the city has become synonymous with elite events and world champions.
UFC 321 cements that reputation further, giving fans across MENA front-row access through STARZPLAY — the home of UFC in the region.
How to Watch UFC 321 in the UAE
UFC 321: Aspinall vs Gane will stream live and exclusively on STARZPLAY this Saturday, 25 October.
Subscribers across the UAE and MENA can catch every fight, from prelims to main event, direct from Etihad Arena.
When is UFC 321?
Saturday, 25 October 2025, live from Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi.
Who’s fighting in the main event?
Tom Aspinall defends his UFC heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane.
Where can I watch UFC 321 in the UAE?
You can stream it live and exclusively on STARZPLAY, the official UFC broadcaster for the region.
What time does UFC 321 start?
Check local listings on STARZPLAY for the full schedule and prelim start times.
Why is Abu Dhabi important to UFC?
It’s become a global hub for MMA, regularly hosting title fights and showcasing regional and international talent.
