As the UFC returns to Abu Dhabi this weekend, all eyes are on the Etihad Arena for UFC 321 — a card brimming with rivalries, redemption arcs and historic firsts that have captured fight fans across the UAE.
Aspinall vs Gane: The New Age of Heavyweights
In the main event, heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall defends his belt against former interim champion Ciryl Gane, a striking specialist known for his fluid movement and finesse.
Ciryl’s the guy I’m fighting, so he’s the biggest test right now. His fate is sealed.
The Brit, known for his speed and knockout power, didn’t shy away from the challenge. “If I can hit anybody, I can knock them out. Ciryl is no exception.”
For Gane, who has spent the past year sharpening his game after falling short in previous title bouts, Saturday represents redemption. “We’ve both got better… this fight’s going to be better,” he said. “I’ve learned from every mistake, and I know what I need to do.”
Both fighters view the clash as symbolic of a new heavyweight era.
People will see the difference between guys like us and those from ten years ago.
Jandiroba vs Dern: A Rematch with History
The co-main event carries its own significance — the first-ever women’s UFC fight in the UAE, as Virna Jandiroba faces Mackenzie Dern in a rematch five years in the making. For Jandiroba, this isn’t just about revenge; it’s about culmination.
It’s all about the belt, not the opponent,” she said. “I’m a completely different fighter than I was back then.
Since losing to Dern, Jandiroba has built a five-fight unbeaten streak, showcasing her evolution and composure. Dern, meanwhile, returns to familiar ground — Abu Dhabi — where she first made her mark a decade ago.
I still remember April 2015 when I won my black belt world title here. The main goal is to beat Virna, win the belt, and then we’ll see.
Nurmagomedov Legacy Continues
No Abu Dhabi card feels complete without a Nurmagomedov presence. This time, Umar Nurmagomedov looks to rebound from the only loss of his career as he takes on Mario Bautista in a potential title eliminator. Despite his defeat to Merab Dvalishvili earlier this year, Nurmagomedov (19-1) remains unfazed.
“OK, I’m going to do it,” he told UFC President Dana White when asked to prove his title credentials. Fans already speculate that a Nurmagomedov win could set up a rematch with Dvalishvili or a clash with Petr Yan, who fight for the title in December. But Bautista, holding a 16-2 record, is eager to disrupt that narrative.
We’ll see after Saturday. I have the chance to shake things up.
Stacked Undercard Promises Fireworks
Beyond the headline acts, UFC 321 boasts a deep supporting cast, including heavyweight Alexander Volkov facing Jailton Almeida, and light heavyweight contenders Aleksandar Rakić and Azamat Murzakanov in a pivotal matchup.
With storylines that span continents and legacies, UFC 321 looks set to deliver another electrifying night of combat in Abu Dhabi — a city that has firmly become the home of MMA spectacle in the Middle East.
