As UFC 321 draws near, the MMA world is buzzing with anticipation for Tom Aspinall’s first undisputed title defense against former interim champion Ciryl Gane. The fight headlines Saturday’s card in Abu Dhabi and represents not only a clash of elite heavyweights but also a defining moment in the division’s future.
Aspinall’s meteoric rise has made him one of the UFC’s brightest stars, but with that comes immense pressure. Many wonder — is the weight on Aspinall’s shoulders being exaggerated, or is this truly one of the most high-stakes title defenses in recent history?
While Gane enters as the underdog, the Frenchman is no stranger to title fights. He’s faced Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou before, and many believe his experience in championship bouts could be the key to pulling off an upset. But after being criticized for his grappling in past performances, Gane has vowed to show a “new version” of himself — one that’s prepared for every situation inside the cage.
Meanwhile, Aspinall remains calm under pressure. The British champion has repeatedly said that he doesn’t care about the outside noise or the odds, focusing solely on “showing why I’m the best in the world.” But make no mistake — a loss here would be devastating for his momentum and could rank among the biggest shockers in recent UFC history.
Outside the main event, there’s plenty of intrigue across the card. Din Thomas’ recent comments about the strawweight co-main event between Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern have stirred debate. Thomas believes Jandiroba’s grappling edge could expose Dern’s lack of wrestling, though others argue Dern’s jiu-jitsu remains a fight-ending threat at any moment.
Fans are also eager to see Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Mario Bautista, a bantamweight clash with serious title implications. Dana White has hinted that the winner could move directly into contention for Merab Dvalishvili’s belt, especially if the fight delivers fireworks.
The UFC 323 lineup announcement has also drawn plenty of attention — with two title fights and several returning stars set for December’s card in Las Vegas, the year looks to end with a bang.
MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Jed Meshew dove into all of these burning questions on a new episode of Between the Links, breaking down the storylines, controversies, and future matchups that could define the final stretch of 2025.
Whether you’re watching live or catching the replay, UFC 321 is shaping up to be a pivotal night for both the heavyweight division and the promotion’s future stars.
#AD 💳🔥
Looking for the easiest way to send, receive, and spend money worldwide? Try RedotPay — the prepaid crypto card trusted by over 1M+ users (4.7★ on Google Play)! 🌍 Works with 90%+ of sites and apps, no purchase fees, and you’ll even get $5 FREE back on your first card purchase 💰
✨ Enjoy exclusive offers & rewards under the “Benefits” tab — available globally!
👉 Use my code: exqfj and sign up here: https://url.hk/i/en/exqfj