UFC 321 Set to Take Over Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena on October 25th
Heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall will defend his title against Ciryl Gane, while Egypt’s Hamdy Abdelwahab faces fan-favourite Chris Barnett.

Abu Dhabi is gearing up for another major sports spectacle as UFC 321 lands at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, on October 25th, 2025. Organised in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the event promises a lineup of high-stakes matchups and historic moments.
Headlining the night, UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall will defend his title for the first time against Ciryl Gane, the former interim champion known for his speed and technique. The event will also make history with the first-ever Women’s Title fight to take place in the Middle East, featuring Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern battling for the vacant strawweight title.
The card continues with Umar Nurmagomedov facing Mario Bautista in a crucial bantamweight clash, while heavyweight contenders Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida fight for a potential shot at the title. Adding to the excitement, Egypt’s Hamdy Abdelwahab will go up against fan-favourite Chris Barnett in one of three heavyweight showdowns set for the night.
Beyond the Octagon, fans can immerse themselves in Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, a weeklong citywide celebration featuring open workouts, fan events, weigh-ins, and other activations across the capital.
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