ABU DHABI: In partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, UFC 321 takes place at Yas Island’s Etihad Arena on Saturday, Oct. 25.
Here are six things to look out for at the event:
Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall defends against No. 1 contender Ciryl Gane
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and heavyweight champion Aspinall defends his title for the first time.
Facing him is former interim champ Gane, known for his speed, technique and sharp footwork, who is hungry to claim UFC gold.
History with first women’s title fight in the Middle East
Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern will go head-to-head for the vacant strawweight title in what promises to be a fierce clash.
Umar Nurmagomedov battles Mario Bautista in bantamweight division
After falling short against champion Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title, Nurmagomedov will be looking to re-establish himself as one of the division’s elite fighters. But Bautista, who is on an eight-fight win streak, will not make it easy.
Top heavyweights Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida collide
Volkov, ranked second, is set to face No. 5 Almeida in a battle for a prime spot in the division. The winner of the bout may be in line for a shot at the title.
Hamdy Abdelwahab faces Chris Barnett in another heavyweight clash
Fan-favorite Barnett makes his long-awaited comeback against Egypt’s Abdelwahab, in a clash that is expected to be explosive.
Return of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week
A weeklong series of city-wide events, Abu Dhabi Showdown Week brings UFC fans into the heart of the action with open athlete workouts, ceremonial weigh-ins and much more.
