Introduction
UFC 321, held on October 25, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, was poised to be a landmark event in the heavyweight division. The main event featured reigning champion Tom Aspinall defending his title against former interim champion Ciryl Gane. However, the highly anticipated bout concluded in a controversial no-contest due to an accidental eye poke, leaving fans and fighters alike in disbelief.
The Fight: A Promising Start Cut Short
The opening round saw both fighters engaging aggressively, with Gane landing significant strikes early on. Aspinall, known for his resilience and striking prowess, appeared to be weathering the storm. However, at the 4:35 mark of the first round, disaster struck. Gane’s outstretched fingers inadvertently made contact with both of Aspinall’s eyes during an attempted strike, rendering the champion unable to continue. Referee Jason Herzog immediately halted the fight, declaring a no-contest.
Aftermath: Medical Attention and Reactions
Following the stoppage, Aspinall was visibly distressed and was escorted to the hospital for further evaluation. In a post-fight interview, he expressed his frustration, stating, “I can’t see,” and conveyed his disappointment over the abrupt end to the fight.
Ciryl Gane, while apologetic for the accidental foul, also expressed his dismay over the outcome. UFC President Dana White labeled the ending as a “sh*tty ending” and confirmed plans to rebook the fight in the future.
UFC 321: Fight Card and Results
UFC 321 featured a stacked card with multiple high-stakes bouts. In the co-main event, Mackenzie Dern claimed the vacant women’s strawweight title by defeating Virna Jandiroba via unanimous decision. Other notable fights included Umar Nurmagomedov’s dominant victory over Mario Bautista and Alexander Volkov’s split-decision win against Jailton Almeida.
The Future of the Heavyweight Division
The unexpected no-contest has left the heavyweight division in a state of uncertainty. With Jon Jones’ retirement earlier this year, the title picture was already in flux. Aspinall’s first defense was anticipated to solidify his position as the undisputed champion, but the premature ending has left fans questioning the future trajectory of the division.
Where to Watch UFC 321
For those who missed the live event, UFC 321 is available for replay on various streaming platforms. ESPN+ PPV offered live coverage of the event, and highlights and full fight replays can be found on platforms like Watch ESPN and Disney+.
Conclusion
UFC 321 will be remembered not for the crowning of a new champion but for the unfortunate circumstances that led to an anticlimactic end. As the UFC looks to reschedule the heavyweight title fight, fans are left eagerly awaiting a resolution to the division’s unsettled championship picture.
