Tom Aspinall's first defence of his heavyweight title could not have gone any worse after his fight with Ciryl Gane ended in a no contest.
The pair have been destined to trade leather in the cage for many years, and finally got the chance to settle their rivalry on Saturday night in Abu Dhabi. Aspinall was a huge favourite coming into the contest, but it was actually the Frenchman who started on the front foot.
Gane's sharp jabs seemed to cause the champion a few problems. The challenger was enjoying himself inside the cage before he accidentally poked Aspinall in both eyes. The Brit was given five minutes to recover, but referee Jason Herzog eventually waved off the dust-up and ended up declaring the bout a no contest, much to the frustration of many in attendance. You can re-live all of the action below...
Tom Aspinall UFC fight ends in disaster as champion is poked in both eyes
Tom Aspinall's UFC comeback fight ended in controversy after the fight was deemed a no contest after the Brit was pocked in both eyes by Ciryl Gane.
It has been a tough year for the top British star - who was last seen back in July 2024 when he needed just over a minute to exact his revenge and render rival Curtis Blaydes unconscious.
In the months that followed, Aspinall was destined to go head-to-head with Jon Jones in a unification bout. Following Jones’ dominant victory over Stipe Miocic last November, the UFC legend hinted at one final fight inside the Octagon. However, he failed to publicly commit to fighting Aspinll before eventually announcing his retirement from the sport back in June.
The Brit was eventually promoted to undisputed champion and was eager to make up for lost time. Gane was without a shadow of a doubt set to be Aspinall’s toughest test on paper, but disaster struck deep into the first round after referee Jason Herzog was forced to wave off proceedings due to an eye poke that was deemed unintentional.
Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane - Ends in a No Contest
It has been a difficult year for Tom Aspinall, having been made to wait by Jon Jones. But many fans have been chomping at the bit to see him back in the cage. And he is back and faces his toughest test yet. Some slight drama on the walkouts as Gane has forgotten his cup! Not a good sign at all. Pre-fight nerves... maybe? HERE WE GO!
Aspinall begins proceedings with a low kick as Gane tried to attack his knees. The Frenchman lands a good straight shot down the middle. A very chaotic start here in Abu Dhabi. Aspinall fires a huge knee up the middle that backpedals the challenger. The Brit attempts a quick takedown, but is stuffed by Gane. Aspinall now attacks the body, by Gane's movement and jabs have been on point so far.
Gane continues to press forward. He's had a very good start to the round, but there is a brief pause in the action due to an eye poke. Aspinall is clearly struggling, but he will have five minutes to try and recover. This is worrying.
It's main event time!
Tom Aspinall returns for the first time in over a year and will take on the dangerous Ciryl Gane at UFC 321.
The Wigan warrior claimed the interim heavyweight title at UFC 295 after knocking out Sergei Pavlovich in the first round in New York. He would later successfully defend the gold strap in July 2024 against Curtis Blaydes. It has been a challenging year for the Brit - who has had to wait around for Jon Jones.
Eventually, Jones decided to call it a day after failing to publicly commit to fighting Aspinall. Eventually, the British heavyweight was promoted to undisputed champion, but faces a tough challenge in his first defence. UFC 321 marks Gane's third attempt at the undisputed throne, having failed his first two attempts. The Frenchman comes into the clash off the back of a split-decision win over Alexander Volkov last December.
Mackenzie Dern beats Virna Jandiroba in pictures
Mackenzie Dern beats Virna Jandiroba via unanimous decision
Virna Jandiroba vs Mackenzie Dern - Round five
Jandiroba needs to step it up a tad here as she is slowly but surely slowing down. She has not been as busy as she was in the earlier round. Both look absolutely busted as they have both been through hell in this fight. Jandiroba off to a good start here in the fifth. Very quick, but Dern fires off a combination before detonating a right hand, but Jandiroba grabs her foe and scores a crucial takedown.
The pair split, but Jandiroba attempts another takedown. Good defence from Dern, who refuses to be take down again. Jandiroba is trying her hardest to get another takedown and win the round. Short touch from Dern. Jandiroba gets yet another takedown and Dern is seemingly happy to be on her back. The Brazilian is landing some good elbows off her back. These are some hard shots. Jandiroba might have to do more on top, but she is seemingly letting her foe up. That is a weird move considering Dern has got the better of her on the feet so far. One minute to go and the pair are trading leather in the centre of the cage. Swing and a miss from Jandiroba,. Good left hand from Dern as she continues to march forward. A couple of hammer fists from Dern as she scores a late takedown. To the judges we go!
Virna Jandiroba vs Mackenzie Dern - Round four
Into the championship rounds we go, and both fighters have given it their all so far. 10 minutes or less to decide who will be crowned the new strawweight champion. Good right hand lands from Dern followed by yet another kick. Jandiroba counters well with a left. Stinging right hand from Dern lands. That one wobbled Jandiroba just a tad. She needs to keep this up, but decides to shoot a double leg.
Jandiroba is starting to get tired here. Dern is doing well and is clearly the better striker. Good kick followed by a jab from Dern. A very good fourth round from the Brazilian thus far. Nice left hook followed by a one-two from Jandiroba, but Dern secures a huge takedown with just under a minute to go. Jandiroba is clearly accepting this position and is unwilling to move. We head into the fifth and final round.
Virna Jandiroba vs Mackenzie Dern - Round three
It will be interesting to see how badly that slight damage below Jandiroba's affects her going forward in this fight as we head into the third round. Good jab from Dern, but she ends up on her back. After a brief spell on the canvas, both fighters are now back on their feet. Now Dern mixes things up by teasing a takedown, but Jandiroba refuses to take the bait. Couple of knees landed from Dern in the clinch against the fence.
Just under three minutes to go as Jandiroba lands a sharp left hand, but Dern fires back with a leg kick. That right eye of Jandiroba is really busted! Jandiroba gets yet another takedown. Dern needs to do a lot more to avoid constantly being taken down. Yes, she is comfortable off her back, but it is not a good look for her, especially with the judges cageside. Relentless pressure on top from Jandiroba as we head into the closing stages of the third. Another close round this, but Jandiroba ends the third with a stinging right hand.
Virna Jandiroba vs Mackenzie Dern - Round two
Nice right hand lands from Dern - who then quickly level changes. Jandiroba is doing a good job to defend any pressure coming from Dern - who continues to throw bombs as she lands a body kick. She is looking on point so far. Big overhand right lands from Jandiroba. She needs more of this. Jandiroba is starting to pick up the pace a little bit here, much more activity.
Good entry and takedown from Jandiroba. Big shots landed on top from Jandiroba, but Dern gets up! Nice urgency from the Brazilian. Both fighters are trading leather. It looks like Jandiroba has some slight damge below her eye. The pair are back on the canvas, and Dern is firing off some brutal elbows off her back! Now it's Jandiroba's turn to land a barrage of punches on top. Nice work from the top contender. Jandiroba ends the round with a sneaky left hand. Arguably 1-1 through two.
Virna Jandiroba vs Mackenzie Dern - Round one
Our first title fight of the night is upon as a new women's strawweight champion will be crowned. The pair trade leg kicks immediately. Dern stamping her authority already. Very quick on her feet so far and is certainly bringing it, but she absorbs a hard kick from Jandiroba. Right hand landed by Dern as Jandiroba shotos for a takedown, but is unsuccessful. Nice jab from Dern, but she eats a stinging shot from Jandiroba.
Jandiroba shoots for yet another takedown and gets Dern to the canvas this time. Dern gets back to her feet and fires off a knee to the body. She is in control now, but the pair split. Solid strikes from Dern. She has been exceptional on her feet so far, but Jandiroba once again resorts to shooting for a takedown. Despite being on her back, Dern fires off several strikes which lands flesh. Good opening five minutes from Mackenzie Dern.
Khabib Nurmagomedov gives Tom Aspinall some key advice...
A little extra advice never hurt!
— UFC (@ufc) October 25, 2025
Coach @TeamKhabib & the champ @AspinallMMA talk shop before his title fight #UFC321 pic.twitter.com/qNJdNbXdYN
Umar Nurmagomedov beats Mario Bautista in pictures
Umar Nurmagomedov beats Mario Bautista via unanimous decision
Umar Nurmagomedov vs Mario Bautista - Round three
Surely these fighters cannot keep this pace up for another five minutes? We are about to find out. Third and final round. The Russian throws two kicks and follows it up with a high kick. A very quick start to the final round by Umar Nurmagomedov. Nice double leg from the Russian - who now has a hold of Bautista's back.
Great heart on display from Bautista, but he gets taken down again very briefly. Nurmagomedov is refusing to give his rival some breathing room. Just over a minute to go and it is the Russian who is still controlling proceedings and maybe on his way to a victory. A brief split, but Umar drags his opponent down to the canvas yet again. Bautista needs a hail mary right now, but he cannot get it as the pair go the full fifteen.
Umar Nurmagomedov vs Mario Bautista - Round two
Bautista quick off his stool and ready to go again, but Nurmagomedov just has that confidence right now. Bautista comes out pressing and OHHHHH, he drops Nurmagomedov with a knee. The Russian ate that well. Bautista continues to press forward, but nice entry by Nurmagomedov and he gets Bautista down! What a start to the second. Bautista has to keep moving after giving up his back.
Nurmagomedov will just not let go. Great job from Bautista to get back to his feet. Nice switch from Bautista and the pair are now back on their feet. Some pace so far. Another takedown from Umar Nurmagomedov and Bautista is now breathing faitly heavy here. Just over a minute to go and the Russian is still on top, exhausting his opponent. And the American gets out again. Great defensive work, but Nurmagomedov shows he has hands too after landing a nice combination up top. What a fight through two!
Umar Nurmagomedov vs Mario Bautista - Round one
Straight away Bautista throws a leg kick, but Nurmagomedov quickly sweeps and takes his foe to the canvas - much to the delight of the fans in attendance. Nurmagomedov means business this evening.... but wait! Bautista grabs a hold of his rival's ankle and is chasing a submission here. Could this be a huge upset? WOWWWWW, unbelievable skill by the Russian to get himself out of danger and on top position. What a fast start to this one.
Just over two minutes to go and Umar remains on top, but the pair are trading leather on the canvas. Nurmagomedov's pressure is spectacular. Big elbow lands from Umar and he gets Bautista's back. Nurmagomedov is a man on a mission this evening. The American just needs to get through this round and go again. Bautista survives the round!
Alexander Volkov beats Jailton Almeida in pictures
Alexander Volkov beats Jailton Almeida via split decision
This is a contentious one for sure. Maybe you could argue that despite all of Almeida's dominance on the mat, he did not really threaten a submission and offered very little on top. After a slight delay in proceedings, the judges eventually handed in their scorecards - which read: 29-28 Almeida, 29-28 Volkov and 29-28 Volkov.
How did you score this one?
Alexander Volkov vs Jailton Almeida - Round three
Surprise surprise, Almeida chases a takedown, but Volkov defends it well and has backed the Brazilian up against the fence. The Russian needs to build on this. Great spot for Volkov - who is unleashing several knees to the body. Almeida absorbs them well, though, and lands yet another takedown. The referee has once again called for the two fighters to work, threatening to stand them up yet again.
Volkov is going for the triangle, but the Brazilian is not worried at all and continues to dominate on top position. Granted, a dominant display from Almeida so far, but if I was Tom Aspinall right now, I would not be pleased at all. Just under a minute to go and Almeida is literally smothering his opponent. The referee has stood them up, but low and behold, the Brazilian lands another takedown. To the judges we go!
Alexander Volkov vs Jailton Almeida - Round two
Round two is underway and as expected, Almeida has shot for the takedown and has got his man down. He is not advancing as of yet. The referee may feel inclined to split them up in a second as the Brazilian heavyweight is not really doing anything at all. Not urgency from Almeida at all! The crowd are not appreciating the lack of movement. Volkov gives up his back! He slams the Russian to the mat again...
Almeida working his way up, trying to get the underhooks in. So far, nothing doing, but Volkov wriggles free. Another warning from the referee, calling for Almeida to pick up the pace. And that does it! The referee has forced them to stand up, but Almeida lands yet another takedown. I mean, the Brazilian is relentless, just over a minute to go here in round two. Volkov looking for the kimura, but he could not quite lock in the submission. We are heading into the final round.
Alexander Volkov vs Jailton Almeida - Round one
Heavyweight action on the line now. The permutations of this fight are massive - with the winner set to earn themselves a showdown with the winner of the main event. Right away, Almeida is showing his intent by taking Volkov down... that was too easy. And the Russian is in a bit of a pickle now, with the Brazilian on top. This is Almeida's bread and butter and he is tryimg to find a way to suffocate his rival.
And Volkov turns it around! A great sweep by the Russian. Now it is his turn to pile on the pressure. A real pro Volkov crowd here. Nice elbow from Volkov, Almeida is breathing heavily here. That early pressure has seemingly taken its toll on him massively. Huge punches on top from Volkov! He means business now - just under 30 seconds to go. What an end to the round from Volkov.
Azamat Murzakanov beats Aleksandar Rakic in pictures
Azamat Murzakanov beats Aleksandar Rakic - Round one KO
The UFC 321 main card is now underway. Here we go! What a fight we have on our hands. Rakic immediately kicks things off with a leg kick - very light on his feet early on. Murzakanov fires and overhand left, but misses completely. Another shattering kick lands from Rakic! Murzakanov cannot be eating more of these as he absorbs yet another kick. Rakic shoots for the takedown.... very unsual by his normal choatic standards.
Couple of inside knees from Rakic, but the pair split. The Austrian has been bouncing non stop since the opening bell. Another takedown attempt from Rakic, but good defence from Murzakanov! OOOOOOOOHHHHHHH Murzakanov catches Rakic with a clean right hand and he is out cold! WOAH. What a start to the main card and what a knockout from Murzakanov. Still undefeated!
Tom Aspinall is in the building!
— UFC (@ufc) October 25, 2025
It's main card time!
The UFC 321 main card is due to get underway any minute now. Up first is a mouthwatering light-heavyweight showdown between Aleksandar Rakic and Azamat Murzakanov.
Quillan Salkilld beats Nasrat Haqparast in pictures
Quillan Salkilld beats Nasrat Haqparast - Round one KO
Last fight on the prelims, and once again, we have ourselves a cracking fight. Salkilld immediately cchasing a takedown, but Haqparast shrugs off the onslaught. The Aussie has been very quick on his feet so far, clearly in no mood to mess around here this evening. Left hand to the body lands from Haqparast... briefly pushes his Aussie foe back. Good left hand over the top lands from Haqparast.
OHHHHHHHHHHH MY WORDDDDDD... Quillan Salkilld has just rendered Nasrat Haqparast unconscious with a sensational right head kick. Wow. This kid is the real deal. To do that to an experienced fighter like Haqparast.... take a bow Quillan. Without a doubt, one of the best head kicks in the history of MMA. Haqparast is out cold, and the medical team were quick to race over to the fallen warrior. Just brutal.
Ikram Aliskerov beats Junyong Park via unanimous decision
Ikram Aliskerov vs Junyong Park - Round three
Five minutes or less to decide this one and there is seemingly no quit in Park who has a gas tank for days. Over a minute gone and Park is still pushing forward, but Aliskerov lands yet another takedown. The Russian is controlling the back and not letting go, but once again.... Park gets himself out of trouble and now the South Korean is swinging away.
Yet again... Aliskerov lands another takedown and has Park staring at the canvas. The Russian is chasing some sort of choke, but Park's heart is on full display here. Fair play to him! But he is losing this round and potentially the fight. Aliskerov is known for his power, but this is a unique and welcomed new version of the top middleweight star. Aliskerov is mauling Park right now as we head into the final few seconds of the fight. To the judges we go!
Ikram Aliskerov vs Junyong Park - Round two
Here we go, back underway here in Abu Dhabi. Park fires off a few jabs, but nothing really significant lands. Nice left high kick lands from Aliskerov, but Park eats it well. Park moving very light on his feet, and absorbs yet another groin strike. Aliskerov slapped with a serious warning from the referee.
Big right hand over the top lands from Aliskerov before eventually securing yet another takedown - his third in the fight thus far. Park doing very well defending and not allowing Aliskerov to land anything brutal. Blood is starting to pour from Park's nose but he is still firing shots off his back. Just under a minute to go, and Park is back on his feet and the pair split. Good left hand lands from Aliskerov, but Park ends the round on top!