UFC 321 ultimate guide: What time Aussie, big guns will fight in Middle Eastern blockbuster

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Reading Time: 7 mins read

The UFC is back in Abu Dhabi this weekend with undisputed champion Tom Aspinall defending his heavyweight crown against Ciryl Gane in a showdown that is sure to deliver fireworks.

Aspinall, who is defending his undisputed strap for the first time, is coming off a string of spectacular finishes, including his first-round stoppage of Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 last year.

He will collide with French star Gane, who hasn’t lost a fight since his defeat to Jon Jones at UFC 285 in 2023, in a battle of chaos versus control that promises pure violence.

UFC 321: Aspinall vs Gane | SUN 26 OCT 5AM AEDT |The Heavyweight belt is on the line as undisputed heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall makes his first title defence against former interim champion Ciryl Gane, in Abu Dhabi.| Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.

“We’ll be booing!”: Tom doubles down | 00:26

The build-up to the bout has been very respectful so far, with both fighters refusing to engage in trash talk, but that will change quickly when the Octagon door closes on Sunday morning (AEDT).

The heavyweight clash has been a long time coming, with both fighters being widely considered as the future of heavyweight MMA. This isn’t just another UFC fight – it’s a clash of styles and mentalities that will dictate the future of the division.

HOW WILL THE MAIN EVENT PLAY OUT?

The British bulldozer will likely be looking to finish the fight in the opening round, while ‘Bon Gamin’ will be doing his best to keep his rival at range and at the end of his punches.

WHAT IS THE OTHER TITLE FIGHT ON THE CARD?

The co-main event sees another title go on the line with Mackenzie Dern squaring off with Virna Jandiroba for the vacant strawweight championship.

Jandiroba was the betting favourite last week, riding a five-fight win-streak and being the division’s top-ranked contender, but the odds have changed in the last couple of days.

Although officially No.5 in the weight class, Dern has previously beaten her rival when the pair fought in 2020 and will be confident about repeating the job this weekend with UFC gold on the line.

ARE THERE ANY AUSSIES COMPETING?

One Aussie will be fighting on the card, with Perth slugger Quillan Salkilld throwing down against tough Afghani fighter Nasrat Haqparast after stepping up as a replacement on just 11 days notice.

HOW TO WATCH

Aussie fight fans can catch all the action for UFC 321 LIVE on Main Event via Kayo.

Main Event on Kayo Sports and Foxtel is the exclusive home of UFC Pay-Per-View.

WHEN IS IT?

UFC 321 takes place on Sunday 26 October Australian time at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

START TIME (All times AEDT)

The action gets underway on Sunday morning with the early prelims starting at 1am, followed by the preliminary card at 3am and main card at 5am. Expect the title fights to begin after 7am AEDT, depending on how the card plays out.

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Aspinall & Whittaker’s hilarious roast | 07:52

MAIN CARD

Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane – for the UFC Heavyweight Championship.

Virna Jandiroba vs. Mackenzie Dern – for the vacant UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship

Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Mario Bautista

Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida

Aleksandar Rakic vs. Azamat Murzakanov

Gane on tough UFC test | 04:12

PRELIMS (from 1am AEDT)