Tom Aspinall is ready to step back into the spotlight as he prepares to defend his UFC heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane in the blockbuster main event of UFC 321, set for Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. This highly anticipated showdown marks Aspinall’s first title defense since being named undisputed champion earlier this year, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for both fighters and fans alike.
The British powerhouse, hailing from Salford but often called the Wigan warrior, has been on a tear since returning from a devastating knee injury two years ago. His journey back to the top included a statement-making win over Sergei Pavlovich to capture the interim title and a swift, 60-second demolition of Curtis Blaydes in Manchester last July. That victory, which fans still buzz about, was Aspinall’s last appearance in the Octagon—a remarkable 14 months ago.
Since then, Aspinall, now 32, has been meticulously preparing for his comeback. He’s showcased a visibly leaner and more muscular physique, sparking a wave of excitement across MMA circles. Social media lit up after he posted a post-training snap revealing defined abs and a noticeably slimmer frame. Fans chimed in with comments like, “Those abs making faces,” and, “Baddest man in the world by far.” Another simply declared, “Tom is a f***ing unit.”
The transformation isn’t just for show. Aspinall himself has been vocal about his ambitions and mindset heading into this pivotal bout. Speaking to talkSPORT.com, he emphasized, “I never look past my next opponent. It doesn’t matter who it is. It doesn’t matter what the odds are or anything like that. I’m just out there trying to beat the next guy. It’s heavyweight MMA—the most unpredictable sport with the most unpredictable division, and I gotta be ready for everything. Ciryl is a decent guy, but, at the end of the day, there’s only me and him gonna be in there on October 25. He’s gonna have to lose.”
But Aspinall’s rise to undisputed champion wasn’t without drama. After capturing the interim belt, he was slated for a unification bout with UFC legend Jon Jones. However, Jones, who had held the division in suspense for nearly two years, announced a sudden retirement in June 2025, just as the matchup was gaining momentum. Dana White, the UFC president, responded by stripping Jones of the title, officially elevating Aspinall from interim to undisputed champion. Reflecting on this turn of events, Aspinall promised, “I am going to keep this thing as active as possible. I want to be the best heavyweight to ever walk the face of the Earth. I’m gonna defend this thing as many times as I possibly can and I’m gonna keep you guys entertained. We’re gonna see an active defending UFC heavyweight undisputed champion going forward.”
His opponent, Ciryl Gane, is no stranger to high-stakes contests. The Frenchman will be making his third attempt at capturing undisputed heavyweight gold after falling short in two previous title tilts. Gane suffered a decision loss to Francis Ngannou and a submission defeat to Jon Jones, both heartbreakers for the talented striker. UFC 321 could represent his final shot at the sport’s most prestigious prize, adding an extra layer of urgency to his preparations.
The main event isn’t the only draw on this stacked card. UFC 321 features a co-main event with Brazilians Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba battling for the vacant strawweight title. The night’s action kicks off with an undercard brimming with talent: Umar Nurmagomedov faces Mario Bautista, Alexander Volkov takes on Jailton Almeida, and Aleksandar Rakic squares off against Azamat Murzakanov. The preliminary card is no slouch either, with L’udovit Klein battling Mateusz Rebecki, Ikram Aliskerov meeting Junyong Park, and a host of other thrilling matchups.
UK and Irish fans are in for a treat, as the main card is scheduled to begin at 7pm UK time—prime viewing hours. Early prelims start at 11:15am, followed by the prelims at 3pm. TNT Sports Box Office will broadcast the main card live, with coverage of the earlier fights available on UFC Fight Pass. The pay-per-view price is set at £19.99, and viewers can catch the action through TNT, EETV, Virgin, Sky, discovery+, and even Prime Video. There’s no need for a TNT Sports subscription to purchase the event, making it widely accessible for MMA enthusiasts.
For those who prefer radio or digital coverage, talkSPORT and talkSPORT.com will provide live updates and build-up on their MMA YouTube channel. Fans can tune in via the talkSPORT app, DAB digital radio, smart speakers, or traditional AM frequencies at 1089 or 1053.
Aspinall’s return to the cage has been the talk of the MMA world—not just for his physical transformation, but for the sense of momentum he brings to a division that’s seen its share of uncertainty. His 14-month layoff was largely due to the limbo caused by Jon Jones’ brief retirement, but Aspinall’s determination to keep the heavyweight title active has been a breath of fresh air for both the UFC and its fans.
The Brit’s record since his return from injury speaks for itself: three straight victories, redemption against Curtis Blaydes, and a relentless focus on cementing his legacy. As he said in a message to his supporters, “I’m going to give back to everybody who has shown me support over the last year, over the last five years and over the last ten years.”
Gane, meanwhile, faces a career-defining moment. After two failed title bids, the pressure is on to seize what could be his last opportunity at the top. His technical striking and athleticism have made him a perennial threat in the division, but he’ll need to overcome the surging Aspinall to finally secure UFC gold.
With the heavyweight title on the line, a reinvigorated champion, and a hungry challenger, UFC 321 promises fireworks. The event also highlights the UFC’s ongoing commitment to global expansion, as the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi has become a hub for major cards since 2021. Fans can expect a raucous atmosphere and a night packed with high-stakes action from start to finish.
As fight night draws near, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. Will Tom Aspinall continue his march toward heavyweight greatness, or will Ciryl Gane finally capture the elusive title? With both men at the peak of their powers and the world watching, UFC 321 is shaping up to be a night MMA fans won’t soon forget.
Stay tuned, because when the Octagon doors close in Abu Dhabi, anything can happen—and the heavyweight division may never look the same again.
