UFC 321: Vacant Title Contenders and Major Title Eliminators Highlight Event

UFC 321 is set to take place in Abu Dhabi, featuring significant title bouts and eliminators. The event highlights several contenders for championship positions across multiple weight classes.

Championship Fights and Title Eliminators

The main event features heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall defending his title against Ciryl Gane. The victor is expected to face either Alexander Volkov or Jailton Almeida in upcoming matches. Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou’s absence has left a gap in the heavyweight division, making this matchup particularly important for the title landscape.

Main Event: Heavyweight Championship

• Tom Aspinall: Current heavyweight champion.
• Ciryl Gane: Aspinall’s challenger, aiming for another title shot.
• Alexander Volkov: Former fighter who previously lost to Aspinall and Gane.
• Jailton Almeida: Rising contender with an impressive grappling style.

Aspinall remarked on the event, stating, “It’s pretty obvious they’re going to do winner vs. winner.” UFC 321 will be broadcast on Sportsnet+, with prelims starting at noon ET and the main card at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 25.

Undercard Contenders

Jailton Almeida enters this matchup as a two-to-one favorite, looking for his third consecutive stoppage win. His striking defense is rated at 60%, while Volkov holds a 72% takedown defense rate.

In the bantamweight division, Umar Nurmagomedov faces Mario Bautista. Nurmagomedov seeks redemption after a loss to Merab Dvalishvili, while Bautista aims to extend his eight-fight winning streak.

Vacant Title Fight between Jandiroba and Dern

Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern will clash for the vacant strawweight title. This bout arises because former champion Zhang Weili has moved up in weight class. Dern previously defeated Jandiroba in a closely contested encounter five years ago.

• Virna Jandiroba: Currently on a five-fight win streak.
• Mackenzie Dern: Coming off a recent submission win.

Both fighters are eager to showcase their growth since their last meeting, indicating an exciting clash is in store.

Future Contenders on the Undercard

The undercard features notable fighters looking to make a name for themselves. Azamat Murzakanov, undefeated at 15-0, faces Aleksandar Rakic, who is determined to break his losing streak. Jaqueline Amorim, a rising strawweight star, boasts a 100% finishing rate.

• Heavyweight Matchup: Valter Walker vs. Louie Sutherland, both seeking significant career boosts after previous canceled bouts.
• Lightweight Bout: Quillan Salkilld, an up-and-coming prospect, takes on Nasrat Haqparast.

UFC 321 promises a blend of exciting championship implications and thrilling bouts that could redefine the title picture across multiple divisions. Fans worldwide can expect a showcase of elite talent vying for future opportunities.