The long-awaited UFC 321 main event between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane lived up to its massive billing, as Aspinall delivered another dominant performance to retain his heavyweight title. The English fighter, known for his lightning-fast finishes, proved once again why he’s one of the most dangerous men in the UFC.
Aspinall entered the Octagon as a strong favorite, and he wasted no time showing why. In front of a roaring Abu Dhabi crowd, the 32-year-old champion controlled the pace early, displaying his signature explosive striking and precise timing. Gane, who came in determined to reclaim the belt after his loss to Jon Jones, struggled to keep up with Aspinall’s speed and power.
Table of Contents
Aspinall’s Knockout Streak Continues
Tom Aspinall’s incredible run of first-round finishes continued. After back-to-back victories in just 60, 69, and 73 seconds in his previous fights, the British powerhouse added yet another quick stoppage to his record, defeating Gane by TKO in the opening round. The win cements his position as the UFC’s top heavyweight and extends his professional record to 16-3.
Despite a 15-month layoff due to injury, Aspinall showed no signs of rust. His movement, precision, and composure were flawless as he capitalized on Gane’s defensive lapses to end the bout in dramatic fashion.
Ciryl Gane’s Struggles Continue
For Gane, it was another heartbreaking night on the big stage. The French fighter, widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted heavyweights, couldn’t withstand Aspinall’s aggression. After his previous first-round submission loss to Jon Jones, this defeat raises questions about his ability to handle elite-level grapplers and power punchers in the division.
Full UFC 321 Results and Highlights
Main Card Results:
- Tom Aspinall def. Ciryl Gane — TKO, Round 1 (Heavyweight Title)
- Virna Jandiroba def. Mackenzie Dern — Decision (Women’s Strawweight Title)
- Umar Nurmagomedov def. Mario Bautista — Submission (Bantamweight)
- Alexander Volkov def. Jailton Almeida — KO, Round 2 (Heavyweight)
- Azamat Murzakanov def. Aleksandar Rakic — TKO, Round 1 (Light Heavyweight)
Prelims Highlights:
- Quillan Salkilld scored a devastating head kick knockout over Nasrat Haqparast.
- Valter Walker won via submission in the first round against Louie Sutherland.
- Ludovit Klein defeated Mateusz Rebecki via majority decision despite suffering a broken ankle.
Expert Reactions and Predictions Proven Right
Analysts from ESPN, MMA Junkie, and BetMGM predicted an Aspinall win — and they were right. Many cited his explosiveness and superior grappling as key advantages. ESPN’s Ian Parker noted before the fight, “Aspinall is the more complete fighter. Gane’s only path is to keep it standing, but Aspinall’s power and ground control are on another level.”
What’s Next for Tom Aspinall?
With Jon Jones having vacated the heavyweight title, Tom Aspinall now stands tall as the undisputed king of the division. The question now is: who’s next? Potential challengers include Alexander Volkov, who secured an impressive win on the same card, or a possible mega-fight with Sergei Pavlovich.
Regardless of the opponent, Aspinall’s confidence, speed, and finishing ability make him the most dangerous heavyweight in the UFC today.
FAQs About UFC 321: Aspinall vs Gane
1. Who won the fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane?
Tom Aspinall defeated Ciryl Gane by first-round TKO to retain his UFC heavyweight title.
2. Where did UFC 321 take place?
The event was held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
3. How many fights were on the UFC 321 card?
The full UFC 321 event featured 12 fights, including both prelims and main card bouts.
4. What was Tom Aspinall’s record after UFC 321?
Aspinall improved his record to 16 wins and 3 losses, with most victories coming by knockout or submission.
5. Where can fans watch UFC replays?
Replays of UFC 321, including the Aspinall vs Gane fight, are available on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass.
