What's Happening?
UFC 321, held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, featured a highly anticipated heavyweight title fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane. The match ended prematurely in a no-contest due to an accidental
eye poke inflicted by Gane on Aspinall at 4:35 of the first round. Aspinall, the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, was making his first defense of the undisputed belt. The event also included a co-main event where Mackenzie Dern defeated Virna Jandiroba via unanimous decision to claim the vacant UFC strawweight title. The fight card was broadcasted live on ESPN+ pay-per-view, with preliminary matches available on ESPN+, Disney+, and FX.
Why It's Important?
The no-contest result in the main event is significant as it leaves the heavyweight title picture unresolved, potentially affecting future matchups and rankings within the division. Tom Aspinall, who has been a dominant force in the heavyweight category, was expected to solidify his status as champion. The outcome may lead to a rematch or other adjustments in the heavyweight division. Additionally, Mackenzie Dern's victory in the co-main event positions her as a key player in the strawweight division, potentially setting up future title defenses or unification bouts.
What's Next?
Following the no-contest, the UFC may consider scheduling a rematch between Aspinall and Gane to provide a definitive conclusion to their title bout. The decision will likely depend on Aspinall's recovery from the eye injury. For Mackenzie Dern, her victory opens up opportunities for title defenses against top contenders in the strawweight division. The UFC will need to assess the rankings and potential challengers to determine her next opponent.
