UPDATE: The UFC is ready to electrify fans with six championship fights scheduled over the final two months of 2025. Major bouts will take place in Abu Dhabi and New York City, culminating in a thrilling finish to the year.
UFC 321, set for Saturday at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN PPV, will feature Tom Aspinall defending his undisputed heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane. This marks Aspinall’s first title defense after a lengthy hiatus marked by the Jon Jones saga. In the co-main event, a new strawweight champion will emerge as Virna Jandiroba faces Mackenzie Dern for the vacated 115-pound title.
UFC 322, taking place on November 15 at Madison Square Garden, will showcase former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev attempting to capture the welterweight title from reigning champion Jack Della Maddalena. Notably, Zhang Weili will also compete, aiming to become a champion in two weight classes against Valentina Shevchenko.
The year will conclude with UFC 323 in Las Vegas, where bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili seeks to achieve a record fourth title defense against Petr Yan. Additionally, Alexandre Pantoja will defend his flyweight title against rising contender Joshua Van.
These matchups are pivotal for the fighters involved, with significant implications for their careers and the divisions they represent. For Aspinall, reclaiming the spotlight after an extended absence is crucial, while Gane aims to reclaim his status after a disappointing previous title bout. Jandiroba and Dern’s fight reflects a division struggling for identity post-Zhang, as both fighters vie for legitimacy in their title aspirations.
Moreover, the bantamweight rematch between Dvalishvili and Yan is stirring intrigue, especially considering Dvalishvili’s unprecedented takedown attempts in their first encounter. As for Makhachev, this fight against Della Maddalena is not just about the title; it’s a chance to reclaim his position atop the UFC rankings.
The standout fight to watch is undoubtedly the women’s flyweight championship bout between Shevchenko and Zhang, a clash of titans that could reshape the landscape of women’s MMA. Both fighters possess striking skills that could lead to an unforgettable showdown.
Fans are eagerly anticipating these high-stakes matchups, and with only weeks until these events unfold, the excitement is palpable. Stay tuned for updates as these championship bouts approach, promising thrilling action and dramatic outcomes that could alter the futures of these elite fighters.
