The UFC returns to the desert this autumn – just three months on from the Robert Whittaker v Renier De Ridder event – for a card which will have wide-ranging consequences for the heavyweight division. In what could potentially be one of the lineups of the year, we take a look at what we can expect from the event and what sort of connotations it will throw up, who is fighting, and other key considerations such as where to stay and what other things there are to do in the city during fight week. Read on to discover everything you need to know about UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi.
UFC’s Continued Legacy
The UAE market remains a strong focus for UFC President Dana White and the litany of holding companies that prop up the promotion. The company is ultimately owned by Silver Lake, through a labyrinth of subsidiaries, which count Mubadala as one of their strategic partners. Of course, Mubadala is the investment branch of the Abu Dhabi government, so it is no surprise that the UAE capital continues to host the biggest fights outside the United States.
Since the promotion first came to the Emirates back in 2010, MMA has gone from strength to strength in the region. Considering the abundance of Muslim fighters on the UFC’s books, the UAE capital offers the perfect regional base for non-North American cards, thanks to the infrastructure, safety and seamless hospitality on offer each and every time White decides to hold an event in the city.
Official UFC 321 Lineup
When Bruce Buffer steps into the octagon to announce the fighters this October, the implications for the heavyweight division will be significant.
Having waited for Jon Jones for what seems like an eternity, Tom Aspinall will finally return to the octagon as champion in the main event, which will give us a better understanding of just how long the current champ may reign for. Jones’ behaviour in dangling the fight in front of Aspinall for two years, then abruptly retiring in June, was nothing short of disgraceful, but many have simply put that down to the wild man of MMA not wanting to blemish his (almost) perfect record against the Englishman (Jones has just one DQ loss on his record against Matt Hamill for illegal 12-6 elbows).
Aspinall has a point to prove. He is widely regarded as the best out there at 265 lbs, but many are wondering just how long he can reign for now that Jones is out of the picture. Cyril Gane provides the biggest test for Tom, but he is still expected to make light work of the Frenchman.
Alexander Volkov – who Aspinall easily dispatched in the first round in March 2022 via armbar – features in the fight before, against the dangerous Brazilian Jailton Almeida. Whoever wins that one could propel themselves into the title picture, considering the lack of depth in the division right now. All they will then be faced with is the not-so-small task of getting through Aspinall if they wish to be crowned ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’.
Alexander Rakic, who at one point was being mooted as a future light-heavyweight champion, returns against undefeated Russian and terrifying knockout artist Azamat Murzakanov, while other announced fights so far include another heavyweight bout between Hamdy Abdelwahab and Chris Barnett and a middleweight clash between Russian Ikram Aliskerov and Korea’s ‘Iron Turtle’, Park Jun-Young.
Potential Additions to the Card
Given the fact that UFC 321 is still some time away, there is still plenty of scope for big additions to the fight card.
One name that refuses to go away is one Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett. The popular Scouser is riding the wave of success in MMA’s top promotion right now, having won each one of his seven fights thus far. Of course, you cannot please everybody, and there are those who are pointing to the fact that his last three opponents have been on clear downward trajectories in their careers. MMA commentators are suggesting that Pimblett could be next in line for a crack at Ilia Topuria’s recently-won lightweight crown; a fight which would certainly sell due to their clear dislike of each other. However, having only fought at the end of June, that would represent a relatively quick turnaround, but his one-round demolition of Charles Oliveira means he took minimal damage, so it is certainly possible.
Pimblett hasn’t fought since dismantling former Bellator champion Michael Chandler in April, so an October date would certainly suit him. If Topuria isn’t ready, could Justin Gaethje step in? ‘The Highlight’ was last out in March against the durable Rafael Fiziev, so his timeline also fits for a possible title eliminator. Another interesting fight for Pimblett could be Dan Hooker, who won’t have been seen in a UFC octagon for over a year by the time UFC 321 comes around.
Considering how popular Islam Makhachev is in the Muslim world, there have been murmurings that the Dagestani will challenge current welterweight incumbent Jack Della Maddelena for his 170 lb title in Abu Dhabi. Nothing has been announced on that front yet, but the two have reportedly agreed to fight each other. This comes after Islam relinquished his lightweight title in a bid to become a two-weight world champion.
As unlikely as it might seem at the moment, if these two fights are added to the event, we could easily have a GOAT-level card on our hands.
Making the Most of Your Time in Abu Dhabi
As the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi offers endless opportunities for visitors and residents alike. Yas Island – home to the Etihad Arena where UFC 321 will take place – functions as the city’s playground, with a wealth of theme parks and other world-class attractions on offer. Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld all offer outstanding options for the family, while the island also boasts other recreational activities such as Yas Kartzone, Yas Drag Racing Academy and the world-class Yas Links Abu Dhabi – ideal for those who wish to play a few holes while in the city.
The surrounding areas also present a wealth of top-class things to do. Saadiyat Island is the city’s cultural hub, with outstanding museums such as Louvre and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, in addition to Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.
Downtown Abu Dhabi is home to Corniche Beach, arguably the most iconic in town, while the area also affords access to Qasr Al Hosn, Emirates Heritage Village and Etihad Modern Art Gallery, all of which provide a closer look at Emirati culture.
If nature is more your speed, Mangrove Marine National Park is an excellent choice. Hiring a kayak from the nearby Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel is the best way to see this exceptional area of natural beauty, which boasts a large, seasonal population of Greater Flamingoes. Heading out to one of the desert’s many camping areas also provides an outstanding way to maximise your Abu Dhabi experience. The weather in late October will be ideal for a stay at the Desert Rose Safari camp, which can provide a closer look at Bedouin culture and represents one of the best experiences under the stars.
Where to Stay in Abu Dhabi During UFC 321
Yas Island has a range of high-end options for your stay, meaning you don’t have to worry about trekking across the city come fight night.
The W Abu Dhabi provides stylish lodgings from which to base your stay. The E-Wow Suite is one of the best options and consists of a bi-level duplex with one King-size bedroom. Set across 4,400 sq. ft., the suite provides guaranteed opulence, further enhanced by an expansive living space, as well as a sweeping balcony with private swimming pool and serene water views.
The Hilton Abu Dhabi, located on the south of the island, offers a contemporary waterfront stay and one of the most iconic swimming pools in the city. Boasting four premium bars, lounges and restaurants, the suites are no less impressive, with both the Royal Suite and Presidential Suite affording guests sophisticated options.
Other first-rate hotels in the area include the Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, in addition to the Radisson Blu Hotel, both of which offer top-class accommodations with views across the Yas Link Abu Dhabi golf course.
UFC 321 promises to be an unforgettable occasion both for the city and for those lucky enough to procure tickets. In addition to the top-class fights on display, those in town for the event also have a range of outstanding attractions to take advantage of, all while staying in some of the best hotels in the world.
