July 23, 2025

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Aspinall’s First Defense Set Against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321

ABU DHABI, Oct. 25 — Newly crowned heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall (15-3) returns to action in the UFC 321 main event against former interim titleholder Ciryl Gane (13-2). Scheduled for Oct. 25 at Etihad Arena, the matchup marks Aspinall’s first defense after a 15-month layoff following Jon Jones’s retirement saga.

Aspinall’s explosive power and grappling acumen will face Gane’s technical kickboxing and movement in a bout that could reshape the heavyweight hierarchy and set up potential superfights in 2026.

Khabib: Della Maddalena Tougher for Makhachev Than Topuria

Former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will chase UFC welterweight gold later this year against undefeated titleholder Jack Della Maddalena (8–0 UFC). But in a recent Hustle Show interview, coach Khabib Nurmagomedov warned that Della Maddalena poses a stiffer challenge than any foe, even Ilia Topuria. Between Maddalena’s size, refined boxing and elite scrambling, Nurmagomedov insists Makhachev faces his toughest test. With 15 straight Octagon wins, Makhachev aims not only to become a two-division champ but also tie Anderson Silva’s record of 16 consecutive UFC victories.

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Gaethje Warns He’ll Walk if Matched with Pimblett Over Topuria

Justin Gaethje says he’s prepared to walk away if the UFC bypasses him for a lightweight title shot against Ilia Topuria in favor of Paddy Pimblett. With Ilia Topuria having just knocked out Charles Oliveira to capture the vacant 155-pound belt at UFC 317, the former interim title challenger—3-1 in his last four fights—argues he’s earned the next crack at the champion over other contenders.

• Gaethje ranks alongside Max Holloway and Arman Tsarukyan as the top three options for Topuria’s first defense.
• He’s targeting a November return at Madison Square Garden and vows to train “as ready as ever,” but warns he’ll “reevaluate what I’m doing here” if the promotion opts for Pimblett instead.

Khabib Accuses UFC of Bias Against Russian Title Contenders

Khabib Nurmagomedov has publicly accused the UFC of sidelining its top Russian talents and creating a perception of national bias within the promotion. In a three-hour interview on Russia’s HUSTLE SHOW, the former lightweight champion spotlighted:

Magomed Ankalaev, who waited twice as long as peers and even fought during Ramadan for his 205-lb title shot.

Movsar Evloev, undefeated at 9–0 but passed over for a featherweight title opportunity.

Muhammad Mokaev, released at contract’s end despite climbing to No. 1 flyweight.

Khabib argued the UFC prioritizes flashy, English-speaking strikers over disciplined wrestlers and vowes to use his Dagestan camp to mentor and elevate his countrymen.

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UFC 321: Tom Aspinall defends heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane