The heavyweight division of the UFC remains without a champion following the controversial outcome of UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. The match between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane ended in a no contest due to an accidental eye poke, leaving fans and officials alike in a state of uncertainty. With both fighters showing promise in the first round before the incident, the call for an immediate rematch has grown louder, with many anticipating that the bout could be scheduled as early as December 6, 2025, during the UFC’s final pay-per-view event of the year.
The push to rebook the fight hinges on whether Aspinall sustained any lasting damage from the eye poke. If he is cleared, the UFC should act quickly to finalize the rematch. Both fighters recently prepared extensively for each other, and a quick turnaround would allow them to settle the score without delay.
In the co-main event, Mackenzie Dern secured the women’s strawweight title by defeating Virna Jandiroba via decision. This victory marks a significant milestone in Dern’s career, having navigated a challenging path over 16 bouts in the UFC to finally capture the championship.
Looking ahead, the most logical contender for Dern’s first title defense is Tatiana Suarez, who recently challenged for the belt against former champion Zhang Weili. Should Zhang fall short in her upcoming title fight against Valentina Shevchenko on November 15, there is speculation that she may return to the strawweight division to vie for the championship once again. If that scenario unfolds, a fight between Zhang and the winner of Dern versus Suarez could be on the horizon.
The bantamweight division is also buzzing with potential matchups, particularly with the upcoming fight between Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan scheduled for December 6. Dvalishvili’s impressive record shows he has defended his title twice in the past ten months. If he emerges victorious against Yan, he will become the first fighter in UFC history to win four title fights in a single year, solidifying his position as a significant challenger for current champion Nurmagomedov.
While Dvalishvili is a top contender, a potential match-up against Yan would also be intriguing, offering a fresh dynamic in the division. Although traditional expectations would suggest a rematch should not occur so soon, the unique circumstances surrounding Dvalishvili’s activity make a compelling case for a title challenge.
Another name to watch is Sean O’Malley, who is rumored to have a fight lined up for January. Regardless of the outcome of that bout, there is a strong possibility that he could face Nurmagomedov in the near future. O’Malley has expressed interest in a matchup with Nurmagomedov, adding another layer of excitement to the bantamweight landscape.
Lastly, the light heavyweight division continues to evolve with Alexander Murzakanov establishing himself as a player for a championship shot following his victory over Aleksandar Rakic. With Murzakanov remaining undefeated, a matchup between the winner of Jan Blachowicz versus Bogdan Guskov on December 6 could help determine the next title contender.
Blachowicz, despite not having secured a win in over three years, is currently ranked No. 4, making this fight crucial for both his career and the division’s future. If Guskov can elevate his status by defeating Blachowicz, it would set up a significant clash with Murzakanov.
As the UFC navigates the aftermath of UFC 321, the call for immediate rematches and fresh fights remains fervent. Fans and fighters alike await the UFC’s next moves in shaping the competitive landscape of these divisions.
