UFC 321: A Terrible Ending To An Event That Left Fans Both Elated and Frustrated

The Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi buzzed with anticipation as UFC 321 promised to deliver championship fireworks. While the night certainly had its moments of brilliance, it also served up a hefty dose of frustration that left even the most patient MMA fans shaking their heads. It was not the ending we all expected or wanted. 

Main Event Disaster: When Eye Pokes Ruin Everything

Tom Aspinall versus Ciryl Gane should have been a heavyweight masterclass. Instead, it became another painful reminder of why accidental fouls continue to plague the sport. Just 4:35 into the first round, with Aspinall looking sharp and aggressive, Gane’s fingers found their way into the champion’s eye, forcing a no-contest that nobody wanted to see. 

The English heavyweight had started beautifully, landing crisp body kicks and showing the kind of explosive movement that made him champion. His spinning heel kick to Gane’s hip was a thing of beauty, and you could sense something special brewing. Then came that accidental eye poke, and suddenly everyone was left staring at an incomplete story.

Aspinall tried to continue, and you could see it in his face. The man’s tougher than a two-dollar steak, but his vision was compromised, and rightfully so, the fight was waved off. It’s the kind of ending that makes you want to throw your remote at the television. These fighters train for months, fans pay good money, and it all gets derailed by an accident that happens far too often. 

Dern’s Emotional Triumph

While the main event left us empty-handed, Mackenzie Dern’s co-main event victory over Virna Jandiroba provided the emotional payoff UFC 321 desperately needed. Watching Dern be emotional as she was crowned the new strawweight champion after winning via unanimous decision was the kind of moment that reminds you why we love this crazy sport. 

The Brazilian-American’s evolution has been remarkable to witness. Remember when critics questioned whether her striking would ever catch up to her world-class grappling? Well, those doubts got answered emphatically over five grueling rounds. Dern’s improved boxing wasn’t just noticeable – it was the difference-maker against a dangerous opponent in Jandiroba.

The final scorecards (48-7, 48-7, 49-46) were all in favor of Dern. The scores told the story of a championship battle, where Dern’s damage and striking activity persuaded the judges. She stayed composed even in the crucial fifth round when Jandiroba was making a strong push. 

Supporting Cast Delivers Mixed Results 

The undercard provided its own share of memorable moments, with Quillan Salkilld stealing the show via a devastating head kick knockout of Nasrat Haqparast at just 2:30 of the first round. The timing and precision of that kick was incredibly precise – the kind of highlight that ends up on every year-end compilation.  

Umar Nurmagomedov continued his steady climb up the bantamweight ladder with a dominant unanimous decision over Mario Bautista. The Dagestani fighter’s composed performance showcased exactly why the Nurmagomedov name carries such weight in mixed martial arts. His 30-27 sweep across all three scorecards wasn’t flashy, but it was thoroughly professional.

Alexander Volkov’s split decision victory over Jailton Almeida proved that experience still matters in the heavyweight division. At 35, Volkov showed he’s not ready to pass the torch just yet, though Almeida’s performance suggested his time is coming soon. 

What To Take Away From UFC 321

This event perfectly encompassed the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts. You can have all the storylines, all the promotion, and all the anticipation in the world, but sometimes the sport just doesn’t cooperate. The Aspinall-Gane situation will undoubtedly lead to an immediate rematch, assuming both fighters remain healthy and willing. 

For Dern, this victory opens up fascinating possibilities in a strawweight division that’s been searching for its next star since Zhang Weili vacated the title. Her combination of elite grappling and rapidly improving striking makes her a legitimate champion who can carry the division forward.

The night also highlighted ongoing issues that the UFC needs to address. Eye pokes remain far too common, and while most are genuinely accidental, they’re destroying too many potentially great fights. Whether it’s equipment modifications or rule changes, something needs to give.

UFC 321 reminded us that this sport can break your heart and lift your spirits within the same evening. While we left Abu Dhabi without seeing the heavyweight classic we deserved, we witnessed a mother’s dream come true and several fighters take significant steps in their careers. Sometimes, that has to be enough.