UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane Results, Bonuses and Reactions

The result was declared a No Contest (accidental eye poke, Round 1) — a disappointing end to a main event that promised fireworks but instead left the division in limbo.

Mackenzie Dern Defeats Virna Jandiroba

Mackenzie Dern (15-5) captured the vacant women’s strawweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Virna Jandiroba (22-3), earning official scores of 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46.
The fight showcased Dern’s improved striking and composure under pressure. Throughout the early rounds, she mixed clean combinations with body kicks and sharp counters, keeping Jandiroba on the defensive. Jandiroba had her moments in the grappling exchanges, securing takedowns and top control, but Dern’s activity from the bottom and late-round standups impressed the judges.
By the final bell, Dern’s consistent output and striking accuracy secured her the unanimous nod and the title, marking a significant milestone in her UFC career.

Umar Nurmagomedov Dominates Mario Bautista

Umar Nurmagomedov (19-1) showcased relentless control, defeating Mario Bautista (16-3) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
From the opening bell, Nurmagomedov imposed his pressure — catching a body kick early and dictating the grappling exchanges. Bautista briefly threatened with a toe hold in Round 1 and even dropped Nurmagomedov with a knee in Round 2, but the Dagestani contender quickly recovered and smothered him on the mat. The final frame saw Nurmagomedov’s cardio and chain-wrestling on full display, earning him a clean sweep on all three scorecards.

Alexander Volkov Edges Jailton Almeida in Split Decision

Alexander Volkov (39-11) edged Jailton Almeida (22-4) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28). Almeida landed early takedowns, but Volkov reversed positions multiple times and delivered effective ground-and-pound from top control. The decision divided viewers — some applauding Volkov’s late-round activity, others questioning Almeida’s inability to capitalize on control time.

Azamat Murzakanov Flattens Aleksandar Rakic in Round 1

Azamat Murzakanov (16-0) wasted zero time, stopping Aleksandar Rakic (14-4) via TKO at 3:11 of Round 1. After Rakic opened with sharp leg kicks, Murzakanov closed distance and uncorked a perfectly timed right hand that sent Rakic crashing to the mat.
The sudden finish electrified the crowd and injected life into the arena, setting the tone for what was expected to be a violent night for UFC Heavyweights.

UFC 321 Performance Bonuses

Fight of the Night: Mateusz Rebecki vs. Ľudovít Klein
Performance of the Night: Valter Walker
Performance of the Night: Quillan Salkilld

These fighters earned $50,000 bonuses for their performances at UFC 321.*

Fan Reactions

'The thought of Virna or Dern being a champ is hilarious.'

'That ending with Aspinall and Gane was gutting. You could hear the crowd deflate.'

By the night’s close, UFC 321 left fans with more frustration than fulfillment. What began as a night of promise unraveled into confusion and disappointment — from slow decisions to an abrupt ending that no one wanted. Abu Dhabi, usually a stage for definitive moments, instead hosted a night defined by what could have been. As fans filtered out of Etihad Arena, the air felt heavy with unfinished business and a lingering sense that the division’s biggest questions remain unanswered.