UPDATE: The UFC gears up for an explosive finish to 2025 with six championship fights scheduled over the next two months, starting with UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN PPV. Fans are eagerly anticipating the undisputed heavyweight championship clash as Tom Aspinall defends his title for the first time against former interim champion Ciryl Gane.
In the co-main event, the vacant strawweight title will be contested between Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern, following Zhang Weili‘s move up to flyweight earlier this year. With the stakes high, UFC 321 promises to be a thrilling start to a title-laden finale of the year.
On November 15, UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden will showcase Islam Makhachev aiming for a second world title as he challenges Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight championship. This event’s co-main features Zhang Weili attempting to secure her place in history against flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko.
The year wraps up in Las Vegas with UFC 323, where bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili seeks a UFC record with a fourth title defense against Petr Yan, in a highly anticipated rematch. Additionally, men’s flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja will defend against rising star Joshua Van.
As excitement builds, fans should note that the matchup between Aspinall and Gane has generated buzz, but many view it as a less desirable heavyweight bout. Aspinall has dominated his previous opponents in under seven minutes, making Gane’s chances appear slim after his recent loss to Jon Jones.
Conversely, the rematch between Dvalishvili and Yan offers a captivating narrative, with Dvalishvili looking to solidify his title reign while Yan aims to reclaim his former glory. Their first encounter showcased Dvalishvili’s relentless approach, and the stakes are even higher this time.
The flyweight title clash between Pantoja and Van is another must-watch, as Van’s rapid rise has captured attention. His impressive performances lead many to believe he could upset Pantoja, whose championship reign has been marked by dominance.
Headlining the intrigue is the women’s flyweight clash between Shevchenko and Zhang. This matchup promises to be fiercely competitive, pitting two of the greatest female fighters against each other. Fans are eager to see if Shevchenko can outmaneuver Zhang’s striking power, a potential obstacle that has troubled her in the past.
With these title fights approaching, UFC fans are in for an exhilarating conclusion to the year. Stay tuned for updates and analysis as the championship landscape shifts dramatically in these high-stakes bouts. The next few months in the UFC will be nothing short of electrifying.
