In a dramatic evening at UFC 321 held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, reigning heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall faced top contender Ciryl Gane in a highly anticipated main event that concluded prematurely due to an accidental eye poke. The bout, which ended in a no-contest after just over four minutes of action, showcased both fighters’ skills but was marred by an unfortunate incident that prevented further competition.

Aspinall, with a record of 15 wins and 3 losses, and Gane, holding a record of 13 wins and 2 losses, brought a considerable amount of energy to the octagon. The fighters exchanged blows vigorously until an accidental double eye poke prompted a timeout from the referee at the 4:35 mark of the first round. Following the five-minute medical assessment, Aspinall, unable to see from his right eye, was declared unable to continue, leading to the official ruling of a no-contest at 4:09 of the stoppage.

While the ruling brought disappointment to Aspinall, who expressed frustration about the fight’s abrupt end, Gane similarly displayed regret over the incident. The crowd responded with mixed emotions, reflecting the intensity of the match’s build-up. Both fighters demonstrated their combat prowess before the stoppage, with Gane effectively utilizing his footwork and striking ability to put Aspinall on the defensive. The bout exhibited a blend of skill and competition emblematic of mixed martial arts, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s growing prominence as a top-tier location for major sporting events.

Meanwhile, in the co-main event, Mackenzie Dern claimed the vacant strawweight belt after defeating Virna Jandiroba in a closely fought unanimous decision. Dern’s performance was marked by effective striking and resilience, culminating in an emotional victory where she dedicated the win to her young daughter, Moa. The atmosphere in the arena remained electric, with fans rallying behind both fighters, showcasing the spirit of competition.

The event not only provided thrilling matchups but solidified Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a premier destination for international sporting events, reinforcing the region’s commitment to promoting diverse athletic pursuits. As the UFC continues to grow its global presence, events like UFC 321 promise to showcase the rich mosaic of talent and excitement that mixed martial arts embodies.

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