The heavyweights take to the biggest stage in mixed martial arts in UFC 321’s headlining bout, as Tom Aspinall looks to defend his title for the first time against French Muay Thai specialist Ciryl Gane. In the second to last bout of the evening, Jiu-Jitsu sensations Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern square off for the vacant strawweight championship.
UFC 321 Main Event
After a lengthy reign as interim belt-holder, Aspinall gained hold of the undisputed throne after previous champion Jon Jones announced his retirement back in June. Hailed by many as the best 265-lb fighter on the planet prior to UFC 321, the Englishman is eager to prove that he has what it takes to rule over the division for a long time.
Prior to his upcoming main event showdown in Abu Dhabi, Gane had vied for the title on two separate occasions, losing to both Francis Ngannou and the aforementioned Jones. With all the pressure in the world to finally crack through to the top, “Bon Gamin” will have his back to the wall as he locks horns with one of the most explosive and hard-hitting athletes on the roster.
UFC 321 Co-Main Event
In the midst of a terrific two-fight win streak, with victories over Loopy Godinez and Amanda Ribas, Dern is now just in reach of strawweight gold. Backed by a stacked pedigree in the grappling arts, the third degree black belt is seeking to add a UFC championship to her credentialed legacy.
Undefeated for nearly four years, Jandiroba has enjoyed a meteoric climb up the 115-lb rankings, laying waste to other top contenders like Marina Rodriguez, Amanda Lemos, and Yan Xiaonan. A former champion in Invicta FC, “Carcará” already has experience vying for prestigious titles.
More Bouts On the UFC 321 Main Card
Rounding out the main card, Dagestani phenom Umar Nurmagomedov pits himself against bantamweight dark horse Mario Bautista. Then, Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida square off in a likely number one contender contest. Finally, Aleksandar Rakić is on a mission to snap a two-bout skid by handing Azamat Murzakanov his first ever loss as a professional.
UFC 321 Predictions and Staff Picks
MMASucka staff picks are composed of four of the world’s leading mixed martial arts organizations: the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the Professional Fighters League (PFL), ONE Championship (ONE FC), and Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS).
- UFC picks will include main card fights ranging from four to six matchups per event.
- PFL picks from main cards for pay-per-views and from tournament fights in the Regular Season, Playoffs, and Finals.
- ONE FC and DWCS picks will feature all MMA fights from the event with a minimum of three matchups.
The individual who picks the most victorious fighters by the end of 2025 will have a choice between receiving a custom-made championship belt from ProAmBelts or a detailed chain from Championship Chains. Staff picks in 2023 were won by Ben Jamieson with a record of 300-148.
Find our UFC 321 picks and fight odds below.
Staff records after UFC Vancouver:
- Hank Strandberg: 182-106
- Frazer Krohn: 145-105
- Drew Zuhosky: 144-142
- Jeremy Brand: 126-91
- Andrew Benjamin: 32-90
*Note – not all staff pick for every event*
Azamat Murzakanov -102
Vs.
Aleksandar Rakic -118
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Murzakanov by Unanimous Decision
Hank Strandberg: Murzakanov by Second Round Knockout
Drew Zuhosky: Rakic by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Murzakanov by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Murzakanov: 3
Staff picking Rakic: 1
Jailton Almeida -190
Vs.
Alexander Volkov +165
HEAVYWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Almeida by Unanimous Decision
Hank Strandberg: Volkov by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Volkov by First Round Submission
Frazer Kron: Volkov by Second Round Knockout
Staff picking Almeida: 1
Staff picking Volkov: 3
Umar Nurmagomedov -700
Vs.
Mario Bautista +500
BANTAMWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Nurmagomedov by Unanimous Decision
Hank Strandberg: Nurmagomedov by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Nurmagomedov by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Kron: Nurmagomedov by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Nurmagomedov: 3
Staff picking Bautista: 0
Mackenzie Dern -155
Vs.
Virna Jandiroba +135
WOMEN’S STRAWWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Dern by Round Two Submission
Hank Strandberg: Jandiroba by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Dern by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Dern by Split Decision
Staff picking Dern: 3
Staff picking Jandiroba: 1
Tom Aspinall -370
Vs.
Cyril Gane +295
HEAVYWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Aspinall by Second Round TKO
Hank Strandberg: Aspinall by First Round Submission
Drew Zuhosky: Aspinall by First Round Knockout
Frazer Krohn: Aspinall by Second Round Knockout
Staff picking Aspinall: 3
Staff picking Gane: 0
