Abu Dhabi’s next UFC PPV event is shaping up very nicely with three more bouts added to the fight card.
Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane was announced as the headliner of UFC 321 with the Heavyweight title on the line.
This Saturday, Abu Dhabi takes the stage for a UFC fight night, showing a teaser of what’s to come in October.
European fans will be heavily excited for UFC 321 as the time difference is not very different compared to the UAE.
Volkov vs Almeida: UFC Heavyweight Title Eliminator
There were many questions about who would face the new undisputed champion first.
Once it was announced that Gane was the next title challenger, it was clear that Alexander Volkov would take on Jailton Almeida.
The Russian was hoping for the next title shot after losing by a controversial decision against Gane at UFC 310.
‘Drago’ was on a four-fight winning streak beforehand, defeating the likes of Sergei Pavlovich and Tai Tuivasa.
Volkov has yet to fight for a UFC title, despite being in the Heavyweight rankings for so long.
The closest he came to a championship opportunity was when he faced Derrick Lewis at UFC 229, losing by third-round knockout.
Almeida earned his second consecutive first-round win at UFC 311 when he stopped Serghei Spivac by TKO.
Despite earning wins over the likes of Derrick Lewis and Alexander Romanov, the Brazilian has yet to defeat someone in the top five of the division.
‘Malhadinho’ was looking like the hottest prospect in the UFC, going on a seven-fight win streak and gaining title contention.
However, his run came to a stop when Curtis Blaydes stopped him by second-round TKO at UFC 299.
Whoever wins this battle at UFC 321 is very likely to claim the next title shot against the winner of the main event.
Rakic in search of redemption against Murzakanov
A Light Heavyweight matchup which sees two fighters desperate for victory.
Aleksandr Rakic is currently on a three-fight losing streak and has not won a battle since March 2021.
The Serbian’s last fight was in Abu Dhabi at UFC 308, suffering a unanimous decision loss to Magomed Ankalaev.
‘Rocket’ has faced former UFC Champions, Jiri Prochazka and Jan Blachowicz, suffering TKO losses to them.
With impressive wins over Jimi Manuwa and Anthony Smith, Rakic will be hoping to get back in his prime and redeem himself.
While only having five UFC fights, Azamat Murzakanov has looked nothing but promising at Light Heavyweight.
His last victory saw him increase his undefeated record to 15 after knocking out Brendson Ribeiro at UFC 316.
The #11 contender has been underappreciated in the organisation, but that may be due to his lack of activity.
‘The Professional’ will finally fight twice for the first time since 2022 as he aims to climb up the 205-pound rankings.
Fan-favourite returns to earn redemption at the Etihad Arena
A familiar name that the crowd always loves is Chris Barnett, who faces Hamdy Abdelwahab on his UFC return.
‘Beastboy’ last fought Kennedy Nzechukwu at UFC 308 on short notice, suffering a first-round TKO loss.
That particular defeat was due to a leg injury during the battle, despite many believing he had injured himself during Bruce Buffer’s introduction.
The Zaragoza-born fighter became recognised after an incredible spinning wheel kick knockout against Gian Villante at UFC 268.
Not to forget the iconic front flip celebration he perfects every time he ends a fight triumphantly.
Abdelwahab became undefeated no more in his last fight, losing to Mohamed Usman by unanimous decision at UFC Baku.
Before his recent loss, the Egyptian claimed his first UFC win early in the year against Jamal Pogues in Saudi Arabia.
Before entering the organisation, ‘The Hammer’ had stopped all of his opponents by KO/TKO, four of those ending in the first round.
Redemption will be on Abdelwahab’s mind, as well as a stoppage win to defeat the beloved UFC fighter.