After UFC 321, fight fans still have plenty to discuss, especially regarding the card’s controversial outcomes. Tom Aspinall’s heavyweight title fight against Ciryl Gane ended in a no contest, prompting immediate calls for a rematch. Meanwhile, Umar Nurmagomedov’s victory over Mario Bautista raised questions about his readiness for a title shot. The fight between Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida also stood out, hinting at possible future matchups in the heavyweight division. Other emerging contenders, such as Nathaniel Wood, are positioning themselves for fights against top-ranked opponents.
Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane Rematch
The most obvious next step in the heavyweight division is a rematch between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane. Their first fight ended abruptly due to an accidental eye poke, leaving fans frustrated and eager for closure. UFC president Dana White has already indicated that a rematch is likely and that both fighters are expected to return stronger for what promises to be an exciting bout. As Aspinall recovers from his eye injury, speculation points to a possible showdown at UFC 323, which could serve as the event’s main attraction.
Umar Nurmagomedov’s next challenge
Umar Nurmagomedov earned a victory over Mario Bautista at UFC 321, but the victory didn’t answer all the questions about his place in the bantamweight division. The performance lacked the decisive edge that could cement him as a top contender, meaning he will likely have to face another high-level opponent before he can make a bid for the title. A match against former champion Sean O’Malley could be the perfect test. A convincing victory against a fighter of O’Malley’s caliber would strengthen Nurmagomedov’s claim for a future title fight and increase his standing in the division.
Alexander Volkov vs. Derrick Lewis
Alexander Volkov’s path to the heavyweight title remains a challenge, and a rematch with Derrick Lewis could be a strategic move. Volkov still carries the memory of his knockout loss to Lewis, and a rematch offers the chance to redeem himself and solidify his ranking. Lewis, on the other hand, has been on a strong run with recent knockout victories, making this a high-stakes battle for both men. Fans can expect a high-stakes clash with each fighter trying to prove they belong at the top of the heavyweight division.
Valter Walker’s rising profile
Valter Walker has made waves in the heavyweight division, recording four consecutive heel-hook submission victories. UFC 321 highlighted his wrestling talents, and a fight against Jailton Almeida would be an intriguing test of skill. Almeida is a top prospect, and a matchup between the two could make for a compelling ground battle. A strong performance here would propel Walker further up the rankings and make him a serious threat in the division.
Nathaniel Wood’s next step
Nathaniel Wood has bounced back from a controversial decision in a previous fight to win three straight fights, including a victory at UFC 321. He now looks set to take on a top 15 opponent to further advance his career in the featherweight division. Among the potential challengers, former two-weight Bellator champion Patricio “Pitbull” Freire would offer a high-profile test. A match of this caliber would provide Wood with the opportunity to cement his status as a legitimate contender and move closer to title contention.
Conclusion
UFC 321 may have ended with some unresolved outcomes, but it set the stage for several intriguing future matchups. From the anticipated Aspinall vs Gane rematch to potential challenges for Nurmagomedov, Volkov, Walker and Wood, the path forward across multiple divisions is filled with excitement and opportunity. Fans now have plenty to look forward to as fighters try to rise through the ranks and make their mark in the UFC.
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