The UFC was in Abu Dhabi on Saturday for a solid UFC 321 card. The main event saw heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall defend his title against Ciryl Gane, while the co-main event saw Mackenzie Dern rematch Virna Jandiroba, with the vacant strawweight title up for grabs.
Ultimately, the main event ended in a No Contest when Gane stabbed Aspinall in the eye and the champion was unable to continue. Dern, meanwhile, secured a decision in a back-and-forth, fun fight to become the new strawweight champion. After UFC 321, this is what I think should be the next step for the event’s stars.
Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane
Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane are being lumped together as a rematch is due for both, perhaps as early as December at the year-end or early 2026 pay-per-view.
Gane looked good early as he smashed Aspinall’s nose, but the fight was still very early. While the ending was disappointing, there needs to be a rematch, and soon.
Mackenzie Dern
Mackenzie Dern is the new UFC strawweight champion with a decision victory over Virna Jandiroba at UFC 321. Dern was able to land the better shots to the feet as her striking looked much better and improved. Although she struggled to defend some takedowns, Dern did more damage and was able to get back to her feet to earn the victory.
With the win, Dern should have her first title defense in the first quarter of 2025. Her first title defense should come against Tatiana Suarez, who is ranked No. 1 at strawweight.
Virna Jandiroba
Virna Jandiroba had a shot at becoming the UFC strawweight champion but fell short against Mackenzie Dern at UFC 321. Jandiroba had some moments in the fight and is not far away from another crack at the title.
Jandiroba will likely need a win or two to get another title fight. So a logical next opponent is to face the winner of Iasmin Lucindo vs. Gilian Robertson, which takes place on December 13. Depending on the outcome, the winner could get a title shot.
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