Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane Exact UK Start Time, How to Watch & Full Undercard

Tom Aspinall makes his long-awaited return to the Octagon tonight, his first fight in 15 months since knocking out Curtis Blaydes back in July 2024. The Brit was crowned interim champion back in 2023 after flattening Sergei Pavlovich in 69 seconds and looked set to fight UFC great Jon Jones. But when the American chose to face Stipe Miocic back in November of last year, and then retire in the summer, Aspinall was then promoted to full champion status.

Now, the Wigan-born heavyweight finally has the chance to solidify that title properly as he takes on Ciryl Gane in the main event of UFC 321. Gane is one of the division’s most technical and dangerous strikers, and even though he’s come up short at the very top before, he’s still amongst the UFC’s most dangerous fighters. The Frenchman’s only defeats have come against the aforementioned Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou, two of the best heavyweights in history, and he’ll be determined to not fall at the final hurdle again. At 35, this could possibly be Gane’s third and final shot at the title.

UFC 321 UK Start Time & How to Watch

UFC 321 takes place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. With fight fans around the world prepping for another night of unmissable action, fans in the UK have been treated to a rare event taking place in a timezone that doesn’t require an alarm setting for the early hours.

The prelims are scheduled to get underway at 3pm UK time (7am PT, 9am CT, 10am ET), followed by the main card at 7pm (11am PT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET).

Before the heavyweight showdown, there’s a fascinating co-main event between Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba for the vacant strawweight title, which will get underway at around 9pm (1pm PT, 3pm CT, 4pm ET). This isn’t the first time they’ve met either; Dern emerged victorious over Jandiroba by unanimous decision at UFC 256. With that in mind, Dern appears to be the favourite despite the 37-year-old Brazilian riding a five-fight win streak dating back to 2022.

The main event cage walks for Aspinall vs Gane are expected around 9:30pm (4:30pm PT, 1:30 CT, 3:30pm ET) and fans would be wise not to turn up late. If the champ’s recent form is anything to go by, there’s every chance it could be all over in the blink of an eye. His last three fights have lasted a combined total of just three minutes and 24 seconds. This won’t come as a surprise to many, with Aspinall being known for never needing to go the distance in any of his career’s fights.

UK and Irish viewers can watch the prelims live and free on TNT Sports 4, with the main card being shown exclusively on TNT Sports Box Office, costing fans £19.99.