UFC Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is gearing up for his first title defense against former interim titleholder Ciryl Gane at UFC 321, set to take place on October 25, 2025, at the renowned Etihad Arena on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi. This highly anticipated bout marks a crucial moment in Aspinall’s career as he looks to solidify his status in the heavyweight division.
In a notable development just days before the title fight, Aspinall unveiled his custom fight shorts, which he has only recently received. The design features a classic Vale Tudo style enriched with the patriotic red, white, and blue Union Jack, complemented by a Manchester worker bee, representing his hometown pride. The simplistic yet bold design resonates with Aspinall’s straightforward persona and dedication to representing the U.K.
The response from fans has been mixed; while some appreciate the aesthetic, others have humorously likened the attire to something that might be worn by characters from the movie “Austin Powers.” One fan commented on social media that while the shorts aren’t the best or the worst, they certainly match Aspinall’s no-frills approach.
Aspinall joins a select group of fighters who sport custom fight shorts, a list that includes notable names such as Jon Jones, Max Holloway, and Julianna Peña.
As UFC 321 approaches, the excitement grows, not only for Aspinall’s title defense but also for the co-main event featuring a women’s Strawweight title bout between Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern. Additional matchups include a Bantamweight clash between Umar Nurmagomedov and Mario Bautista, a Heavyweight bout with Alexander Volkov squaring off against Jailton Almeida, and more.
Fans are encouraged to watch the action unfold live, with early prelims kicking off at 10 a.m. ET, followed by prelims at 12 p.m. ET, and the main card commencing at 2 p.m. ET. UFC 321 promises to deliver an unforgettable fight experience, showcasing the best of mixed martial arts.