UFC 321 Fight Card Shaken by Last-Minute Cancellation

The highly anticipated UFC 321 event in Abu Dhabi has suffered a significant setback just days before the octagon doors open. What was originally slated as a 14-fight spectacular has been reduced to 13 bouts following the late withdrawal of a lightweight contest that marks the fourth consecutive cancellation for one particularly unlucky fighter.

Another Setback for Al-Selwady

Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady, known as 'The Pride of Palestine,' has encountered yet another roadblock in his UFC career. The Fortis MMA product was scheduled to face Matheus Camilo on the preliminary card, but the bout was scrapped on Thursday, just two days before the event.

According to reports from MMA journalist Marcel Dorff, no official reason has been provided for the cancellation. This marks Al-Selwady's fourth straight fight cancellation—an unfortunate streak that has kept him out of action since his UFC debut loss to Loik Radzhabov in March 2024.

For Camilo, the 24-year-old Brazilian, this represents another disappointing turn after losing his own UFC debut to Gabe Green back in May. Both fighters will now need to regroup and wait for the promotion to reschedule their octagon returns.

Championship Gold on the Line

Despite losing a preliminary bout, UFC 321 still boasts an impressive lineup that justifies its pay-per-view status. The card features two championship fights that promise to deliver high-stakes action in the Middle East.

Aspinall vs. Gane: Heavyweight Supremacy

In the main event, UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall makes his first defense of the undisputed title against France's former interim champion Ciryl Gane. This matchup pits two of the division's most technical and athletic big men against each other in what many consider a fight that will define the heavyweight landscape for years to come.

Aspinall has been on a tear through the division, showcasing knockout power combined with surprising speed and grappling acumen for a man his size. Gane, meanwhile, brings his Muay Thai pedigree and unorthodox movement that has befuddled opponents throughout his career.

Women's Strawweight Crown Up for Grabs

The co-main event features Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialists Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba competing for the vacant women's strawweight championship, left behind after Zhang Weili's departure from the division. This all-Brazilian affair promises high-level grappling exchanges and represents a historic moment for both fighters seeking their first UFC gold.

High-Stakes Battles Throughout the Card

Beyond the title fights, UFC 321 delivers several bouts with significant divisional implications that could reshape multiple weight classes.

Nurmagomedov Looks to Rebound

Umar Nurmagomedov, cousin of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, faces his first test since suffering his first professional loss. The once-undefeated bantamweight contender takes on #9-ranked Mario Bautista in what UFC President Dana White has indicated could serve as a title eliminator. A win would put Nurmagomedov back on track toward challenging for championship gold, while Bautista could leapfrog into title contention with an upset victory.

Heavyweight Contenders Collide

In another heavyweight showcase, the towering 6'7" Alexander Volkov squares off against the submission specialist Jailton Almeida. The winner of this contest could very well find themselves next in line to challenge whoever emerges victorious from the Aspinall-Gane main event. Volkov brings veteran savvy and striking volume, while Almeida has been steamrolling opponents with his aggressive grappling and finishing ability.

Light Heavyweight Action Opens Main Card

Kicking off the main card, top light heavyweight contender Aleksandar Rakić faces the undefeated Azamat Murzakanov, who brings a perfect 15-0 record into the octagon. Rakić, a former title challenger, needs an impressive performance to work his way back into championship conversations, while Murzakanov represents the new generation looking to break through into the division's elite tier.

Abu Dhabi's Growing MMA Legacy

The UFC's return to Abu Dhabi continues the promotion's strong relationship with the United Arab Emirates capital. The city has become a premier destination for major MMA events, offering world-class facilities and a passionate fanbase that embraces the sport's biggest stars.

This event represents one of the final pay-per-views on the UFC's 2025 calendar, making it crucial for fighters to make statements that will carry momentum into the new year. With playoff implications across multiple divisions and two titles on the line, UFC 321 promises to deliver memorable moments despite the late card shuffle.

The Reality of Fight Week Cancellations

While disappointing for fans and the affected fighters, last-minute bout cancellations remain an unfortunate reality in combat sports. Medical issues, failed drug tests, weight-cutting complications, and injuries during final training sessions or fight week can all derail carefully laid plans.

For Al-Selwady specifically, experiencing four consecutive cancellations represents an exceptionally cruel run of bad luck. Such situations test a fighter's mental resilience as much as their physical capabilities, as maintaining motivation and career momentum becomes increasingly difficult without actual competition.

What's at Stake Saturday Night

As the UFC 321 weigh-ins approach, the remaining 13 fights carry enormous significance. Two new or continuing champions will be crowned, contenders will stake their claims, and prospects will look to announce themselves on the sport's biggest stage.

The heavyweight division, in particular, stands at a crossroads. With Jon Jones having vacated or been stripped of the title (depending on the narrative), the Aspinall-Gane winner will look to establish themselves as the undisputed king of the division. Meanwhile, the Volkov-Almeida winner lurks as an immediate threat to whoever claims victory in the main event.

In the women's strawweight division, either Dern or Jandiroba will achieve a lifelong dream of becoming UFC champion, adding another Brazilian name to the promotion's rich history of champions from the South American nation.

While Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady's unfortunate streak continues, UFC 321 rolls forward with a stacked lineup that promises to deliver the drama, excitement, and unpredictability that has made mixed martial arts one of the world's fastest-growing sports. Fight fans worldwide will be watching as Abu Dhabi once again hosts an unforgettable night of championship combat.