1) Two blockbuster cards locked: UFC 321 (Oct 25, Abu Dhabi) & UFC 322 (Nov 15, New York)
- Heavyweight title: Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane will headline UFC 321 at Etihad Arena on Oct 25, 2025. This is Aspinall’s first defense since being recognized as undisputed champ; the matchup and event page are live on the UFC’s site.
- Welterweight super-fight: Jack Della Maddalena (c) vs. Islam Makhachev headlines UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden on Nov 15, 2025, with Makhachev moving up and vacating lightweight. Event pages and schedule listings confirm the date, venue and marquee bout.
- Context & stakes: These announcements dropped in one batch from the UFC, and were amplified by major outlets analyzing the “three title fights across two cards” reveal (including the women’s co-main at 322). It all underscores the promotion’s end-of-year push after the Jones era ended.
Undercard movement to watch: Reporting in this window also tied Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Mario Bautista to UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi (moved from a planned main event one week earlier), though the promotion’s official bout sheet is still filling in.
2) Aspinall’s father floats a boxing detour — and a 12-month roadmap
- The message: Andy Aspinall said he’s open to Tom boxing after Gane — not for sport legacy, but because “the UFC ain’t paying that type of money,” laying out an ideal next year: defend in October, fight again around January, headline in England, then consider a high-payday boxing match if opportunities align.
- Why it matters: With MMA-vs-boxing crossovers surging in 2024–25, even a hypothetical Aspinall boxing showcase would be massive—and his father’s public stance signals they’ll listen if the economics are right. MMA Fighting
3) Injuries update: Aljamain Sterling details damage after Ortega bout
- Fresh off his fight with Brian Ortega in Shanghai, Aljamain Sterling revealed significant arm damage and provided a candid breakdown of what went wrong physically and tactically. The piece doubles as a status check on his recovery timeline and where he fits in at 145.
4) Robert Whittaker sets expectations (and won’t retire)
- Robert Whittaker labeled immediate title hopes a “pipe dream,” emphasized he’s not retiring, and framed his next steps realistically after a grueling schedule at 185. The tone: pragmatic rather than pessimistic. MMAmania.com
- He also weighed in on Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena, arguing the champion striker has real paths to upset despite Islam’s grappling edge. It’s a fan-friendly style read on 322’s main event.
5) White House fight card (July 4, 2026): momentum, logistics… and call-outs
- Status check: Multiple reports during this window reiterated that the White House event is “absolutely” happening on July 4, 2026, with the UFC CEO meeting federal stakeholders about staging on the South Lawn and even broadcast plans being discussed.
- Logistical wrinkle: The Octagon’s weight is a key constraint (tens of thousands of pounds on the lawn), which is part of the ongoing site planning.
- Fighters lobbying for spots:
- Colby Covington publicly begged for a slot, even angling for Paddy Pimblett at the White House event. Other coverage echoed his push and return targets.
- Broader chatter continued about who else could fit the card, but matchmaking remains speculative at this distance. CBSSports.com
6) Australia push: UFC Perth poster reveal + an unusually big Fight Night
- Poster drop: The official UFC Perth fight poster for Carlos Ulberg vs. Dominick Reyes arrived this week, spotlighting Reyes’ comeback arc and Ulberg’s top-5 form. The reveal spawned plenty of fan reaction and confirmed the promotional push into Western Australia.
- Scale and matchmaking: Coverage out of Australia indicated the Sept 27/28 Perth card could be record-large for a Fight Night (talk of up to 16 bouts), with a raft of Oceania names added or in talks. The UFC event page is live with date/venue as the lineup continues to firm up.
7) Camp & matchup chatter from contenders
- Anthony Hernandez revisited Dricus du Plessis’ title loss to Khamzat Chimaev, bluntly arguing the former champ “didn’t know what to do” at a key momentum shift—useful scouting intel given Hernandez’s own top-10 rise and next booking.
What it all means (quick read)
- Heavyweight clarity: Aspinall–Gane settles the first chapter of the post-Jones era. If Aspinall wins clean in Abu Dhabi, expect renewed pressure—from fans and family alike—for a mega-payday next step, possibly beyond MMA. UFCMMA Fighting
- MSG super-fight calculus: Della Maddalena–Makhachev is the high-skill, high-risk champion vs. champion clash the UFC wanted for fall; Whittaker’s breakdown highlights how Islam’s wrestling dominance still has to pass a specific striking-and-scramble test. UFCMMA Fighting
- White House card is real planning, not just hype: The date and venue concept are publicly affirmed; matchmaking noise (Covington et al.) has started, but the build will center on logistics and broadcast before names get inked. CBS NewsESPN.comTalksport
- Global footprint: With Abu Dhabi (Oct), Perth (Sept) and New York (Nov) stacked or swelling, the UFC’s Q4 schedule is engineered for international reach and headline depth.
