The UFC has confirmed that it has added a key bantamweight match between Umar Nurmagomedov and Mario Bautista to its UFC 321 card scheduled for Oct. 25, 2025 at Etihad Arina in Abu Dhabi.
Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Mario Bautista
The matchup features two fighters at different stages of their career trajectory, putting the key implications of the title at risk. Ranked second in the Bantamweight Division, Nurmagomedov holds a record of 18-1 and will be his first appearance since losing the title to champion Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311 in January. The defeat of this decision marked the loss of the first expert in his career, ending his sixth straight win at the UFC.
Bautista enters the match with considerable momentum, taking on the eight consecutive wins and the current ranking of eighth place. The 32-year-old American recently defeated former Bellator Champion Patchy Mix with a unanimous decision at UFC 316 in June. His previous victory came against former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo at UFC 307 in October 2024, but the split decision victory sparked controversy due to his heavily reliance on cage control without landing takedowns.
Nurmagomedov’s defeat to Dvalishvili was a fierce competition, with the fight winning 48-47, with many observers feeling they were leading until the final moments of the fifth round. A victory over Bautista could position him on another title opportunity, especially if current champion Dvalishvili’s upcoming defense against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320 gives birth to another champion.
For Bautista, the fight presents the greatest opportunity of his career. Despite his winning streak, he faces criticism of his performance against Aldo, where he controlled the fight through clinch work, but failed to land any of his 10 takedown attempts. His record shows versatility, bringing six submission victory and three knockout victory in his 16 professional victory.
UFC 321 will be held at the 18,000-capacity Etihad Arina on Yas Island and marks its 22nd visit to Abu Dhabi for promotion. The event will headline the heavyweight championship match between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane, with the vacant women’s strawweight title fight between Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern serving as the co-main event.
The Bantamweight division remains competitive following Dvalishvili’s recent successful title defense against Sean O’Malley at UFC 316. Dvalishvili is set to face Sandhagen Next.