UFC 321 Ends Controversially With Eye Poke No Contest, Dern Wins Strawweight Title

UFC 321 ended with a controversial no-contest in the heavyweight title fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane due to an accidental eye poke by Gane, cutting the main event short despite Aspinall's strong start. The incident frustrated fans and commentators, highlighting ongoing issues with accidental fouls in MMA. Meanwhile, the co-main event delivered a memorable outcome as Mackenzie Dern won the vacant strawweight title by unanimous decision over Virna Jandiroba, marking a significant achievement in her career. Dern's victory and post-fight reactions emphasized her growth as a fighter, particularly her improved striking complementing her grappling skills. Her weigh-in also attracted attention for its viral moment, further boosting her profile ahead of the fight. Overall, UFC 321 mixed disappointment in its headline bout with emotional and competitive highlights in the undercard, showcasing both the sport's unpredictability and the emergence of new champions.