Prøve GULL - Gratis

Aspinall aims to stay on top after long road to UFC summit

Gulf Today

|

October 25, 2025

England's Tom Aspinall enters UFC 321 at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, in Abu Dhabi on Saturday as a big favourite to retain the heavyweight title, and if he beats French challenger Ciryl Gane, it will be the first time he exits the cage with the undisputed belt around his waist.

Aspinall aims to stay on top after long road to UFC summit

The 32-year-old ascended to the top of the division in unusual circumstances, capturing and defending the interim UFC heavyweight title before being elevated to undisputed champion following American incumbent Jon Jones’ abrupt retirement in June.

“It doesn't really bother me too much—I already felt like the champion anyway,” Aspinall said of his rise to the summit before describing his ideal fight against Gane in Abu Dhabi.

“If I had the option, if you're going to ask me what will my ideal fight be, it would be me not being hit at all, hitting the other guy, and the referee pulling me off.”

Widely considered one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, Jones retired without facing Aspinall. With many of the division's top contenders already defeated by the English fighter, the path appears clear for a long reign.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA Gulf Today

Gulf Today

Algeria include son of Zidane in Africa Cup of Nations squad

Goalkeeper Luca Zidane, a son of France football icon Zinedine Zidane, was named on Saturday in the Algeria squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which kicks off on December 21 in Morocco.

time to read

1 mins

December 15, 2025

Gulf Today

Warriorz beat MI Emirates by six runs for first win of season

The Sharjah Warriorz produced a well-rounded performance to edge past MI Emirates by six runs at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

time to read

2 mins

December 15, 2025

Gulf Today

Japan’s green tea exports reach highest level in 70 years

Japan's green tea exports in the first 10 months of this year reached the highest level in over 70 years on the back of the booming overseas market for matcha powder and the depreciation of the Japanese yen, government and industry data showed.

time to read

1 min

December 15, 2025

Gulf Today

Jawaher praises Rubu' Qarn alumni for shaping the future

Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, attended a ceremony celebrating over one thousand alumni of Sharjah Children, Sharjah Youth, Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah, and Sharjah Capabilities Development, alongside forty pioneers from the founding generation of Rubu' Qarn entities and staff members who dedicated over two decades of expertise and service.

time to read

3 mins

December 15, 2025

Gulf Today

Raphinha helps Barca extend La Liga lead with Osasuna win

Raphinha hit a brace to give Barcelona a narrow 2-0 win over Osasuna on Saturday and take them seven points clear at the top of La Liga.

time to read

3 mins

December 15, 2025

Gulf Today

Gulf Today

Rain lashes several areas of the country

Drizzles to heavy rain fell on Sunday on separate areas across the country including Al Samha and Ghantoot in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain.

time to read

1 mins

December 15, 2025

Gulf Today

Court orders woman to pay Dhs10,900 in car rental case

A woman rented a vehicle from a car rental company on a fixed-term contract, but her failure to pay the full amount due after the contract expired led to a dispute in court.

time to read

1 mins

December 15, 2025

Gulf Today

Gulf Today

Arabian Days Festival opens in Abu Dhabi

The third edition of the Arabian Days Festival, organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, launched at Manarat Al Saadiyat with a vibrant showcase of music, education, film, heritage, and interactive experiences.

time to read

1 mins

December 15, 2025

Gulf Today

Congress pooh-poohs Modi's Kerala civic poll victory claim

The Congress party, which leads the United Democratic Front (UDF) opposition coalition in Kerala, has dismissed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion of a “watershed moment” for his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following last week's civic polls.

time to read

2 mins

December 15, 2025

Gulf Today

Nicholson exhibition shows he's far from dullard of legend

Grumpy patriarch is never the best of looks, and certainly not in these identity-obsessed times.

time to read

3 mins

December 15, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size