When Abdul‑Kareem Al‑Selwady, the 30‑year‑old Palestinian lightweight known as the ‘Pride of Palestine’, pulled out of his fight at Etihad Arena on Saturday, October 25, 2025, the whole UFC 321 card felt the tremor.
The cancellation came less than 48 hours before the event’s start time (8:00 PM local, 3:00 AM UTC on Sunday, October 26) and left Brazilian contender Matheus Camilo without an opponent. The bout had survived the official weigh‑ins on Friday, October 24, where Al‑Selwady made weight but later cited undisclosed medical issues.
Background and Lead‑up to UFC 321
UFC 321 marked the promotion’s second straight night in Abu Dhabi after the highly‑rated UFC 320. The event is part of the UFC’s ongoing partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, a deal that began in 2021 when the “Fight Island” concept was born.
Al‑Selwady earned his UFC slot by pulling a stunning upset over Cage Warriors veteran George Hardwick in 2023. He later captured the Fury FC lightweight crown, riding a five‑fight winning streak into his UFC debut against Loik Radzhabov in March 2024 – a bout that ended in a first‑round knockout loss. Despite the setback, he described his preparation for UFC 321 as “the best camp of my career” on Instagram.
Lightweight Bout Cancellation and Its Impact
According to a report by Marcel Dorff on MMAKnockout (published 11:52 UTC, Thursday October 23), Al‑Selwady withdrew after medical staff flagged an issue during the post‑weigh‑in check‑up. UFC confirmed the decision at the weigh‑in ceremony, where commentator Jon Anik promised a quick re‑booking for Camilo.
The loss knocks the preliminary card down to eleven bouts from the originally scheduled twelve. It also marks Al‑Selwady’s fourth straight fight cancellation, earning him an unfortunate nickname in MMA circles: the “unlucky fighter.”
Weigh‑In Results and Weight Issues
Out of the 26 fighters on the original card, 24 made weight. The two who didn’t were Kazakhstani flyweight Azat Maksum, who stepped on the scale at 129 lb – three pounds over the 126‑lb non‑title limit – and featherweight Jose Delgado, who weighed 147 lb, a pound over the 146‑lb ceiling.
- Azat Maksum forfeited 30 % of his purse; his bout with Mitch Raposo proceeded at catch‑weight.
- Delgado’s fight with Wood remains pending approval pending further medical clearance.
Main and Co‑Main Events Overview
The night’s headline is a heavyweight title clash between reigning champion Tom Aspinall and former interim champion Ciryl Gane. Both fighters have been on winning streaks, and the bout will likely determine the undisputed king of the division.
In the co‑main event, Brazil’s Virna Jandiroba faces American Mackenzie Dern for the vacant strawweight championship. The fight is billed as a classic striker‑vs‑grappler matchup, with Jandiroba’s ground‑game set against Dern’s polished Brazilian‑jiu‑jitsu.
Implications for Fighters and the UFC
For Camilo, the loss of a fight means a delay in earnings and a setback in climbing the UFC lightweight rankings. “I’m ready, I’m paid, I just want to fight,” Camilo told SportBible on Friday, adding that his team is already looking at alternative opponents.
Al‑Selwady’s medical withdrawal raises questions about fighter safety protocols, especially after a string of cancellations. Experts from the International Association of Mixed Martial Arts Physicians (IAMMA) note that repeated short‑notice pulls could indicate underlying health concerns that merit deeper monitoring.
From the promotion’s perspective, UFC 321 still packs a heavyweight title bout and a vacant strawweight championship, ensuring strong pay‑per‑view buy‑rate predictions. British viewers will stream the event via TNT Sports on discovery+, priced at £30.99 per month for Prime Video users or £31 for Sky subscribers.
What’s Next for the Affected Fighters?
UFC officials have said they will aim to re‑book Camilo within the next two weeks, potentially pairing him with a short‑notice replacement or sliding him onto the UFC 322 card in Riyadh. Meanwhile, Al‑Selwady is expected to undergo additional medical testing; his camp has hinted at a possible return by early 2026, contingent on clearance.
Azat Maksum’s penalty serves as a reminder that weight management remains a critical issue in MMA. Analysts predict tighter monitoring in future events, especially as the UFC continues to expand its global footprint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Abdul‑Kareem Al‑Selwady removed from UFC 321?
Medical staff flagged a health issue during the post‑weigh‑in exam, prompting the UFC to pull Al‑Selwady for safety reasons. The exact condition has not been disclosed, and his camp is awaiting further tests.
Who will Matheus Camilo fight now?
UFC officials say they are scouting a replacement opponent for Camilo, targeting a matchup within the next fortnight. No official opponent has been announced yet.
How many fighters missed weight at UFC 321?
Two fighters missed weight: Azat Maksum (3 lb over the flyweight limit) and Jose Delgado (1 lb over the featherweight limit). Maksum’s fight continued with a 30 % purse fine; Delgado’s bout status remains pending.
What are the stakes of the heavyweight title fight?
Tom Aspinall will defend his UFC heavyweight championship against former interim champ Ciryl Gane. A win for Aspinall would solidify his reign as undisputed heavyweight king; a Gane victory could set up a unification bout with the next top contender.
How can fans in the UK watch UFC 321?
British audiences can stream the event on TNT Sports via discovery+. Subscriptions start at £30.99 per month for Prime Video users, £31 for Sky, or can be added to select BT EE TV packages beginning at £18 per month.
