UFC 321 Best Bets and Predictions

UFC 321 Best Bets and Predictions

The UFC is gearing up for another huge event, that being UFC 321. This event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 25th and will be held at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

UFC 321 will have a total of 13 fights, headlined by two title fights. One of these will be for the UFC Women’s Strawweight title in the co-main event, and the other is for the UFC Heavyweight title in the main event.

The fights will begin at 10:00 AM ET with the preliminary card, which will be followed by the main card at approximately 2:00 PM ET.

This article will break down our three best bets for the event, which will include fights from both the preliminary card and main card.

UFC 321 Predictions

Pick #1: Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Mario Bautista: Fight to go the Distance - Yes (-225)

Pick #2: Quillan Salkilld ML over Nasrat Haqparast (-115)

Pick #3: Mateusz Rebecki ML over Ludovit Klein (+110)

PICK #1: Nurmagomedov vs. Bautista: Fight to go the Distance - Yes (-225)

Our first best bet for UFC 321 will target the main card fight between Umar Nurmagomedov and Mario Bautista to go the distance. 

Nurmagomedov enters this fight with an MMA record of 18-1 and 6-1 in the UFC. He is coming off his first loss in the UFC, that being against Merab Dvalishvili back in January 2025 when he lost by unanimous decision. Nurmagomedov is known for both his striking and grappling, as he averages 4.38 significant strikes per minute and 3.26 takedowns every 15 minutes.

As for Bautista, he enters this fight with an MMA record of 16-2 and 10-2 in the UFC. Bautista has won eight straight UFC fights, the most recent in June 2025, where he beat Patchy Mix by unanimous decision. He is also solid at both striking and grappling, averaging 6.13 significant strikes per minute and 1.67 takedowns every 15 minutes.

Nurmagomedov has seen four of his last five UFC fights go the distance, while Bautista has seen his last four UFC fights in a row do the same. Because of this, backing this fight to go the distance will be our play.

PICK #2: Salkilld ML over Haqparast (-115)

Our second best bet for UFC 321 will be for Quillan Salkilld to beat Nasrat Haqparast on the preliminary card. Salkilld enters this fight with an MMA record of 9-1 and 3-0 in the UFC. His most recent win was against Yanal Ashmouz back in June 2025 by unanimous decision. Salkilld has excelled in both striking and grappling, averaging 5.48 significant strikes per minute and 8.41 takedowns every 15 minutes.

While both fighters are in fine form, the advantage Salkilld has in grappling over Haqparast cannot be ignored. For that reason, backing Salkilld to continue his perfect start in the UFC is preferred. 

PICK #3: Rebecki ML over Klein (+110)

Our third best bet for UFC 321 will be for Mateusz Rebecki to beat Ludovit Klein on the preliminary card. Rebecki enters this fight with an MMA record of 20-3 and 5-2 in the UFC. His most recent fight was a loss to Chris Duncan in August 2025 by unanimous decision. Despite the loss, Rebecki is still an above-average striker and grappler, averaging 5.29 significant strikes per minute and 3.46 takedowns every 15 minutes.

Having lost two of his last three UFC fights is concerning. However, the fact that Rebecki has the advantage over Klein in both striking and grappling makes backing Rebecki to win our play.