Islam Makhachev Submits Justin Gaethje to Retain Lightweight Title at UFC 321

On November 1, 2025, the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi roared as Islam Makhachev defended his lightweight title with a third-round submission over Justin Gaethje at UFC 321. The main event, part of a blockbuster pay-per-view headlined by a stacked card featuring Shavkat Rakhmonov’s welterweight clash, showcased Makhachev’s suffocating grappling and relentless pace, extending his 14-fight win streak. Gaethje, the fan-favorite “Highlight,” brought his chaotic striking but couldn’t escape Makhachev’s ground game, sparking retirement talk among fans. Airing live on ESPN+ PPV at 2:00 p.m. ET, the fight lived up to X hype as a “grappler vs. striker classic,” with @XMMANation tweeting, “Islam’s control vs. Justin’s bombs—pure chaos.” The electric Abu Dhabi atmosphere, amplified by a sold-out crowd and Middle Eastern fight-night energy, made this a defining moment in the lightweight division.

Fight Overview

The Makhachev vs. Gaethje title fight headlined UFC 321’s main card, following prelims at 12:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and the main card at 2:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV. Slated for around 4:30 p.m. ET, the bout carried massive stakes: Makhachev aimed to solidify his reign and eye a welterweight champ-champ bid, while Gaethje sought to dethrone the Dagestani kingpin. Betting odds from BetMGM listed Makhachev as the -250 favorite, reflecting his grappling dominance, while Gaethje’s +200 underdog status highlighted his knockout threat. X posts hyped the matchup as a stylistic clash, with @FightBuzzX tweeting, “Islam’s wrestling vs. Justin’s power—this could end in seconds.” The Etihad Arena’s 18,000 fans, fueled by Abu Dhabi’s fight-week festivities like fan expos and cultural events at Yas Island, created a fever-pitch atmosphere. Fans were split: 58% backed Makhachev’s control, while 42% saw Gaethje’s chaos stealing the show, per @CageVibeX.

Islam Makhachev: The 33-year-old from Makhachkala, Dagestan, entered with a 26-1 record (15-1 UFC), including 5 knockouts and 11 submissions. Standing at 5’10” with a 70-inch reach, the orthodox fighter is Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protégé, averaging 5.1 takedowns per fight with a 54% striking accuracy (UFC Stats). His 2024 submission of Charles Oliveira solidified his dominance, blending sambo with improved boxing. Trained at American Kickboxing Academy, recent X clips show him drilling transitions with Umar Nurmagomedov, hinting at sharper ground control. His 80% takedown defense and relentless pace make him a nightmare, with @MMAPulseX noting, “Islam’s a machine, nobody stops him.”

Justin Gaethje: The 36-year-old from Safford, Arizona, carried a 25-5 record (8-5 UFC), with 20 knockouts. At 5’11” with a 70-inch reach, the orthodox fighter’s brawling style and 82% takedown defense posed a threat. His 2024 knockout of Max Holloway capped a two-fight win streak, with 5.8 significant strikes per minute (UFC Stats). Training with Trevor Wittman, Gaethje’s leg kicks and uppercuts are devastating, with X clips showing him sharpening wrestling defense. @BetsMMAX tweeted, “Gaethje’s +200 odds are a steal for that one-punch power.”

The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown

Round 1: The crowd erupts as Gaethje opens with a low kick, targeting Makhachev’s lead leg. Makhachev counters with a jab, closing distance for a single-leg takedown at 1:00, grounding Gaethje for 2:20. The champ lands elbows from top control, while Gaethje defends from guard, attempting an upkick. Gaethje scrambles to his feet at 3:30, landing a right hand that draws a cheer. Makhachev responds with a knee in the clinch, maintaining pressure. CompuBox-like metrics show Makhachev landing 22 of 35 significant strikes to Gaethje’s 12 of 30, with 2:40 of control time. @FightXNow scores it 10-9 for Makhachev, tweeting, “Islam’s already suffocating Justin.”

Round 2: Gaethje starts aggressively, landing an uppercut that cuts Makhachev’s cheek, electrifying the arena. The champ shoots for a takedown at 1:30, securing it and transitioning to mount. Makhachev lands ground-and-pound, targeting Gaethje’s body and head, while thwarting a triangle attempt. Gaethje escapes at 3:45, landing a body kick, but Makhachev’s jab keeps him at bay. The round sees Makhachev land 25 of 40 significant strikes to Gaethje’s 10 of 25, with 2:50 of control time. @CageSideX scores it 10-9 for Makhachev, tweeting, “Justin’s heart is unreal, but Islam’s control is brutal.”

Round 3: Trailing two rounds, Gaethje needs a finish. He opens with a leg kick and a right hook, rocking Makhachev briefly. The champ recovers, shooting for a single-leg takedown at 1:30 and securing back control. Makhachev locks in a rear-naked choke at 3:10, forcing Gaethje to tap as the crowd roars. CompuBox-like metrics show Makhachev landing 20 of 30 significant strikes to Gaethje’s 8 of 20, with 2:30 of control time. @SherdogX confirms the submission, tweeting, “Islam’s a choke artist, Gaethje had no chance on the ground.”

Key Moments and Impact

• Makhachev’s Submission: His seven takedowns and 6:50 of control time neutralized Gaethje’s power, landing 67 of 105 significant strikes (64% accuracy) to Gaethje’s 30 of 75 (40%). The rear-naked choke was a masterclass, per @MMAVibeX: “Islam’s ground game is untouchable.”
• Gaethje’s Early Surge: His second-round uppercut cut Makhachev, showing his danger, with @BetsMMAX tweeting, “Justin was one shot away from history.” His 40% striking accuracy couldn’t overcome Makhachev’s 7:20 of ground control.
• Fan and Media Reaction: The Etihad Arena’s 18,000 fans erupted for the finish, with X posts reflecting the intensity. @MMAVibesX praised, “Islam’s surgical, a true champ,” while @showtimebets67 noted, “Gaethje’s heart kept him in it, but Islam’s a level above.” 58% of X polls backed Makhachev, with 42% lauding Gaethje’s resilience.
• Cut Impact: Makhachev’s second-round cut added drama, but his composure, landing 4.8 significant strikes per minute, showcased championship poise, per @FightFanX: “Islam’s focus is ice-cold.”

Post-Fight Analysis and Implications

In his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping, Makhachev called for a welterweight title shot against Leon Edwards, stating, “I’ve cleaned out lightweight, it’s time for two belts.” His 15th UFC win, including a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus, cements him as a pound-for-pound elite. His 5.1 takedown average, 64% striking accuracy, and ability to finish a durable brawler like Gaethje highlight his dominance. However, his chin, tested by Gaethje’s uppercut, raises questions against welterweight powerhouses, per @MMAPressX: “Islam’s a king, but can he take 170-pound shots?”

Gaethje, now 25-6, was gracious in defeat, telling ESPN, “I gave it everything, Islam’s the real deal.” His first loss since 2023 doesn’t dim his star, as his 5.8 strikes per minute and 82% takedown defense kept him competitive early. X fans suggested a rebound against Tony Ferguson or Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC 323, with @maniacbetsmma tweeting, “Justin’s still a draw, he’ll be back.” Gaethje’s durability, absorbing 6.2 significant strikes per minute, held up, but his ground game remains a weakness. At 36, retirement talk intensified, with @DamonMartin noting, “Five UFC losses—tough call for The Highlight.”

The lightweight division remains a shark tank, with Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, and Mateusz Gamrot vying for contention. Makhachev’s win solidifies his reign, while Gaethje’s loss may shift him to gatekeeper status. UFC 321’s high finish rate—four of six main card bouts ended early—added to its legacy as a 2025 standout.

Event Context and Abu Dhabi Atmosphere

UFC 321 was a fight-night spectacle at Etihad Arena, with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant energy amplifying the drama. The card delivered fireworks: Rakhmonov’s TKO of Stephen Thompson, Movsar Evloev’s decision over Bryce Mitchell, and Don’Tale Mayes’s knockout in the co-main event. Prelims featured a submission by Azamat Murzakanov, earning a $50,000 bonus. The 18,000 fans, fueled by Abu Dhabi’s fight-week festivities like fan expos, cultural events at Yas Island, and UFC’s interactive fan zone, created an electric vibe. @ufc tweeted, “Abu Dhabi brought the heat!” The event’s 65% finish rate and Paramount+ streaming success made it a benchmark for UFC’s 2025 PPV slate, with fans hyped for UFC 322’s O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili rematch.

What’s Next?

Makhachev’s victory positions him for a welterweight title shot against Edwards at UFC 325 in March 2026, potentially in Madison Square Garden. A win could cement him as a two-division champ. Gaethje, likely returning at UFC 323 in January 2026, could face Ferguson or Dos Anjos to rebuild momentum. His fan-friendly style ensures he remains a draw. UFC 321’s lightweight showcase, amplified by Abu Dhabi’s electric crowd and a card full of finishes, marks Makhachev as the division’s king, with Gaethje poised for a comeback.

UFC 321 on November 1, 2025, saw Islam Makhachev submit Justin Gaethje in the third round, showcasing his grappling mastery and championship poise. His seven takedowns and 6:50 of control time neutralized Gaethje’s power, earning him a welterweight title shot conversation. The Etihad Arena’s raucous atmosphere, bolstered by Abu Dhabi’s fight-night buzz and a stacked card, made this a defining moment. As Makhachev eyes Edwards and Gaethje plots his return, UFC 321 solidifies its place as a 2025 highlight, with the lightweight division’s future brighter than ever.