NOCHE UFC Heads to Glendale as Arizona Lands Another Major Combat Sports Event

GLENDALE, Ariz. — UFC is bringing one of its signature events back to Arizona.

The promotion announced that NOCHE UFC will take place on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, celebrating Mexican Independence Day with a fight card featuring some of the biggest names from Mexico and Latin America.

The event marks UFC’s first visit to Desert Diamond Arena and is expected to be one of the organization’s premier Fight Night events of 2026.

Arizona Continues to Grow as a Combat Sports Destination

NOCHE UFC is more than just another stop on the UFC calendar.

The event is the first of seven major live events scheduled to take place in Arizona over the next three years through TKO’s partnership with the Arizona Sports & Events Alliance, further establishing the state as a destination for world-class combat sports.

For Arizona fight fans, it also means another opportunity to watch elite UFC talent without traveling to Las Vegas.

Mexican Stars Take Center Stage

Headlining the celebration of Mexican Independence Day is former UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion Alexa Grasso, who returns for her third NOCHE UFC appearance to face No. 2-ranked contender Manon Fiorot in a pivotal flyweight showdown.

Former UFC Flyweight Champion Brandon Moreno will also make his NOCHE UFC debut when he takes on The Ultimate Fighter 33 winner Joseph Morales in another highly anticipated matchup.

The event continues UFC’s tradition of highlighting Mexican and Latin American athletes whose success has helped grow mixed martial arts throughout the region.

Arizona Favorites Return Home

Local fans will have several hometown fighters to cheer for.

Phoenix-based heavyweight Waldo Cortes Acosta, currently ranked No. 5 in the division, is scheduled to face longtime contender Curtis Blaydes in what could have major implications for the heavyweight title picture.

Arizona native and UFC Hall of Famer Kelvin Gastelum also returns to compete in front of a home-state crowd as he faces Dutch middleweight Yousri Belgaroui.

Additional bouts include veteran flyweight Tim Elliott against Mexico’s Edgar Chairez, while undefeated prospect Regina Tarin takes on veteran contender JJ Aldrich in the women’s flyweight division.

Tickets Go on Sale This Week

Tickets for NOCHE UFC will be available to the general public beginning Friday, July 31, at 10 a.m. MT through Ticketmaster.

UFC Fight Club members will receive early access on July 29, while UFC newsletter subscribers can participate in a special presale beginning July 30.

The preliminary card is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Arizona time, with the main card starting at 2 p.m. Both portions of the event will stream live on Paramount+.

A Big Month for Arizona Sports

With world-class soccer, boxing, and now one of UFC’s signature events all coming through the Valley, Arizona continues to cement its reputation as one of the country’s premier destinations for major sporting events.

For fight fans, NOCHE UFC promises an afternoon packed with elite talent, hometown favorites, and a celebration of the fighters who have helped shape the sport across Mexico and Latin America.