Desert Diamond Arena made history on Saturday, Sept. 12, when NOCHE UFC shattered the venue’s all-time single-day gross record and claimed UFC’s highest domestic Fight Night gate, generating $4,436,470 in ticket sales. The UFC’s Mexican Independence Day celebration surpassed the previous all-time benchmark set by Drake on Sept. 5, 2023, giving NOCHE UFC the top spot among single-day events.
NOCHE UFC also set a new premium-sales record, generating the highest premium-sales gross in the venue’s history. The milestone was reached ahead of the event, underscoring the extraordinary demand for premium experiences at the venue. With more than 16,928 guests in attendance, NOCHE UFC now ranks as both the highest-grossing event and the highest-grossing sporting event in Desert Diamond Arena history.
“NOCHE UFC was a defining night for Desert Diamond Arena and the city of Glendale,” said Nick Byer, general manager of Desert Diamond Arena for Legends Global. “This historic result speaks to the passion of UFC fans, the strength of this market and the exceptional work of everyone who brought the event to life. It was a landmark night for our arena, our partners and the city of Glendale.”
The card, which was stacked with Mexican and Latin American talent, was headlined by Jean Silva and Jose Delgado, with Silva winning by submission via rear-naked choke at 2:57 of Round 3.
NOCHE UFC marked UFC’s first event at Desert Diamond Arena and the first of seven high-profile live events coming to Arizona across UFC, WWE, PBR and Zuffa Boxing over the next three years through TKO’s landmark partnership with the Arizona Sports & Events Alliance. The prelims aired at 11 a.m. PT, followed by the main card at 2 p.m. PT, with all bouts streaming live on Paramount+.
“Seeing NOCHE UFC set new benchmarks for UFC and Desert Diamond Arena is a tremendous reflection of the demand for major events in Arizona and the excitement surrounding our partnership with TKO,” said Jay Parry, president and CEO of the Arizona Sports & Events Alliance. “Arizona continues to show that fans will turn out for world-class events, and this record-setting night is a strong start to the incredible lineup still ahead.”
The TKO partnership continues in February 2027 with WWE Royal Rumble at State Farm Stadium before returning to Desert Diamond Arena in May 2027 for the PBR World Finals: Championship.
