TKO Group Holdings has confirmed the first major events under its newly established multi-year partnership with the Arizona Sports & Events Alliance and Legends Global, with UFC, WWE and Professional Bull Riders (PBR) all set to stage marquee events in Glendale over the coming years.
The three-year, seven-event agreement marks the first time TKO has entered into a statewide partnership spanning multiple sports and entertainment properties, including UFC, WWE, PBR and the emerging Zuffa Boxing promotion.
State Leaders Highlight Economic and Tourism Benefits
Arizona officials say the partnership is expected to generate significant economic activity by attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors while further establishing the state as a destination for major sporting and entertainment events.
Governor Katie Hobbs described the collaboration as a first-of-its-kind initiative for Arizona, saying it reflects the state’s commitment to creating economic opportunities through high-profile partnerships. Officials also emphasized the expected benefits for local businesses, tourism and long-term investment.
Glendale Venues to Host Premier TKO Events
Desert Diamond Arena and State Farm Stadium will serve as the primary venues for the upcoming events.
TKO Executive Vice President of Event Development and Operations Peter Dropick said Glendale offers two world-class venues capable of hosting the company‘s largest live events, while Arizona Sports & Events Alliance President and CEO Jay Parry said the partnership reinforces Arizona’s growing reputation as a premier destination for global sports and entertainment.
Legends Global, which operates both venues, said it will work alongside TKO and state partners to deliver a world-class experience for fans attending each event.
NOCHE UFC Opens the Partnership in September
The first confirmed event under the agreement will be NOCHE UFC at Desert Diamond Arena on September 12, 2026.
Held in celebration of Mexican Independence Day, the event is expected to showcase leading Mexican and Latin American mixed martial artists before Arizona’s large Latino fan base.
The main event will feature former interim UFC featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez against rising contender Jean Silva. Former UFC women’s flyweight champion Alexa Grasso is also scheduled to compete against top-ranked contender Manon Fiorot, while former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno will face The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 winner Joseph Morales.
The event marks the fourth edition of NOCHE UFC and its first appearance at Desert Diamond Arena.
Royal Rumble Returns to Arizona in 2027
WWE’s 40th annual Royal Rumble will headline the company’s Arizona schedule in February 2027 at State Farm Stadium.
The Premium Live Event will be the first Royal Rumble staged at the venue and the third overall hosted by Arizona, following previous editions in 2013 and 2019.
As tradition dictates, the event will feature both the men’s and women’s 30-person Royal Rumble matches, with each winner earning a championship opportunity at WrestleMania 43.
PBR World Finals Heading to Glendale
Professional Bull Riders will bring its World Finals: Championship to Desert Diamond Arena from May 20-23, 2027.
The four-day championship will see the sport’s elite riders compete against the top-ranked bulls for the world title, expanding the event into a new market as part of PBR’s long-term national growth strategy.
Arizona already has a strong connection to the sport through the Arizona Ridge Riders, the state’s official PBR team, which continues to promote Western sports across the region and will host Ridge Rider Days in Glendale later this year.
Zuffa Boxing Also Included in Long-Term Plans
The agreement also includes future events from Zuffa Boxing, the new boxing promotion led by Dana White and WWE President Nick Khan.
While specific dates and venues have not yet been announced, TKO confirmed that Arizona will be among the future hosts for Zuffa Boxing events as part of the broader partnership.
Partnership Signals Long-Term Investment
With UFC, WWE, PBR and Zuffa Boxing now aligned under one statewide agreement, Arizona is positioning itself to host a steady calendar of internationally recognized sporting and entertainment events over the next three years.
Organizers say the partnership is designed to strengthen tourism, stimulate economic growth and cement Glendale’s role as one of the leading destinations for major live events in the United States.
