Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, is a key Southwest venue for the UFC, offering a modern arena in a sports-mad desert market. Located in downtown Phoenix and home to the NBA’s Suns, the building seats around 17,000 for combat sports and has hosted multiple high-stakes UFC events. The city’s climate, tourism industry, and regional fan base make Phoenix an attractive stop for the promotion.
UFC events at Footprint Center (formerly Talking Stick Resort Arena) include cards such as UFC on Fox 29: Poirier vs. Gaethje and UFC 274: Oliveira vs. Gaethje. These events have featured some of the most action-packed fights in recent lightweight history, turning Phoenix into a reliable site for all-action main events. The combination of centrally located arena and fan enthusiasm make it a popular destination for both fighters and fans.
Two biggest fight cards at Footprint Center
UFC on FOX 29: Poirier vs. Gaethje (April 14, 2018)
Card highlights:
- Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje
- Carlos Condit vs. Alex Oliveira
- Israel Adesanya vs. Marvin Vettori 1
Poirier and Gaethje put on a brutal four-round war that Poirier ultimately won by TKO, a victory that propelled him toward interim lightweight gold, while Adesanya’s split-decision win over Vettori was an early test in his UFC rise.
UFC 274: Oliveira vs. Gaethje (May 7, 2022)
Card highlights:
- Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje (non-title after Oliveira’s weight miss)
- Rose Namajunas vs. Carla Esparza 2 (strawweight title)
- Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson
Oliveira survived knockdowns to submit Gaethje in the first round at UFC 274, Chandler delivered a front-kick knockout of Ferguson that went viral, and Esparza edged Namajunas in a tactical rematch to regain the belt.
UFC events featuring Phoenix-area favorites
Matchups involving fighters with Arizona ties, including certain cards where local fan favorites packed the arena, have helped establish Footprint Center as a recurring UFC stop. These nights often feature loud, partisan crowds that add intensity to both main card and prelim bouts.
Footprint Center event schedules and visitor information, including UFC dates, can be found on its official site.