5 Reasons Why RUF 65 "Dia De Los Muertos" is Phoenix's Can't-Miss MMA Event

Arizona's premier MMA promotion returns to Celebrity Theatre on November 1st with three championship belts on the line and 15 explosive fights

If you're a fight fan in Arizona, mark your calendar and clear your schedule. RUF Nation is bringing an absolutely stacked fight card to the legendary Celebrity Theatre, and this isn't just another fight night—this is the event that will have the entire Arizona MMA community talking for months to come.

Still on the fence about attending? Here are five compelling reasons why RUF 65 deserves your attention (and your ticket purchase).

1. Three Title Fights in One Night

Let's start with the headline-grabbing fact: RUF 65 features not one, not two, but THREE championship title fights. When was the last time you saw three belts up for grabs at a single Arizona MMA event? This is the kind of stacked card that major promotions dream about.

The main event alone is worth the price of admission. De'Aundre Tipton comes from the legendary Roufusport MMA Academy—the same gym that produced UFC champions and top contenders. He'll face the always-dangerous Ezra Elliott, who trains with Arizona's own Tim "RedHawk" Welch. This is the kind of high-level MMA that puts regional promotions on the national map.

2. Arizona's Deepest Fight Card of the Year

This isn't a quick three-hour show with four or five fights. RUF 65 delivers 15 full fights, giving you an entire evening of non-stop MMA action. From the opening strawweight bout to the featherweight championship in the main event, you're getting maximum value for your ticket.

The card showcases fighters from multiple weight classes—strawweight, flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight, welterweight, and even a couple of exciting catchweight bouts. Whether you love technical ground games from the smaller fighters or explosive power from the bigger athletes, this card has something for every fight fan.

3. A Perfect Blend of Rising Stars and Established Veterans

One of the best things about regional MMA is watching tomorrow's stars before they hit the big time. RUF has been a launching pad for numerous fighters who've gone on to compete at the highest levels of the sport.

Professional Main Card Highlights:

The professional main card is absolutely loaded with talent:

• Alec "Storm" Bailey vs. Christopher "CHAPO" Quiroz in the co-main event promises fireworks in the bantamweight division
• Carlos "Villain" Valadez brings his wrestling pedigree from Colorado's Havoc MMA to face Arizona's David Alemayehu in a catchweight bout
• Shawn Winland travels all the way from Tuscaloosa, Alabama (Cobra BJJ) to test himself against Arizona talent Alex Preissing
• Multiple fights featuring athletes from Arizona's premier gyms like MMA LAB, Flow State MMA, and Tim "RedHawk" Welch MMA

The Future of Arizona MMA:

The amateur prelims are equally exciting, featuring hungry young fighters from gyms across the state. Watch fighters from Ultimate Kombat Fitness, Fight Ready MMA, Abunai MMA, and more battle it out. Many of these amateur fighters will be headlining professional cards within the next year or two—catch them now while you can still say "I saw them when..."

4. The Dia De Los Muertos Experience

RUF 65 isn't just another fight card—it's a full cultural experience themed around one of the most meaningful and visually stunning holidays in Mexican culture. Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrates life, remembers loved ones, and honors the connection between the living and those who came before us.

Expect the Celebrity Theatre to be transformed with special decorations, themed entertainment, and an atmosphere unlike any other fight night in Arizona. This event bridges the passion of combat sports with the rich cultural traditions that make Phoenix such a vibrant city.

Whether you're familiar with Dia De Los Muertos traditions or experiencing them for the first time, this themed event adds an extra layer of meaning and excitement to an already incredible night of fights.

5. Celebrity Theatre: Arizona's Premier Fight Venue

If you've never experienced a fight at Celebrity Theatre, you're in for a treat. This isn't a high school gym or a hotel conference room—it's a world-class entertainment venue that's hosted everyone from legendary musicians to comedy icons.

The venue makes a huge difference in the fight experience, and Celebrity Theatre delivers the kind of professional atmosphere that makes you feel like you're watching a major event—because you are.

Supporting Arizona's MMA Community

When you buy a ticket to RUF 65, you're not just getting a great night of entertainment—you're supporting the entire Arizona MMA ecosystem. Your ticket purchase helps:

• Provide opportunities for Arizona fighters to compete and advance their careers
• Support local gyms and coaches who dedicate themselves to developing talent
• Keep high-level MMA events in Arizona, attracting talent from across the country
• Build the Arizona fight community and create a pipeline for future champions

Arizona has produced UFC champions, Bellator stars, and countless successful fighters. That doesn't happen by accident—it happens because fans show up and support the regional scene where these athletes cut their teeth and develop their skills.

Premium Sponsors = Professional Production

RUF 65 has attracted some of Arizona's most respected brands as sponsors, which speaks to the professional level of this event:

• Gila River Resorts & Casinos - Official hotel partner
• Celebrity Theatre - Arizona's premier concert venue
• TRU Med - Arizona's premier boutique dispensary
• Drip Oils - 100% locally owned
• RxStar USA - Natural plant extracts meet the rockstar lifestyle
• TSi Events - Professional event signage and structures
• MMA Stalker - Women-owned digital media company capturing stunning fight photography

These partnerships ensure that RUF can deliver a first-class experience from the moment you walk in the door until the final fight ends.

Make It a Full Night Out

With doors opening at 5:00 PM and fights starting at 7:00 PM, RUF 65 is perfect for making a full evening of entertainment. Here's how to maximize your experience:

• Arrive early (5:00-6:00 PM): Grab your seats, check out the venue, hit the bar, and soak in the pre-fight atmosphere
• Prelims (7:00 PM): The amateur fights kick off the action—these hungry fighters often deliver the night's most exciting moments
• Main Card (Around 9:00 PM): The professional bouts turn up the intensity
• Title Fights (10:00 PM+): Three championship bouts culminate in the main event

Plan to make an evening of it. Grab dinner nearby before the event, or stick around the venue and enjoy the full fight night experience from start to finish.

How to Watch

The Bottom Line

RUF 65 "Dia De Los Muertos" represents everything great about regional MMA: passionate fighters, championship stakes, cultural celebration, and a community coming together to support combat sports. With three title fights, 15 total bouts, and Arizona's best venue, this event delivers more excitement per dollar than just about any entertainment option in the Valley.

Whether you're a hardcore fight fan who never misses an event or someone who's curious about experiencing live MMA for the first time, November 1st is your night. Bring your friends, bring your family (it's a great event for introducing people to the sport), and prepare for an unforgettable evening.

The fights won't wait—and neither should you.

*Fight card subject to change. All fighters and bout order confirmed as of publication date. Check rufnation.com for the latest updates.