Gastelum Returns Home for Noche UFC
GLENDALE, Ariz. — For more than a decade, Yuma native Kelvin Gastelum has fought on the world’s biggest combat sports stages—from Las Vegas to Rio de Janeiro and Abu Dhabi. But on Saturday, September 12, 2026, the local star will finally cross off the one item that has eluded his storybook career: fighting in front of his home-state crowd in Arizona.
The UFC officially announced that Gastelum will return to the octagon at Noche UFC 2026 (Noche UFC 4), hosted at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
First launched in 2023, the annual Noche UFC event has rapidly evolved into one of the promotion’s most celebrated traditions, honoring Mexican Independence Day with high-stakes matchups featuring elite Mexican and Mexican-American talent.
A High-Stakes Clash of Styles and Size
Gastelum’s homecoming fight will be interesting, as it places Gastelum in one of the biggest physical mismatches in UFC history. Standing at 5’9″, the heavy-handed Yuma veteran is slated to face Yousri Belgaroui, a towering 6’4″ contender who earned his contract through back-to-back dominant performances on Dana White’s Contender Series before stringing together a 2-0 run in the Octagon.
Despite the 7-inch height gap, Gastelum’s world-class wrestling foundation and explosive striking make this one of the most compelling bouts on the September card.
Exclusive Q&A: Kelvin Gastelum on Coming Home
What’s Up Yuma spoke directly with Gastelum to get his thoughts on returning to his roots, what this fight means to his family, and how it feels to finally step into an Arizona arena under the UFC lights.
What’s Up Yuma: You’ve waited more than a decade for this moment. What does it mean to finally fight in Arizona?
Kelvin Gastelum: “I’ve fought all over the world, but this is the one I’ve been waiting for. Arizona is home. My family, my friends, and the people who believed in me from the beginning are here. To finally compete in front of them is a dream come true.”
WUY: If you could go back and talk to the young Kelvin Gastelum who dreamed of fighting in the UFC, what would you tell him about this moment?
Gastelum: “I’d tell him to keep believing. There will be ups and downs, but don’t lose sight of the dream. One day you’ll walk into a UFC arena in your home state and realize every sacrifice was worth it.”
WUY: What will be going through your mind when you make that walk to the Octagon knowing you’re finally fighting in front of your home-state fans?
Gastelum: “I’ll probably think about everyone who helped me get here. My family, my coaches, and all the Arizona fans who’ve supported me through every chapter of my career. That walk is going to mean a little more this time.”
WUY: Winning is always the goal, but what would it mean to have your hand raised in Arizona?
Gastelum: “It would be one of the most meaningful wins of my career. To celebrate that moment with the people who have been behind me since day one would be something I’ll never forget.”
Event Details
Event: Noche UFC 2026 (Noche UFC 4)
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Venue: Desert Diamond Arena — Glendale, Arizona
Bout: Kelvin Gastelum vs. Yousri Belgaroui
Show Your Support for Yuma’s Champion
As Kelvin Gastelum prepares to make history and step into the Octagon in front of a home-state crowd, let’s pack the Desert Diamond Arena and show the fight world how Yuma roots for its own.
Tickets for Noche UFC 2026 officially go on sale to the general public starting Friday, July 31 via Ticketmaster. Stay tuned to What’s Up Yuma for ongoing exclusive local sports content as we follow Gastelum on his journey to September 12!
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