PHOENIX – The UFC makes its return to Arizona on Saturday for UFC 274, and the excitement around the loaded event is palpable.
There’s a genuine buzz behind the card, which is headlined by some of the most credentialed fighters in octagon history at Footprint Center. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.
The headliner will see Charles Oliveira (32-8 MMA, 20-8 UFC) fight Justin Gaethje (23-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) in what was supposed to be a undisputed lightweight title fight before Oliveira missed weight on Friday. Now only Gaethje is eligible for the belt.
The co-headliner, meanwhile, sees strawweight champion Rose Namajunas (11-4 MMA, 9-3 UFC) look to avenge a December 2014 loss to Carla Esparza (18-6 MMA, 9-4 UFC), who will look to put on a repeat performance and reclaim the gold.
Additionally, Michael Chandler (22-7 MMA, 1-2 UFC) meets Tony Ferguson (25-6 MMA, 15-4 UFC) in a highly anticipated lightweight fight.
MMA Junkie is “On the Ground” for the event, and caught up with some key players while exploring the city ahead of fight night.
Check out the video above.
