The event was seen live on pay-per-view in the United States, and later released on home video.

Future referee Dan Miragliotta made his UFC debut as a judge for the event.

The bout was a rematch of their first fight in the finals of UFC 13, which Mezger won via guillotine choke submission.

Ortiz was a late replacement for Vitor Belfort, who was scheduled to face Mezger but was forced to withdraw.

UFC 19 was part three of what the UFC called "The Road To The Heavyweight Title", a four-part tournament of sorts, held to determine the Heavyweight Champion after the title was vacated by Randy Couture.