The name "First Defense" refers to a scheduled Heavyweight title Bout between Kevin Randleman and Pedro Rizzo, which did not happen due to injury.
While warming up backstage during the event, Randleman slipped on the concrete floor and hit his head, knocking himself out completely.
As the incident happened during the broadcast, fans in attendance and viewers watching on pay per view were not notified until the end of the show.
This event also marked the appearance of Dan Severn as a referee for the preliminary bouts.
UFC 24 was initially seen live on pay per view, but was not released on home video at the time.