[2][3] Officially announced by the organization, the event was initially linked to the newly constructed Chase Center in San Francisco, California, which would have marked the promotion's first visit to the city.

[4][5] However, the plans for a San Francisco debut fizzled and the promotion confirmed that the event would instead take place in Tampa, Florida.

Team Cláudia light heavyweight winner Andrew Sanchez and Marvin Vettori was originally scheduled for September 14 at UFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Gaethje.

However, the bout was canceled after Sanchez was pulled during the week leading up to the event due to an eye infection.

[9] Promotional newcomer Brok Weaver was scheduled to face Thomas Gifford in a lightweight out at the event.