[2] The event was the first that the promotion has hosted in Rio Rancho, after previously contesting UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Khabilov in nearby Albuquerque in June 2014.

[5] The pairing previously met in September 2015 at UFC 191, with Anderson winning the encounter via unanimous decision.

However, Emeev was removed from the bout in late January for undisclosed reasons and replaced by promotional newcomer Daniel Rodriguez.

[7] A light heavyweight bout between Gadzhimurad Antigulov and Devin Clark was scheduled to take place at the event.

However, Montaño was forced to pull out on fight week due to injury and was replaced by promotional newcomer Shanna Young.