The event was headlined by a welterweight bout between Demian Maia and Jake Shields,[4] with the main card broadcast on Fox Sports 1.

However, Jason and Stephens both pulled out due to injuries[5][6] and the bout was rescheduled for UFC Fight Night 32.

However, the bout was scrapped just days prior to the event after Damm was sidelined due to a kidney stone attack.

[9] Dana White stated Silva would be ineligible for any finishing bonuses, no matter the outcome of the fight, due to his missing weight.

The following day, Dana White announced that Palhares would be released from his contract and banned from working at UFC ever again.