A UFC Lightweight Championship bout between current champion Charles Oliveira and former interim champion Justin Gaethje (also former WSOF Lightweight Champion) headlined the event.[7] At the weigh-ins, Oliveira weighed in at 155.5 pounds, half a pound over the title limit. As a result, upon commencement of the fight, Oliveira was stripped of the title and only Gaethje was eligible to win it.[8]
A lightweight bout between Joe Lauzon and former lightweight title challenger Donald Cerrone was scheduled for UFC on ESPN: Font vs. Vera.[11] However, the bout was removed from this event.[12] In turn, the bout was cancelled on the day of the event when Cerrone suffered from food poisoning.[13]
Amanda Ribas and former Invicta FC Atomweight ChampionMichelle Waterson were expected to meet at this event.[14] They were originally expected to meet at UFC 257, but Waterson pulled out of the bout due to undisclosed reasons.[15] They were then rescheduled for UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Daukaus, but an injury forced Waterson out of the pairing once again.[16] Waterson announced in early March that her injury could potentially be "career ending" and would not compete at this event.[17]
At the weigh-ins, Norma Dumont weighed in at 146.5 pounds, half a pound over the women's featherweight non-title fight limit. Her bout proceeded at catchweight and she was fined 30% of her individual purse, which went to her opponent The Ultimate Fighter: Heavy Hitters women's featherweight winner Macy Chiasson.[8]
The following fighters received $50,000 bonuses.[23]
Fight of the Night: Brandon Royval vs. Matt Schnell
Performance of the Night: Michael Chandler and André Fialho
The following fighters received Crypto.com "Fan Bonus of the Night" awards paid in bitcoin of US$30,000 for first place, US$20,000 for second place, and US$10,000 for third place.[24]
