The event was originally expected to be headlined by a middleweight bout between former UFC Middleweight Championship challenger Jared Cannonier and Sean Strickland.[3] However, the bout was scrapped after Strickland withdrew due to a finger infection.[4] They are now expected to headline an event on December 17.[5]
A women's flyweight bout between Viviane Araújo and Alexa Grasso took place at this event.[6] The pairing was previously scheduled for August 13, 2022 at UFC on ESPN 41.[7] However, Grasso pulled out due to visa issues which restricted her travel and the bout was scrapped.[8] The pair was also previously scheduled to meet at UFC 270, but Araújo pulled out from that event due to injury.[9] They were elevated to main event status in early September after the cancellation of the original headliner.[10]
Melsik Baghdasaryan was expected to face Joanderson Brito in a featherweight bout.[11] However, Baghdasaryan pulled out in late September due to a broken hand.[12] He was replaced by promotional newcomer Lucas Alexander.[13]
Askar Askarov and Brandon Royval were expected to meet in a flyweight bout.[17] In turn, it was cancelled a day before the event due to weight cut issues related to Askarov.[18]
At the weigh-ins, C.J. Vergara weighed in at 129 pounds, three pounds over the flyweight non-title fight limit. The bout proceeded at catchweight with Vergara being fined 30% of his purse, which went to his opponent Tatsuro Taira.[19]
