The event was expected to be headlined by a women's strawweight bout between Paige VanZant and Joanne Calderwood.[3] However on October 28, Calderwood was forced to pull out of the event and was replaced by Rose Namajunas.[4]
The event was the first that the promotion has hosted at the venue and the first of three events in as many days in the Las Vegas Valley. It also marked the first North American card to air live exclusively on their subscription-based digital network, UFC Fight Pass.[2]
Michael Graves was expected to face Danny Roberts at the event. However, Graves pulled out of the bout on November 30 citing an injury and was replaced by Nathan Coy.[7]
The following fighters were awarded $50,000 bonuses:[9]
Fight of the Night: Jim Miller vs. Michael Chiesa
Performance of the Night: Rose Namajunas and Tim Means
Reported payout
The following is the reported payout to the fighters as reported to the Nevada State Athletic Commission. It does not include sponsor money and also does not include the UFC's traditional "fight night" bonuses.[10]