51 VIP premium packages were sold at $2000 each to a selected number of people who could attend the event. This was the first time fans were allowed to attend UFC events at the UFC Apex. These VIP packages were sold for subsequent events at the venue as well.[1]
Priscila Cachoeira was linked to a bout with Sijara Eubanks at the event.[8] However, the pairing was never officially announced by the promotion and Eubanks faced promotional newcomer Elise Reed instead.[9]
Bantamweight pairings of Trevin Jones vs. Tony Kelley and Aaron Phillips vs. Cameron Else were scheduled for the event.[10][11] However, on July 4, Kelly withdrew from the bout due to unknown reasons and subsequently, Else was removed for undisclosed reasons in mid-July.[12][13] As a result, Phillips was expected to face Jones on the card.[13] However, on July 18, Phillips had to withdraw from the bout and Jones was moved to UFC on ESPN: Hall vs. Strickland against Ronnie Lawrence.[14]
A heavyweight bout between Shamil Abdurakhimov and Chris Daukaus was initially scheduled for this event.[15] However, the matchup was removed from the card on July 19 due to COVID-19 protocols within Abdurakhimov's camp. The pairing was expected to be left intact and take place one week later at UFC on ESPN: Hall vs. Strickland, but it was postponed again and took place at UFC 266.[16]
