A middleweight bout between Abu Azaitar and Alessio Di Chirico was scheduled for the event.[5] However, Azaitar was pulled from the event for an undisclosed reason and replaced by Markus Perez.[6]
A middleweight bout between Derek Brunson and Edmen Shahbazyan was initially scheduled for UFC 248.[7] However, it was announced on February 20 that the bout had been rescheduled and would serve as the co-headliner for this event.[8]
COVID-19 pandemic
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, OregongovernorKate Brown issued an order restricting mass gatherings and sporting events on March 12, thus the UFC decided to move the event to Las Vegas where it would take place behind closed doors at the UFC APEX facility.[9] UFC president Dana White then announced on March 15 that this event would have to be moved once again as the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) decided to provisionally ban events until March 25, when a new meeting would discuss future plans in what could jeopardize this event's realization.[10] On March 16, it was confirmed that the event was postponed after a letter from White to employees was shared to the public.[2] This was the first time that the promotion was forced to cancel events due to vis major. The UFC also cancelled two events scheduled for March 21 and 28.[11] White assured on March 24 that all cancelled fights will be rescheduled for future events.[12]
