The event was initially scheduled to take place at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas.[4] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UFC president Dana White announced on April 9 that starting with UFC 249, all future events were indefinitely postponed.[5] The event would have marked the promotion's fourth visit to Austin, following UFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Medeiros in February 2018.[4] On May 21, the UFC announced the cancelation of the event in Austin.[2]
Ian Heinisch was expected to face Brendan Allen at the event. However, Heinisch pulled out of the matchup in mid-June citing injury and was replaced by promotional newcomer Kyle Daukaus.[12]
A catchweight bout between Sean Woodson and Kyle Nelson was scheduled for the event. However, Nelson was pulled from the event due to a visa issue and replaced by Julian Erosa.[16]
A women's flyweight bout between Miranda Maverick and Mara Romero Borella was scheduled for the event. However, Maverick was forced to pull out due to injury and the bout was scrapped.[17]
Ramiz Brahimaj was scheduled to face Takashi Sato at the event. However, Brahimaj was pulled from the fight during the week leading up to the event in an abundance of caution, after a cornerman of his tested positive for COVID-19. Promotional newcomer Jason Witt stepped in as a replacement to face Sato.[18]
The following fighters received $50,000 bonuses.[20]
Fight of the Night: Dustin Poirier vs. Dan Hooker
Performance of the Night: Julian Erosa and Kay Hansen
Reported payout
The following is the reported payout to the fighters as reported to the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC). It does not include sponsor money and also does not include the UFC's traditional "fight night" bonuses. The total disclosed payout for the event was $1,140,000.[21]
On August 5, it was announced that the NSAC issued a temporary suspension for Luis Peña, after he tested positive for marijuana in his pre-fight screenings.[22] On September 3, the NSAC announced that Peña was suspended four and a half months and fined 15% of his fight purse. The reduced suspension was due to his fight being taken on short notice.[23]