The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom lightweight winner Ross Pearson was expected to face Joseph Duffy at the event. However, Pearson announced on 7 November that he was out of the bout due to a broken nose and subsequent surgery to correct the injury.[4] He was replaced by promotional newcomer Damir Ismagulov, but Duffy pulled out of citing a rib injury.[5] Ismagulov then faced fellow newcomer Alex Gorgees.[6]
Ashkan Mokhtarian was scheduled to face promotional newcomer Kai Kara-France at the event. However, on 20 November, Mokhtarian pulled out of the fight citing injury.[7] He was replaced by Elias Garcia.[8]
Luke Jumeau was scheduled to face Geoff Neal at the event.[9] However, it was reported on 9 November 2018 that Jumeau pulled from the card due to injury, resulting cancellation of the bout by the UFC official.[10]