The event was headlined by a UFC Bantamweight Championship rematch between current champion T.J. Dillashaw and former champion Renan Barão.[3][4] Their first fight took place at UFC 173 which ended in a fifth round technical knockout victory for Dillashaw that won him the title.[5] Prior to this event, the rematch had been rescheduled for two other events. The first of which was UFC 177, where Barão withdrew from the bout on the day of weigh-ins, as he had to be admitted to a hospital as a result of his attempts to cut weight.[6] The second was UFC 186, where Dillashaw withdrew from the bout due to a broken rib.[7]
A lightweight bout between Danny Castillo and Rustam Khabilov that was previously scheduled for UFC 182 was expected to take place at this event. However, once again, Khabilov was pulled from the bout due to complications with his visa. Castillo remained on the card against Jim Miller.[10]
Erik Koch was expected to face Ramsey Nijem at the event. However, Koch pulled out of the bout in late June due to an injury and was replaced by promotional newcomer Andrew Holbrook.[11]
