This was the second event that the UFC hosted in Pittsburgh, and first since UFC Live: Kongo vs. Barry in June 2011.[2] It was originally expected to be headlined by a welterweight bout between former UFC Lightweight Championship challenger Donald Cerrone and Tim Means.[4] On February 3, it was announced that Means was informed of a potential USADA anti-doping policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collection. Because there was insufficient time for a full review and proper promotion before the scheduled bout, Means was pulled from the fight by the UFC.[5] The following day, Alex Oliveira was announced as his replacement.[6]
Sam Alvey was expected to face Daniel Sarafian at the event. However, Alvey pulled out of the bout in late December after sustaining a broken jaw and was replaced by Oluwale Bamgbose.[7][8]
A welterweight bout between Brandon Thatch and Siyar Bahadurzada, originally slated for this event was rescheduled due to Thatch's inability to gain clearance for needed medication for the event. The bout will take place two weeks later at UFC 196.[13]
John Lineker was expected to face Cody Garbrandt at the event. However, on February 15, Lineker pulled out of the fight due to dengue fever.[14] He was replaced by promotional newcomer Augusto Mendes.[15] Mendes missed weight on his first attempt at the weigh ins, coming in at 142 lb. He was given additional time to make the weight limit for the weight class, but made no attempts to cut further. Instead, he was fined 20 percent of his fight purse, which went to Garbrandt and the commission.[16]
Also on the week leading up to the event, Trevor Smith pulled out of his middleweight bout against Leonardo Augusto Guimaraes due to a hand injury.[17] He was replaced by returning veteran Anthony Smith.[18]