Bobby Green was expected to face Al Iaquinta at the event. However, Green pulled out of the fight on June 17 due to an ACL tear and was replaced by former WEC and Strikeforce Lightweight championGilbert Melendez.[3] On July 6, it was announced that Melendez tested positive for testosterone metabolites of an exogenous origin at UFC 188. He denied using anything, but stated that he is "responsible for the products he uses and their implications". Melendez was suspended one year, effective from the date of his last bout. As a result, he was pulled from the fight against Iaquinta, who in turn, was also removed from the card.[4][5]
A featherweight bout between Rani Yahya and Masanori Kanehara initially slated for UFC Fight Night 70, was shifted to this event, as several participants on that card were unable to secure travel visas in time for that event restricting their travel to the United States.[6]
Edgar Garcia was expected to face Andrew Craig at the event. However, Garcia was forced out of the bout with an injury and was replaced by promotional newcomer Lyman Good.[7]
Doo Ho Choi was expected to face Sam Sicilia at the event. However, Choi pulled out of the bout in late June after suffering broken ribs in training and was replaced by Yaotzin Meza.[8]
The following fighters were awarded $50,000 bonuses:[10]
Fight of the Night: Alan Jouban vs. Matt Dwyer
Performance of the Night: Frank Mir and Tony Ferguson
Reported payout
The following is the reported payout to the fighters as reported to the California State Athletic Commission. It does not include sponsor money or "locker room" bonuses often given by the UFC and also do not include the UFC's traditional "fight night" bonuses.[11]
Frank Mir: $200,000 (no win bonus) def. Todd Duffee: $12,000
Tony Ferguson: $60,000 ($30,000 win bonus) def. Josh Thomson: $85,000
Holly Holm: $50,000 ($25,000 win bonus) def. Marion Reneau: $12,000
Manvel Gamburyan: $60,000 ($30,000 win bonus) def. Scott Jorgensen: $33,000
Kevin Lee: $36,000 ($18,000 win bonus) def. James Moontasri: $10,000
Alan Jouban: $30,000 ($15,000 win bonus) def. Matt Dwyer: $10,000
Sam Sicilia: $36,000 ($18,000 win bonus) vs. Yaotzin Meza: $16,000
Jéssica Andrade: $32,000 ($16,000 win bonus) def. Sarah Moras: $10,000
