Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UFC had to cancel two events and postpone four events between March 21 and May 2.[5][6][7] On April 24, they announced their return of UFC 249 in Jacksonville, Florida, with two other events scheduled for the same venue on May 13 and May 16 respectively.[8]
At the weigh-ins, Roberson weighed in at 187.5 pounds, one and a half pounds over the middleweight non-title fight limit. He was fined 20% of his purse, which went to his opponent Vettori and the bout was expected to proceed at a catchweight.[9] However, the bout was cancelled on the day of the event due to medical issues caused by Roberson's attempt to cut weight.[10]
The following fighters received $50,000 bonuses.[12]
Fight of the Night: Brian Kelleher vs. Hunter Azure
Performance of the Night: Glover Teixeira and Drew Dober
Reported payout
The following is the reported payout to the fighters as reported to the Florida State Boxing Commission. 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 $1,175,000.[13]
Glover Teixeira: $230,000 def. Anthony Smith: $130,000
Ben Rothwell: $260,000 def. Ovince Saint Preux: $95,000
Drew Dober: $166,000 def. Alexander Hernandez: $36,000
Ricky Simón: $60,000 def. Ray Borg: $46,000
Andrei Arlovski: $325,000 def. Philipe Lins: $80,000
Thiago Moisés: $24,000 def. Michael Johnson: $83,000
Sijara Eubanks: $66,000 def. Sarah Moras: $23,000
Omar Morales: $24,000 def. Gabriel Benítez: $40,000
Brian Kelleher: $60,000 def. Hunter Azure: $12,000
Chase Sherman: $28,000 def. Ike Villanueva: $12,000