The event is expected to be headlined by a featherweight bout between Conor McGregor and Dennis Siver.[2] It was announced that a victory over Siver will ensure McGregor of a shot at the UFC Featherweight Championship in his next fight.[3]
Norman Parke was expected to face Jorge Masvidal at the event. However in early December, Masvidal pulled out of the bout citing an injury and was replaced by Gleison Tibau.[4]
Paul Felder was expected to face Johnny Case at the event.[5] However, Felder elected to fight as a replacement against Danny Castillo at UFC 182.[6] He was replaced by Frank Trevino.[7] On December 23, it was announced that Trevino had to pull out of the bout due to an injury and was replaced by newcomer Frankie Perez.[8]
Costas Philippou was expected to face Uriah Hall at the event. However, Philippou was forced out of the bout due to injury.[9] He was replaced by Strikeforce veteran Louis Taylor.[10] On January 11, it was announced that Taylor pulled out of the fight due to a pulled muscle in his back and had his contract terminated as a result.[11] Hall will now face promotional newcomer Ron Stallings.[12]
Eddie Alvarez was expected to face former UFC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson at the co-main event. However, Alvarez was forced out of the bout due to illness.[13] He was replaced by Donald Cerrone, whom Henderson fought twice before (at WEC 43 and WEC 48) and won both fights.[13] One fight was for the WEC Lightweight Championshipand the other one was for the interim belt. Cerrone had previously fought just 15 days before this event at UFC 182, winning his fight against Myles Jury.[14]
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