Background
The main event was the culmination of the rivalry between Georges St-Pierre and Nick Diaz, with the latter having been vocal in wanting to fight the current champion for nearly two years.[3][4][5][6][7][8][9]
A rematch between Alessio Sakara and Patrick Côté, from UFC 154, was briefly linked to this event. However, Sakara was forced out of the bout due to renal stress.[10]
Sean Pierson was expected to face Rick Story at the event. However, Pierson pulled out of the bout citing an injury and was replaced by Quinn Mulhern.[11]
Rory MacDonald was originally scheduled to face Carlos Condit in a rematch. However, on February 18, it was announced that MacDonald pulled out of the bout citing a neck injury. Condit instead faced Johny Hendricks, who was pulled from his bout with Jake Ellenberger.[12] Ellenberger then faced returning veteran Nate Marquardt.[13]
Mitch Gagnon was expected to face Issei Tamura at the event. However, Gagnon was forced out of the bout with an injury and was replaced by T.J. Dillashaw.[14]
Johnny Eduardo was expected to face Yves Jabouin at the event. However, on March 6, Eduardo was forced to pull out of the bout citing a shoulder injury.[15] Jabouin was then pulled from the card as a suitable replacement could not be found on short notice.[16]
