The main event was expected to be a UFC Lightweight Championship bout between the current champion Benson Henderson and top contender T. J. Grant.[5] However, Grant was forced out of the bout with an injury and was replaced by Anthony Pettis.[6] Henderson and Pettis met in 2010 at the final event for World Extreme Cagefighting, WEC 53. Pettis defeated Henderson via unanimous decision to win the final WEC Lightweight title in a bout that was widely praised by MMA fans and pundits alike as the fight of the year.[7]
Yoel Romero was expected to face Derek Brunson at this event. However, Brunson was forced out with an injury and was replaced by newcomer Brian Houston.[10] Houston ended up also getting injured and Romero was removed from the card.[11]
The following fighters received $50,000 bonuses.[13]
Fight of The Night: Pascal Krauss vs. Hyun Gyu Lim
Knockout of The Night: Chad Mendes
Submission of the Night: Anthony Pettis
Reported payout
The following is the reported payout to the fighters as reported to the Wisconsin's Department of Safety and Professional Services. 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.[14]
Anthony Pettis: $54,000 ($27,000 win bonus) def. Benson Henderson: $110,000
Josh Barnett: $160,000 (no win bonus) def. Frank Mir: $200,000
Chad Mendes: $62,000 ($31,000 win bonus) def. Clay Guida: $44,000
Ben Rothwell: $108,000 ($54,000 win bonus) def. Brandon Vera: $70,000
Dustin Poirier: $40,000 ($20,000 win bonus) def. Erik Koch: $15,000
