The event is headlined by a Light Heavyweight Championship bout between the champion Jon Jones, and top contender Daniel Cormier. Jones was initially scheduled to face Alexander Gustafsson in a rematch on September 27, 2014 at UFC 178. However, Gustafsson pulled out of the bout due to a knee injury and was replaced by Daniel Cormier. Subsequently on August 12, Jones pulled out of the bout against Cormier citing a leg injury, which in turn led to the rescheduling of the pairing to this event.