Jones was initially scheduled to face Alexander Gustafsson in a rematch on September 27, 2014 at UFC 178.[4] However, Gustafsson pulled out of the bout due to a knee injury and was replaced by Daniel Cormier.[5] 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.[3]
A matchup for the Women's Bantamweight Championship between the champion at the time Ronda Rousey and top contender Cat Zingano was briefly attached to this event. However, it was announced in late October that the pairing was delayed and would take place eight weeks later at UFC 184.[6]
Alexis Dufresne missed weight on her first attempt at the weigh ins, weighing in at 138 pounds. She was given additional time to make the bantamweight limit, but made no attempt to cut further. Instead, she was fined 20 percent of her purse, which went to Marion Reneau.[9]
On January 6, it was announced that Jones failed a drug test prior to the event. He tested positive for benzoylecgonine, the primary metabolite of cocaine.[11] As benzoylecgonine is not banned out of competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency, the NSAC could not halt Jones from fighting at UFC 182. He was randomly tested on December 4 and the results came back on December 23, the NSAC Executive Director Bob Bennett said. Jones immediately entered rehab,[11] though it was later revealed by his mother that he only spent one night in rehab.[12]
On February 10, it was announced that Héctor Lombard failed a fight night drug test, testing positive for the anabolic steroid desoxymethyltestosterone. The failed drug test was responsible for the cancellation of his bout against Rory MacDonald at UFC 186.[13] On March 23, Lombard was suspended for one year, fined and had his win over Josh Burkman overturned to a no contest by the NSAC. He was fined his original $53,000 win bonus, plus one-third of the rest of his purse, which included $53,000 in show money. In addition, Lombard also must pass a drug test prior to getting relicensed by the NSAC.[14]
^Originally a unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 29–28) victory for Lombard, the result was changed to "No Contest" after Lombard tested positive for desoxymethyltestosterone during a post-fight screening.[14]
The following fighters were awarded $50,000 bonuses:[16]
Fight of the Night: Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier
Performance of the Night: Paul Felder and Shawn Jordan
Reported payout
The following is the reported payout to the fighters as reported to the Nevada State Athletic Commission. It does not include sponsor money and also does not include the UFC's traditional "fight night" bonuses.[17]
Jon Jones: $500,000 (no win bonus) def. Daniel Cormier: $90,000
^ Alexis Dufresne was fined 20 percent of her purse for failing to make the required weight for her fight with Marion Reneau. That money was issued to Reneau, an NSAC official confirmed.[17]
