marked the UFC's first return to
Buffalo in almost 22 years. The event was the second that the UFC has hosted in Buffalo, the first being
UFC 7 in 1995. It was the first to be held in Buffalo since the state of New York lifted its ban on professional mixed martial arts in early 2016. The pairing met previously in May 2015 at
UFC 187 with Cormier winning the fight (and the vacant title) via submission in the third round. This rematch was originally scheduled to take place at
UFC 206, but Cormier pulled out due to an injury and the bout was scrapped. Controversy arose at the weigh-in as Cormier, who had initially weighed in 1.2 pounds over the 205-pound limit, minutes later weighed in at exactly 205 pounds. Video appeared to show Cormier supporting himself on a towel held by a teammate, though
New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) officials denied such allegations. After this fight, Johnson announced his retirement from the UFC and combat sports, effective immediately. Promotional newcomer
Pearl Gonzalez was expected to face
Cynthia Calvillo at the event. She was ruled out of the contest on the day of the weigh ins after New York State Athletic Commission officials confirmed that she could not fight in the state because of her breast implants, which are banned among combat-sports competitors. Later the decision was reversed and the fight was allowed to go on as scheduled. During the main card broadcast, it was announced that former
WEC Featherweight Champion and
UFC Bantamweight Championship title challenger
Urijah Faber would be inducted into the Modern Era wing of the
UFC Hall of Fame in this year's ceremony, which took place on July 6 in the midst of the UFC's annual International Fight Week festivities. ==Results==