Ranked number ten in the UFC lightweight division, Rafael Fiziev was originally scheduled to face fan favorite and former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC Fight Night: Rio de Janeiro on October 11. Oliveira is coming off a first round knockout loss in his attempt to reclaim the UFC title against Ilia Topuria. His quick return to competition, just four months after that defeat, drew widespread criticism from the MMA community.
With Fiziev forced to withdraw due to a knee injury, the status of the main event was left uncertain.