UFC 227

UFC 227: Dillashaw vs. Garbrandt 2 was a mixed martial arts event that was produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship and held on August 4, 2018, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

Background

A UFC Bantamweight Championship rematch between current two-time champion T.J. Dillashaw and former champion Cody Garbrandt headlined the event. They both coached on The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption before the two previously met at UFC 217 in the co-main event. When they fought, Dillashaw won with a second-round knockout to reclaim the title.

A UFC Flyweight Championship rematch between current champion Demetrious Johnson and 2008 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling Henry Cejudo also co-headlined the event. The pairing previously met at UFC 197, where Johnson defeated Cejudo by first-round TKO to defend his title.

Derek Brunson was expected to face The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3 heavyweight winner Antônio Carlos Júnior at the event. However, Brunson pulled out of the fight in early July citing an eye injury. In turn, Carlos Júnior was removed from the card entirely and is expected to be rescheduled for a future event.

Bharat Khandare was scheduled to face Wuliji Buren at the event. However, Khandare was removed from the bout on July 18 for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Marlon Vera.

A light heavyweight bout between former UFC Light Heavyweight Championship challengers Volkan Oezdemir and Alexander Gustafsson was expected to take place at this event. However, on July 19, it was announced that Oezdemir pulled out due to a broken nose. In turn, Gustafsson pulled out on July 22 due to a minor injury. A middleweight bout between Thiago Santos and UFC newcomer Kevin Holland was created to fill the vacant spot on the main card.