UFC 186
| Company type | Mixed martial arts event |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sports entertainment |
| Founded | April 25, 2015 |
| Headquarters | Montreal , Canada |
UFC 186: Johnson vs. Horiguchi took place on April 25, 2015, at the Bell Centre located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, showcasing a mixed martial arts competition.
Background
This event represented the seventh occasion the UFC organized a fight card in Montreal.
Originally, the main event was planned as a rematch for the UFC Bantamweight Championship featuring reigning titleholder T.J. Dillashaw against former champion Renan Barão. However, Dillashaw withdrew on March 24 due to a rib injury, causing the postponement of this matchup. As a result, the scheduled co-main event—a UFC Flyweight Championship contest between champion Demetrious Johnson and leading challenger Kyoji Horiguchi—was elevated to headline the event.
A welterweight clash between Rory MacDonald and Héctor Lombard was canceled after Lombard failed a drug screening from UFC 182. Subsequently, MacDonald earned a title opportunity against champion Robbie Lawler at UFC 189.
Cláudio Silva withdrew for undisclosed reasons and was substituted by Chris Clements in his bout against Nordine Taleb.
Abel Trujillo was forced to pull out of his fight with John Makdessi due to an arm fracture; newcomer Shane Campbell stepped in as his replacement. This fight took place at a catchweight limit of 160 pounds.
Former Light Heavyweight titleholder Quinton Jackson was anticipated to make his return facing off against Fábio Maldonado in what was set as the co-main event. Nevertheless, Bellator MMA obtained an injunction that barred Jackson from competing owing to contractual conflicts. The UFC then announced that ex-ice hockey athlete Steve Bossé would fill Jackson's spot. The injunction was lifted on April 21, permitting Jackson to participate at a catchweight of 215 pounds; although Bossé did not compete, he received his show money compensation.
Bonus awards
Monetary bonuses of $50,000 were awarded to the following fighters:
- Fight of the Night: Chad Laprise vs. Bryan Barberena
- Performance of the Night: Demetrious Johnson and Thomas Almeida