The event was the first that the organization hosted in the Netherlands.

The event was headlined by a heavyweight bout between the 2010 K-1 World Grand Prix Champion and former Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem and former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski.

Rashid Magomedov was expected to face Chris Wade at the event. However, Magomedov pulled out of the fight in early March citing injury and was replaced by Rustam Khabilov.

Peter Sobotta was expected to face Dominic Waters at the event. However, Sobotta pulled out of the fight in late March citing injury and was replaced by Leon Edwards.

Paddy Holohan was expected to face Willie Gates at the event. However, on April 25, Holohan abruptly announced his retirement, citing a rare blood disorder. In turn, Gates faced Ulka Sasaki.

Nick Hein was expected to face Jon Tuck on the card, but pulled out just 6 days before the event due to injury. He was replaced two days later by promotional newcomer Josh Emmett.