The UFC held open tryouts for the show in October 2011. The casting call was for Welterweight fighters who are at least 21 years old and have a minimum of two wins in three professional fights. More than 300 contestants showed up, hoping to be one of the 28 fighters selected. On October 30, 2012, it was announced that the coaches for the season would be Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira and Fabrício Werdum.