What does “no contest” mean in the UFC?

Combat sports fans are accustomed to the winding prologue that usually accompanies a major fight. The trash talking, the teasing, and the customary bickering over the purse.

This is all good, and most people can live with it, but what really sucks is not cancelling a fight that may never have happened to begin with, but having a bout halted or voided after it has started, or calling the bout illegitimate after the fight has concluded.

This is precisely what "no contest" in the UFC stands for, and it has been invoked during major events.

Explaining the no-contest rule in the UFC

Technically, a fight may end in a No Contest because of a foul, injury, referee error, or other circumstances that aren’t always clearly defined. A No Contest is a serious ruling, only applied when there are sufficient grounds to show that it is the fairest way to end, or later adjust, the fight.

Most often, a No Contest occurs due to an accidental injury, making the question of who wins the fight irrelevant. In this case, neither fighter is credited with a win or a loss, and the fight may sometimes be rescheduled.

Another common reason for a No Contest is the discovery of banned substance use after the fight, which can void the official outcome.

In short, a No Contest does not necessarily stop a fight in progress, but it can nullify the result, ensuring the official record reflects a fair and just outcome.

Have there been "no contest" fights in the UFC?

Yes, there are many good examples of no-contest decisions in the UFC, and they are all accepted by fans as sensible decisions in the end. Notably, a Jon Jones fight was declared a no-contest after he KO’d Daniel Cormier II, but post-fight drug test discovered that Jones had taken turinabol, a prohibited substance.

Another high-profile no-contest fight happened when Tom Aspinall took on Ciryl Gane at UFC 321, but the fight had to be ruled a no-contest because of an accidental eye poke, which rendered Aspinall unable to continue.

A referee mistake turned the fight between Drew Dober and Leandro Silva into a no-contest as well. In other words, there is a rather long list of examples of how low and high-profile fights may turn into no-contest fights for very good reasons.

Conclusion: What UFC no-contest bouts mean for fighters and fans

A UFC No Contest protects fairness when accidental injuries, referee errors, or banned substances affect a fight. These rulings ensure fighter safety, uphold official records, and maintain the sport’s integrity. Iconic examples like Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier II show why No Contests are a vital part of UFC combat sports.

UFC no-contest FAQs

Q: What exactly is a "No Contest" in the UFC?
A No Contest is when a fight is declared void due to circumstances like accidental injury, referee error, or rule violations such as banned substance use. Neither fighter is credited with a win or loss.

Q: Does a No Contest happen often?
No Contests are relatively rare but do occur at all levels of the UFC. They are only applied when officials determine it’s the fairest way to handle the outcome.

Q: Can a fight result be changed to a No Contest after it has ended?
Yes. For example, if a banned substance is detected after the fight, the official outcome can be adjusted to a No Contest to ensure fairness.

Q: Are fighters unhappy with No Contest rulings?
While some fighters may be frustrated, most understand that a No Contest is used to protect fairness and safety in the sport.