The UFC is one of the most exciting combat sports in the world. Fans all over the world love the intense fights and spectacular knockouts. However, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Sometimes fights end in ways that leave everyone confused, and one such outcome is a No Contest (NC) in UFC.
So what does NC mean in UFC? If you’re new to the world of UFC or just need a refresher, we’re here to break it down for you. We’ll explain what a No Contest is, how it affects fighters, and give you some examples of UFC fights that ended in a no contest. So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of UFC no contests!
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Understanding UFC No Contest Rule
A No Contest is an outcome that occurs in UFC fights when the fight is stopped prematurely due to reasons beyond the fighters’ control. According to the UFC rulebook, a No Contest is considered to be a fight that “ends before its natural conclusion due to an injury or other unforeseeable event such as a drug test failure or an equipment malfunction.”
For instance, if a fighter is unable to continue fighting due to an accidental foul or an injury sustained during the fight, the fight may be declared a No Contest. Similarly, if a fighter fails a drug test or an equipment malfunction, the fight may be considered as having ended prematurely, and as such, become a No Contest. Essentially, a No Contest cancels out the fight entirely, as if it never took place.
How No Contest Affects UFC Fighters
When a fight ends in a No Contest, it is as if the fight never happened. This means that there is no winner or loser, and the fighters’ records remain unchanged. However, fighters still take a physical toll from a No Contest fight, and they may be unable to fight for an extended period due to injuries or other conditions.
For example, if a fighter suffers an injury during a No Contest fight, they may need to take time off to recover. This could mean missing out on potential fights and prize money, as well as risking their position in the rankings.
In addition, a No Contest can also be emotionally challenging for fighters. If a fighter feels they were on track to win the fight before the No Contest, they may feel robbed of a victory. Conversely, if a fighter was losing the fight before the No Contest, they may feel relieved that they did not suffer a loss.
Overall, a No Contest is a difficult outcome for fighters to deal with, both physically and emotionally. It is important to remember that while the outcome may be frustrating, it is ultimately out of the fighters’ control.
Examples of UFC Fights That Ended in No Contests
Over the years, several UFC fights have ended in No Contests. Here are some examples:
| Event | Fighters | Reason for No Contest |
|---|---|---|
| UFC 214 | Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier | Positive drug test by Jones |
| UFC 208 | Germaine de Randamie vs. Holly Holm | De Randamie hitting Holm after the bell |
| UFC 159 | Alan Belcher vs. Michael Bisping | Eye injury suffered by Belcher |
These No Contest fights have caused various reactions among fans and fighters alike. Some were controversial, leading to heated debates and discussions in the MMA community.
What Happens in a UFC Fight When There is a No Contest?
When a fight ends in a No Contest, it is as if the fight never happened. Even though the fighters get their show and win money, their results do not appear on their official record. This outcome can be frustrating for fighters who were leading the fight up to the point of the No Contest, as they may feel robbed of a win. However, there really is no way to tell what might have happened had the fight continued under normal circumstances.
In the meantime, the fighter(s) who suffered injuries during the No Contest may be unable to fight for an extended period. This can be especially challenging for fighters who depend on UFC fights as their primary source of income. In such cases, they may need to find other ways to make ends meet until they can return to the Octagon.
What Happens to Betters When a Fight Ends in a No Contest?
When a UFC fight ends in a No Contest, it can be frustrating for betters who may have placed bets on the fight. However, in most cases, sportsbooks refund bets placed on the fight. It’s important to note that not all sportsbooks have the same rules regarding No Contest bets, so it’s best to check the rules before placing any bets.
Since a No Contest is not a win for either fighter, it may actually end up being a win for betters who placed bets on the underdog or on a draw. In some cases, sportsbooks may even offer special bets where the No Contest outcome is included.
How Do Fighters React to a No Contest?
Fighters can react differently when a UFC fight ends in a No Contest. The outcome of the fight can have a significant impact on the fighter’s career, and many emotions can come into play.
If the fighter was winning the fight before the No Contest, they may feel robbed of a win. They may have put in a lot of effort during the training camp, and the fight may have been going their way until the unforeseen circumstances occurred.
On the other hand, if the fighter was losing the fight before the No Contest, they may feel relieved that they did not suffer a loss. They may have been taking a lot of damage during the fight and may have been on the verge of getting knocked out or submitted.
Regardless of the circumstances, a No Contest is a difficult outcome for fighters to deal with. They may have to go through another training camp to prepare for a rematch or a new opponent, and their career may be put on hold due to injuries sustained during the fight.
What is the Difference Between a No Contest and a Draw?
A No Contest (NC) and a Draw are two different outcomes in UFC fights. It’s essential to understand the difference between them. A Draw happens when judges score the fight equally, and there is no clear winner.
On the other hand, a No Contest occurs when a fight ends prematurely due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the fighters’ control. This may include a foul, an injury, or other unforeseeable events such as drug test failure or an equipment malfunction.
It’s essential to note that a Draw and a No Contest have different implications for the fighters’ records in UFC. A Draw counts towards a fighter’s record as a tie, whereas a No Contest is like the fight never happened. The fighters’ official record remains unchanged after a No Contest.
FAQ – What Does NC Mean in UFC?
As we’ve explained earlier in this article, NC stands for No Contest. It occurs when a fight ends prematurely due to circumstances outside the fighters’ control.
What is the Difference Between a No Contest and a Draw?
A No Contest occurs when there is no clear winner due to unforeseen circumstances, while a Draw occurs when the judges score the fight equally.
How Do Fighters React to a No Contest?
Fighters may react differently depending on the circumstances, but a No Contest is generally a difficult outcome to deal with. If a fighter was winning the fight before the No Contest, they may feel robbed of a win. Conversely, if a fighter was losing the fight before the No Contest, they may feel relieved that they did not suffer a loss.
Do Bets Get Refunded When a Fight Ends in a No Contest?
Yes, sportsbooks typically refund bets placed on a UFC fight that ends in a No Contest. However, it is important to remember that this is not always the case, as different sportsbooks have different rules regarding No Contest bets. Therefore, it’s important always to check the sportsbook rules before placing a bet.
Why is a No Contest a Difficult Outcome for Fighters?
A No Contest means that the fight did not end naturally, and neither fighter receives a win or loss on their record. However, fighters still take a physical toll from a No Contest fight, and they may be unable to fight for an extended period due to injuries or other conditions.
