What Does NC Mean in the UFC? | Simply Explained

by Martial Arts Insider

A fight ending in a No Contest can leave both fighters and fans feeling deflated.

In this page, we'll explain what a No Contest means in the UFC, what events need to happen to have a fight end in an NC, and show examples of when it has occurred in the history of the UFC.

    What Does NC Mean in the UFC?

    NC on a fighter's record means it is a 'No Contest'. A No Contest means that no fighter won, lost, or drew in the fight.

    no contest

    The most common situations when a No Contest occurs include:

    • An accidental injury where the fighter can no longer continue
    • Cage problems out of the fighter's control. Marc Goddard famously stopped and ruled a fight an NC after there was so much blood on the cage that it was extremely slippery, to the point where the fighters could barely punch without slipping, and much less stand-up.
    • After the fight - Fighters testing positive for banned substances

    No Contests That Have Occurred in the UFC

    Kevin Holland vs Kyle Daukaus

    In one of the weirdest events ever, an accidental headbutt caused Holland to suffer a 'Flash Knockout', but he was able to get back up to his feet.

    Holland still compromised, would get choked out only moments later, and Daukus would be declared the winner.

    However, the referee would then hold a review of the fight, and in that review, he realized that Holland was knocked out by the accidental headbutt, and the fight should have been ruled a no-contest at that point.

    Essentially, the referee used a replay to correct his mistakes, which was the right call, but something that isn't common in the sport.

    Jon Jones vs Daniel Cormier 2

    Jones would face his biggest rival once again in a rematch, where for the duration of the fight it was extremely close and competitive.

    That is until Jones landed a head kick in the 3rd round before finishing Cormier with brutal ground and pound.

    However, only days later it was announced that a sample from Jones collected the day before the fight with Cormier, had tested positive for Turinabol.

    The fight would then be overturned to a No Contest shortly after.

    Dustin Poirier vs Eddie Alvarez 1

    In another highly competitive bout, there would be a point where Alvarez would have against the fence.

    At that moment, Alvarez would land several illegal knees on Poirier.

    The fight would be announced as a No Contest.

    Anderson Silva vs Nick Diaz

    Anderson Silva would make his long-awaited return after snapping his leg in half 2 years earlier.

    He would win a unanimous decision vs Nick Diaz in a rather uneventful bout. However, both fighters would test positive for banned substances, and the fight would be ruled a no contest.

    Silva would test positive for Drostanolone and Androsterone, while Diaz would test positive for marijuana.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is NC a Draw in the UFC?

    A NC is NOT a draw in the UFC, as it is a ruling where neither fighter wins, loses, or ties. It goes at the end of your record, after ties. If you had 10 wins, 0 losses, 1 draw, and 1 no-contest, it would be written like this: 10-0-1, 1 NC.

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