All UFC title fights that have ended in no-contest

These UFC title outcomes enraged MMA fans.

Live sports have always carried the potential for unexpected outcomes; however, some results are so extreme that they spark massive outcry from fans. Combat sports are no exception to this rule, especially MMA, where a lot of things can go wrong in an instant.

Fans have seen championships change hands due to fouls, questionable judging, point deductions, accidental clashes of heads, low blows, eye pokes, and more. However, here we will take a look at the instances of fights in UFC ending in no-contest, title fights to be specific.

While a no-contest is generally not a favorable outcome, having one occur in a title match leaves a sour taste in the mouths of fans, fighters, and even the promotion itself.

2. Daniel Cormier vs Jon Jones 2

One of the most controversial yet iconic rivalries in MMA is between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier. The two generational stars who have held the UFC Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight titles have been at each other’s throats, leading up to the rematch at UFC 214.

However, Jones once again ended on top, courtesy of a head kick which was followed by thudding blows on the mat. With the win, Jones regained the Light Heavyweight throne.

This seems like the end of the story, but where’s the controversy? After the fight, Jones was flagged for a potential doping violation by USADA. He was subsequently stripped of the title, with DC being reinstated as the champion. The result of the match was overturned to a no-contest, the first one of its kind.

Also Read: Five dream fights for UFC White House event; Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz; Jon Jones & more

1. Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane

In the main event of UFC 321, Tom Aspinall put his heavyweight championship on the line against Ciryl Gane in a clash that could redefine the division.  Aspinall was looking to solidify his reign, and Gane was aiming to finally capture the gold that had twice slipped through his fingers.

However, as per the theme of this article, the match ended unceremoniously after an accidental eye-poke by Gane, as Aspinall was unable to continue. Aspinall accidentally caught Gane’s fingers in both of his eyes. Despite being given the time to recover, Aspinall was unable to even open his eyes, with his vision being severely compromised.

Referee Jason Herzog called off the fight due to an accidental eye poke, meaning that the title clash ended in a no-contest. This is the second and most recent instance of a title match in the UFC ending in a no-contest. Notably, this is the only fight to end in an NC as Jones vs DC was later turned into a no-contest.

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