Though many assume MMA fights end via knockout or submission, there are other means for an action to be stopped in an MMA bout – no contests – which affect each fighter’s record.
No contests occur when a fighter is injured due to an accidental illegal strike; such strikes could include those made against their groin, behind their head or near their eye.
A fight that is declared a no contest
An official no contest ruling occurs when neither fighter is able to claim victory. This could happen for various reasons, including an illegal strike which causes injury; when this occurs, the victor is determined by either referee, doctor, or the fighter’s corner.
A no contest decision may be reached when an unintentional unlawful strike (regulated differently depending on the organization) leaves an opponent unable to continue, such as through submission or knockout.
However, not all injuries can be easily classified as intentional fouls; an example is Ross Houston and Nicolas Dalby’s fight that ended up as a no contest due to Austen Lane accidentally poking his eye out and inadvertently poking Ross Houston in the eyeball. Luckily for bettors, such instances only happen rarely and all bets are usually returned unless it back a fighter who later fails his or her drug tests.
A fight that is declared a draw
When discussing mixed martial arts (MMA) fights, most people think of the usual ways that an encounter may end: knockout, submission or decision. However, no contest is also an option that may arise due to circumstances beyond either fighter’s control, such as illegal strikes.
Accidental illegal strikes could include anything from kicking an incapacitated opponent to an accidental eye poke or low blow. An external intervention such as a fan disrupting a fight may also constitute an accidental illegal strike.
Fights may also be declared no contest if a fighter fails a drug test, in which case his win would be overturned to no-contest and they would face heavy fines and suspension; additionally they won’t receive winning bonuses – although such situations have occurred previously.
A fight that is declared a forfeit
MMA is an inherently violent sport, and sometimes fights can end unexpectedly. Recently, two fighters exchanged knockout punches that caused an unexpected no contest outcome that shocked fans. This decision left many of them scratching their heads wondering what could have caused such an outcome.
No-contest rulings may arise for various reasons and differ from draws and technical decision wins in that they refer to when a fight ends for reasons beyond any individual fighter’s control, such as an accidental eye poke that forces someone out.
Other causes for no-contest rulings could include failure of a fighter to meet minimum requirements or fail a drug test, usually leading to forfeiture of prize money and record damage for them; there have also been instances when no contest results were overturned due to evidence of fixed fights.
A fight that is declared a technical decision
Technical decisions in fights occur when it is impossible to ascertain who the winner was after the last round has ended for various reasons, such as accidental illegal strikes or injuries that render one fighter incapable of continuing fighting. A fight may also be declared no contest if one fighter used prohibited substances during the bout.
No-contest results can be devastatingly shocking to fans and fighters, and thus should be avoided whenever possible. Although not as severe as knockout or submission results, a no-contest result still has the power to destroy one’s reputation with fans as well as those backing fighters; furthermore, bets will only ever settle upon official results announced after each fight has concluded and subsequent appeals or amendments do not affect settlement in any way. It is crucial for bettors to carefully read MMA rules and understand that bets will settle on official results announced at the conclusion of each fight instead of changing settlement on potential appeals or amendments by players and supporters that bettors support fighters during fights as these don’t affect settlement.
My passion for martial arts goes beyond practice; it is a philosophy that shapes my writing, bringing a distinctive edge to my narratives and advice. I hold black belts in two martial arts disciplines and have competed internationally, experiences that enrich my storytelling with authenticity and excitement.