10 Fighters Banned for Life From the UFC
The UFC has always been known for its intense, no-holds-barred fights and high-energy events. But it’s not all about skill and determination—sometimes, fighters push the boundaries and face serious consequences.
The UFC has a strict code of conduct, and when fighters cross the line, they might end up with a lifetime ban. Here’s a look at ten fighters who were banned for life from the UFC, along with the wild stories behind their exits.
1. Paul Daley
Paul Daley, a British welterweight, was known for his powerful striking and explosive style in the octagon. However, during a fight with Josh Koscheck at UFC 113, Daley let his emotions get the best of him.
After the fight ended, he threw a sucker punch at Koscheck. The incident shocked fans and the UFC alike.
Dana White, the UFC president, responded swiftly, saying there was “no excuse” for that behavior. He banned Daley from the UFC on the spot, and Daley has not competed in the organization since.
While Daley went on to fight in other promotions, his UFC career came to an end that night.
2. Rousimar Palhares
Rousimar Palhares is a Brazilian submission specialist with a reputation for holding onto submissions a bit too long. Palhares, known for his lethal leg locks, had several incidents where he refused to release holds even after his opponents tapped. This put his opponents in danger, which is a big no-no in the UFC.
After several warnings, the UFC finally decided to part ways with Palhares in 2013. His refusal to let go of a submission hold on Mike Pierce was the final straw.
Although he’s still a successful grappler, the UFC took a firm stance on fighter safety, showing no tolerance for risking others’ well-being.
3. Jason High
Jason High’s UFC career took a nosedive after one unfortunate incident in 2014. After a tough TKO loss to Rafael dos Anjos, High felt the referee stopped the fight too early. Frustrated and emotional, he shoved the referee, which is against UFC conduct rules.
Dana White reacted quickly, issuing a lifetime ban for High. The organization takes the integrity of its officials seriously, and fighters are expected to respect referee decisions. Although High apologized, he wasn’t reinstated, and his UFC career ended there.
4. War Machine (Jonathan Koppenhaver)
Jonathan Koppenhaver, known by his ring name “War Machine,” had a promising MMA career early on. However, his life spiraled after he faced multiple legal issues outside the cage.
In 2014, War Machine was involved in a violent incident with his then-girlfriend and was later convicted of multiple felonies.
Due to his severe legal issues, War Machine was permanently banned from the UFC. His actions led to a long prison sentence, making his return to MMA highly unlikely.
The UFC made it clear that they have no tolerance for fighters involved in serious criminal activity, especially acts of violence outside the octagon.
5. Matt Riddle
Matt Riddle’s UFC career ended in 2013 after he failed multiple drug tests for marijuana. While marijuana use has become more widely accepted, the UFC’s strict policies at the time prohibited its use. Riddle, who openly discussed his marijuana use for medical purposes, failed drug tests following two of his fights.
After repeated violations, the UFC decided to part ways with Riddle, effectively ending his UFC career. Riddle later found success in professional wrestling, where he’s now a well-known personality. His story highlights how UFC policies have evolved, with more relaxed rules around cannabis use today.
6. Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva had an impressive UFC career, but personal issues led to his downfall. In 2014, Silva faced serious allegations related to a domestic dispute. Although the charges were later dropped, the UFC decided to ban Silva due to the nature of the accusations.
The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for fighters involved in violent or criminal behavior outside the octagon. Silva later fought in other promotions, but his UFC career came to an end after this incident. His case served as a reminder of the UFC’s stance on out-of-cage behavior and how it impacts a fighter’s future with the organization.
7. Jennifer Gonzalez
Jennifer Gonzalez, a Chilean bantamweight, faced a permanent ban from the UFC due to multiple anti-doping violations. After initially signing with the organization, she was scheduled to debut in 2021, but her fight never took place.
USADA, the UFC’s anti-doping partner, flagged Gonzalez for violations related to her avoiding the at-home testing protocol. As a result, she received a lifetime ban before even stepping into the UFC octagon.
Her case highlights the UFC’s strict enforcement of anti-doping policies, even for fighters who have yet to debut. The organization’s goal is to maintain a fair environment for all athletes, and Gonzalez’s ban underscores their commitment to this standard.
8. Ruslan Magomedov
Ruslan Magomedov, a heavyweight fighter from Russia, faced a lifetime ban from the UFC due to repeated violations of the UFC’s anti-doping policy. Magomedov first joined the UFC with an undefeated record, showing promise in the heavyweight division.
However, he was flagged for multiple drug test failures by the USADA anti-doping agency.
After his third violation in 2019, the UFC decided to issue a lifetime ban, as repeated offenses under the anti-doping policy leave little room for leniency. Magomedov’s case highlights the UFC’s strict stance on performance-enhancing drugs, as they strive to maintain a fair and clean competitive environment.
While Magomedov showed promise in the octagon, his career with the UFC ended due to these multiple violations.
9. Gerald Harris
Gerald Harris had a respectable UFC career, known for his powerful wrestling and exciting slam finishes. However, after a tough decision loss in 2010, the UFC chose not to renew his contract despite Harris being 3-1 and showing a lot of promise. While Harris wasn’t banned in the traditional sense, he faced an unofficial lifetime ban, as the UFC hasn’t invited him back.
The situation with Harris sparked debates among fans, with many feeling that his ban seemed harsh for a single loss. Despite the lack of formal banishment, Harris never returned to the UFC, and he moved on to fight in other promotions instead.
10. Wanderlei Silva
Wanderlei Silva, a legendary fighter known for his aggressive style, faced a lifetime ban after refusing to take a random drug test in 2014. The Nevada State Athletic Commission took action, initially banning him from competing in Nevada.
Eventually, this led to his exit from the UFC.
Silva argued that the ban was unjust, but the commission held firm on its decision. Although Silva continued fighting in other organizations, his UFC career ended, marking a surprising end for one of the sport’s most iconic figures.
Conclusion
These fighters show that even the most skilled athletes can face consequences for crossing certain lines. The UFC values discipline, integrity, and respect for the sport, so when fighters fail to meet those standards, it can cost them a career.
While some fighters found success elsewhere, their bans remain a reminder that actions inside and outside the octagon have lasting effects.
