15 UFC Fighters Who Were Banned for Life
Getting kicked out of the UFC isn’t easy. You’ve got to break more than bones to land a lifetime ban. Some fighters went too far, crossed lines you don’t come back from, and paid the price. Here’s a look at the names the UFC doesn’t want back.
War Machine
Credit: Reddit
After being convicted of a 2014 assault that left Christy Mack hospitalized, Jonathan Koppenhaver was sentenced to life in prison plus 36 years. The UFC had already released him, but the nature of the crime made it clear that his name would never again appear on a UFC fight card.
Paul Daley
Credit: Facebook
One post-fight sucker punch after UFC 113 was all it took. After losing to Josh Koscheck, Daley lashed out with a cheap shot. Dana White banned him for life that night and stood by it, no matter how successful Daley became elsewhere in the MMA world.
Jason High
Credit: UFC Fans
Shoving a referee cost Jason High his career. He became upset after a TKO stoppage in 2014 and pushed Kevin Mulhall inside the cage. UFC officials responded immediately by releasing him and making it clear that any physical contact with referees wouldn’t be tolerated.
Ruslan Magomedov
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Three doping violations, including one refusal to test, ended Magomedov’s UFC career in 2019. He became the first fighter permanently suspended by USADA and subsequently banned by the UFC. His heavyweight career never recovered, and his name hasn’t been mentioned in UFC circles since.
Wanderlei Silva
Credit: X
The lead-up to a Chael Sonnen fight in 2014 spiraled quickly. Silva refused drug testing and skipped licensing steps required to fight in Nevada. The commission banned him, fined him $70,000, and the UFC eventually cut him after he accused them of fixing fights.
Thiago Silva
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In 2014, police arrested Silva following a domestic violence complaint involving threats and a standoff. Though charges were dropped, later audio confirmed the incident. UFC dropped him twice—once after the arrest, and again permanently after the evidence became public.
Rousimar Palhares
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Palhares repeatedly held submission locks too long while ignoring referee commands. Despite warnings, he did it again to Mike Pierce. UFC called time on his career and never reversed the decision.
Cody East
Credit: X
Even before making a major splash in UFC, East’s career was clouded by off-cage trouble. Multiple domestic violence allegations followed him, and UFC distanced itself. The company never formally announced a ban, but insiders confirmed he wouldn’t be welcomed back.
Michael Graves
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Graves was removed from a UFC Fight Night lineup after being arrested in October 2016 for misdemeanor battery. UFC parted ways the following spring, and he hasn’t competed under their banner since. The incident cut short what could have been a breakout opportunity.
Maiquel Falcão
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Falcão’s 2002 assault charge resurfaced just before he was scheduled to fight at UFC 134. The company released him quickly after pressure from fans mounted. Clearly, even old charges can derail a fighter’s future.
Nick Diaz
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Nick Diaz was hit with a five-year suspension in 2015 after a failed marijuana test drew disciplinary action from Nevada officials. The commission followed up with a $165,000 fine. One fight in 2021 against Robbie Lawler marked his only return. No updates have confirmed whether he’ll compete in UFC again.
Diego Brandão
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For Brandão, a positive drug test in early 2016 was strike one. A felony weapons charge later that year made it final. UFC cut ties with Brandão without much fanfare. He was once seen as a rising contender, but faded out without another UFC appearance.
Matt Riddle
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Two marijuana violations in 2013 pushed Dana White to cut Riddle for good. Though he had a decent fight record, his repeated drug tests and outspoken attitude didn’t help his case. He later reinvented himself as a WWE wrestler.
Igor Severino
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During his first UFC appearance in 2024, Severino shocked fans by biting Andre Lima mid-fight. Officials stopped the match, ruled a disqualification, and UFC cut him on the spot. Dana White confirmed the ban was permanent and non-negotiable.
Tom Lawlor
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A two-year suspension for Ostarine in 2016 was the beginning of the end. Although he was eligible to return by late 2018, Lawlor was released before his suspension expired. UFC never issued a public statement, but he was never re-signed.