The Yair Rodriguez-Jeremy Stephens main event at UFC Mexico was ruled a no-contest just 15 seconds into the bout after Stephens was poked in the eye and was unable to continue.
Rodriguez's open hand raked across Stephens' face during the beginning of the fight, causing a momentary stoppage. After medical staff checked Stephens for several minutes, the fight was called off and declared a no-contest.
This strike to the eye caused the #UFCMexico main event to be ruled a No Contest pic.twitter.com/EXIKa2PyeE
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 22, 2019
The 15-second bout was the second-fastest no-contest in UFC history, according to ESPN.
Fans threw debris into the Octagon after the fight was stopped. and Rodriguez, a native of Parral, Mexico, became very emotional.
Fans in Mexico City pelt Jeremy Stephens with beer and popcorn after fight is called. @espnmma @marc_raimondi pic.twitter.com/cxv2MlhljC
— Eric Gomez (@EricGomez86) September 22, 2019
It was a disappointing end to a highly anticipated clash featuring two ranked featherweights.
Rodriguez, 12-2, entered the night ranked seventh in the division. In his last appearance, he scored a last-second victory over Chan Sung Jung and a performance of the night bonus for his upward-elbow knockout.
Stephens, 28-16, was ranked eighth after consecutive losses to Jose Aldo and Zabit Magomedsharipov.
