The recent UFC 300 event witnessed a captivating showdown between strawweight contenders Yan Xiaonan and Zhang Weili. While the fight itself was intense, it was an unexpected controversy surrounding smelling salts that caught the attention of fans and pundits alike.
The Yan Xiaonan Controversy
In the closing moments of the first round, Zhang Weili applied a rear-naked choke on Yan Xiaonan. Despite being on the brink of unconsciousness, Yan managed to survive until the round’s end. Technically, she had won via submission, but the referee failed to recognize it.
However, the real drama unfolded in Yan’s corner. As she was escorted back, the cutman suggested using smelling salts to revive her. This raised eyebrows, considering the uncertainty surrounding the legality of smelling salts in the UFC.
Smelling Salts: Legal or Not?
Erik Magraken, a combat sports regulatory lawyer, shed light on the matter. The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), which regulated UFC 300, does not explicitly list smelling salts as permissible items in a fighter’s corner. In other words, they are not officially allowed for use during fights.
Fortunately, in Yan Xiaonan’s case, the cutman opted for an alternative. Instead of smelling salts, he used Vaseline (a brand of petroleum jelly) to help Yan regain her composure. The confusion arose due to the cutman’s initial suggestion, but smelling salts were not actually employed.
Did they really give her Smelling Salts #UFC300 pic.twitter.com/q7nYsp1VO1
— D H (@diegomayra) April 14, 2024
Zhang Weili’s Victory
Despite Yan’s gutsy performance, Zhang Weili showcased her wrestling and grappling skills, ultimately securing the win. Yan’s vulnerability on the mat and her inability to escape unfavorable positions cost her the fight. The controversy surrounding smelling salts added an intriguing layer to an already eventful UFC 300.
As the debate continues, fans wonder whether the UFC should explicitly address the use of smelling salts in fighters’ corners. For now, the NSAC’s stance remains clear: smelling salts are not on the approved list of corner items.
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