Can you use smelling salts in the UFC? Well, let's break it down.

Admin
Apr 1
3 min read

This article in a nutshell:

UFC fighters can’t use smelling salts during fights

They’re considered stimulants and banned under fight-time regulations.

Fighters sometimes use them before the fight or in training.

Their use during fights is a safety and medical concern.

Can you use smelling salts in the UFC?

Smelling salts have a long history in sports, especially in combat sports like boxing. But what about MMA's biggest stage? Can UFC fighters legally use smelling salts?

Let’s break down what the rules say, what science says, and how they’re actually used in the fight world.

What are smelling salts?

Smelling salts are typically a combination of ammonium carbonate and perfume or alcohol. When broken, they release a sharp odor that irritates the nasal membranes and triggers an inhalation reflex — essentially waking someone up or increasing alertness.

Athletes sometimes use them before a game or competition to feel more energized or focused.

Are smelling salts allowed in the UFC?

Short answer: No, smelling salts are not allowed during a UFC fight.

According to the Unified Rules of MMA, which the UFC follows, smelling salts are not permitted during a bout or between rounds. They are considered a stimulant and fall under prohibited substances during the time of competition.

Even more importantly, if a fighter appears to be unconscious or dazed and a cornerman or official tries to use smelling salts, the fight may be stopped entirely. Medical professionals make that call, not corners.

Are smelling salts legal in MMA in general?

In professional MMA under athletic commission oversight (such as in the U.S.), smelling salts are not legal to use during competition.

However, they might be used before walkouts or in training, but not once the fight has begun or between rounds.

In amateur circuits or international events without strict regulatory oversight, you might see occasional use — but it’s still rare and often frowned upon.

Why are smelling salts banned in the UFC?

Safety concerns: If a fighter is hurt or dazed, using smelling salts can mask symptoms of a concussion or brain trauma.
Medical control: Only licensed doctors are allowed to assess fighter health during a match.
Stimulant classification: Even though they aren’t performance-enhancing drugs, smelling salts affect the nervous system and are considered a stimulant.

Do any fighters still use them?

Some fighters have openly talked about using smelling salts before training or walkouts to feel more focused. UFC fighters like Justin Gaethje and others have mentioned using them in behind-the-scenes content.

But again, they're never seen in the cage during fights - well, part from an instance shown in the video below.

Conclusion

While smelling salts are common in sports like football and boxing, they are not legal for in-fight use in the UFC. Fighters might still use them during training or before walkouts, but once the bout begins, they are strictly off-limits.

If you see them used during a live MMA event, it likely means a rule is being broken — or the promotion isn’t under a strict athletic commission.