Did UFC 300 see ‘smelling salt’ controversy? MMA fans in frenzy after controversial Zhang Weili vs Yan Xiaonan moment

Controversy surrounding smelling salt allegations in Yan Xiaonan vs. Zhang Weili fight at UFC 300 became a hot topic on social media.

Did UFC 300 see ‘smelling salt’ controversy? MMA fans in frenzy after controversial Zhang Weili vs Yan Xiaonan moment

Zhang Weili vs. Yan Xiaonan at UFC 300 (Image via: X)

Yan Xiaonan and Zhang Weili had an interesting fight at UFC 300. Like the fights before, Xiaonan and Weili kept the fight fans on the edge of their seats. Interestingly, something allegedly controversial happened between the first and second rounds of the fight concerning smelling salt.

Weili had Xiaonan in a rear naked choke with less than 20 seconds remaining in the first round. However, Xioanan did not tap out. As referee Jason Herzog further inspected, Xiaonan was okay. Nonetheless, when the buzzer for the round went off, Weili loosened the grip, and Xiaonan looked out of consciousness. Moreover, Daniel Cormier insinuated in the commentary booth that Xiaonan’s corner used smelling salt to get Xiaonan’s consciousness.

YouTube video

Joe Rogan is no stranger to smelling salt, as he has smelled it and even made guests on his podcast smell it. However, Rogan stated that smelling salt was not legal. However, Cormier clarified during the third round of the fight that they did not use smelling salt upon receiving confirmation.

FS Video

The corner had used vaseline, and Cormier mistook it for a smelling salt. Erik Magraken, a noted combat sports regulatory lawyer, clarified on social media that the corner does not have permission to have any ammonia substances. Therefore, there was no chance that they had smelling salt with them.

Zhang Weili retains the strawweight title at UFC 300 after a difficult battle against Yan Xiaonan

Despite being the betting favorite, Zhang Weili had to dig deep to retain the title. With her 5th strawweight title fight win, she edged closer to Joanna Jedrzejczyk‘s record of 6. Now, it remains to be seen as to who will challenge Weili for the title. Tatiana Suarez is the best possible matchup. The Chinese champion could also rematch against Jessica Andrade or Amanda Lemos.

Zhang Weili vs. Yan Xiaonan at UFC 300 had smelling salt accusations
Zhang Weili vs. Yan Xiaonan at UFC 300 (Image via: X)

All the judges had the scorecard 49-46 across the board for Weili against Xiaonan at UFC 300. Despite the scorecard, Weili had to overcome some adversity. She came close to finishing the fight in the first and second rounds. However, the tide began to change by the end of round 3. Xiaonan even scored two knockdowns on Weili, but Weili used her wrestling skills to smother Xiaonan and earn the victory.

Since Weili’s first fight with Jedrzejczyk, the Chinese fighter had not been in grueling fights. She did indeed have a knockout and decision loss against Rose Namajunas but they were not grueling fights. Moreover, she is now a far cry from what she was when she fought Namajunas. It remains to be seen who will dethrone Weili from the throne. The best possible bet is the undefeated Tatiana Suarez.

In case you missed it!