In a sport as physically demanding as mixed martial arts, it’s natural to wonder: why aren’t UFC fighters allowed to use inhalers during fights? After all, if someone has asthma or breathing issues, shouldn’t they be allowed to use medication to help them breathe?
The short answer is this: UFC fighters are not allowed to use inhalers during fights because it’s considered a violation of anti-doping rules and athletic commission regulations. Let’s break down exactly why that is — and what happened when a fighter tried to use one mid-fight.
️ What Do the Rules Say About Inhaler Use in UFC?
The UFC operates under the rules set by state athletic commissions and follows anti-doping protocols established by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and now Drug Free Sport International (DFSI) as of 2024.
Inhalers fall under “Prohibited Substances” — sort of.
While not all inhalers are banned entirely, most contain beta-2 agonists, like albuterol, which are flagged by anti-doping agencies because they can:
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Enhance aerobic capacity
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Improve recovery between rounds
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Open up airways for more oxygen intake
That’s why fighters are not allowed to use inhalers during competition unless they:
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Have a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) approved in advance
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Use it only outside of fight time, not in between rounds or during competition
The Greg Hardy Controversy: UFC’s Inhaler Incident
This issue became headline news in 2019, when UFC heavyweight Greg Hardy used an inhaler between rounds during his fight against Ben Sosoli.
Hardy was seen asking a commissioner if he could use his inhaler, and claimed he was told it was okay. He took a puff before round 3 — and the entire MMA world took notice.
What happened next?
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The fight was originally a unanimous decision win for Hardy.
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But the Massachusetts State Athletic Commission overturned the win to a No Contest, citing improper use of a banned substance during the bout.
This case made it clear that:
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Even with a prescription, fighters cannot use inhalers during fights unless it’s pre-approved and fits within the competition rules.
Why It’s a Problem During Fights
Let’s look at why athletic commissions and anti-doping agencies are so strict:
1. Unfair Advantage
An inhaler like albuterol can open up the lungs, reduce fatigue, and give a fighter more stamina — especially in the later rounds. That’s a big edge in a sport where conditioning is everything.
2. No Time for Full Medical Oversight
During the 1-minute break between rounds, there’s no time to verify if the fighter has a valid TUE or to monitor dosage. That makes it risky to allow.
3. Slippery Slope for Other Medications
If inhalers are allowed, it opens the door to more substances being used mid-fight, blurring the lines between medication and performance enhancement.
Source: www.usatoday.com
✅ What Is a TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption)?
A Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) is an official approval that allows a fighter to use a normally banned substance for legitimate medical reasons — but only under strict conditions.
In the case of inhalers:
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The fighter must apply well before fight week through the anti-doping agency (now DFSI for UFC).
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They must provide medical records, a diagnosis, and proof that the medication is necessary and won’t give them a performance edge.
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The exemption typically only covers out-of-competition use — not in between rounds or during the fight itself.
Even if a fighter has asthma, they’re not allowed to use an inhaler during a UFC fight unless the TUE specifically allows it — and almost none do.
So What Can Fighters With Asthma Do?
Asthma is surprisingly common in combat sports, but most fighters manage their condition well enough to compete without needing emergency inhaler use inside the Octagon.
Here’s what fighters typically do:
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Use prescribed inhalers before the fight (if approved via TUE)
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Train at altitude or in high-humidity environments to improve lung function
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Work with strength & conditioning coaches to build cardiovascular capacity
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Focus on weight cutting carefully — as dehydration can trigger asthma
Fighters with asthma can and do succeed in the UFC. They just have to manage it without crossing regulatory lines.
⚖️ Final Verdict: No Inhalers During UFC Fights — Here’s Why
To protect fighter safety and ensure a level playing field, UFC fighters are not allowed to use inhalers during fights, regardless of whether they have a prescription.
Here’s a quick summary:
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Inhalers may contain performance-enhancing ingredients like albuterol
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Mid-fight use violates athletic commission and anti-doping rules
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Fighters must apply for a TUE if they need asthma medication
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The Greg Hardy incident proved that even asking mid-fight isn’t enough
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Fighters can still train, manage asthma, and compete — just without inhalers inside the cage
Final Thought
Inhalers might seem harmless, but in high-stakes professional sports like UFC, even a small boost in stamina or oxygen intake can tilt the outcome of a fight. That’s why rules are strict — and why every fighter needs to know them.
Always check the latest UFC anti-doping and athletic commission rules before using any medication.
Source: www.espn.com
❓Frequently Asked Questions: UFC Fighters and Inhalers
1. Are UFC fighters allowed to use inhalers at any time?
Yes — but only if they have a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Even then, they can typically only use the inhaler before or after the fight, not during the bout or between rounds.
2. What happens if a UFC fighter uses an inhaler during a fight?
It’s considered a rules violation. Even if the fighter has a prescription, using an inhaler mid-fight can result in:
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The result being overturned to a No Contest
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Possible suspension or fine
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Damage to their professional record or reputation
3. Why are inhalers considered performance-enhancing?
Most inhalers contain beta-2 agonists like albuterol, which can:
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Increase oxygen intake
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Improve cardio performance
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Aid in faster recovery during rounds
These benefits can give a fighter an unfair edge, especially late in a fight.
4. What is a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)?
A TUE is official permission to use a banned substance for a legitimate medical condition (like asthma). Fighters must apply in advance with medical documentation. A TUE does not automatically allow use during a fight.
5. Can fighters with asthma still compete in the UFC?
Yes, many fighters with asthma have successful careers in the UFC. They typically manage their condition through:
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Pre-fight medications (approved through TUE)
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Conditioning and endurance training
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Medical monitoring during camp
They just can’t rely on inhalers during rounds.
