Jasmin Jasudavicius was discovered to have held snus (a tobacco product) in her mouth during a recent fight. The action appears to be an homage to former UFC champion Benson Henderson, who famously fought with a toothpick in his mouth throughout his career. The post notes disapproval of the practice. Details about which specific fight this occurred in are not provided in the brief announcement.
Jasmin Jasudavicius raised eyebrows after it emerged she had kept snus, an oral tobacco product, in her mouth during a recent fight — a deliberate nod to a habit made legendary by former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson.
Henderson, nicknamed "Smooth," built a reputation over his career for competing with a toothpick tucked in his mouth, a quirk that became one of the more recognizable trademarks in the sport. The 42-year-old American, who trains out of MMA Lab and carries a professional record of 24-7, was a southpaw striker who averaged 2.93 significant strikes per minute during his UFC run, complementing that output with 2.4 takedowns per fifteen minutes. The toothpick was a constant companion through all of it.
Jasudavicius appears to have drawn direct inspiration from that tradition, substituting snus for Henderson's toothpick. The move did not go without criticism, however, with disapproval of the practice noted following its discovery. The specific bout in which she did this has not been confirmed.
Why it matters
- Snus is a moist tobacco product held between the lip and gum, and introducing any foreign substance into competition raises questions about athletic commission regulations.
- The comparison to Henderson gives the story cultural weight, connecting a current fighter's decision to one of the more distinctive personal brands in recent UFC history.
- Reaction to the stunt reflects ongoing debate about what fighters can and cannot bring into the cage beyond their physical preparation.
