UFC Winnipeg result upheld, but fighter fined 'maximum' after appeal

Karine Silva appealed the result of her UFC Winnipeg bout, but all that came of it was a fine to opponent Jasmine Jasudavicius.

The April 18 bout at Canada Life Centre saw Jasudavicius (15-4 MMA, 9-3 UFC) defeat Silva (19-7 MMA, 5-3 UFC) by unanimous decision. During and after the bout, however, video surfaced of Jasudavicius appearing to have something in her mouth, stirring up some speculation of a potential nicotine pouch.

Jasudavicius found the accusations humorous and confidently denied nicotine pouch use. She said it was a piece of gum that she forgot to spit out prior to her walkout.

"I didn’t even think about it, it went in with my mouthguard, and I still chew it normal, and then I just took it in between my lip and then during the rounds I have a couple of chews," Jasudavicius said.

On Saturday, Manitoba Combative Sports Commission (MCSC) chair Bill Tibbs issued a ruling letter to Silva's team that was obtained by MMA Junkie. In this ruling, the commission said it carried out an investigation into the object Jasudavicius had in her mouth during the bout and held a hearing to discuss it.

The commission concluded "an unauthorized foreign object was present," but said it was "unable to to verify the specific item or determine whether it provided any potential advantage."

"Without evidence regarding the item in question, the commission concluded there was insufficient basis to overturn the result of the bout," the letter read.

The commission also said it fined Jasudavicius the maximum possible for "the safety violation and breach of the Act of Regulations." However, it did not reveal the exact amount of the fine.