A controversy that has been raging for the last two months has finally been laid to rest, with UFC flyweight contender Jasmine Jasudavicius officially retaining the unanimous decision victory she secured over Karine Silva at UFC Winnipeg on April 18.

Following the main card bout at the Canada Life Centre, Silva had challenged the result after fight footage showed Jasudavicius had “something” in her mouth during the fight, an incident some fans labeled ‘Zyn-Gate,’ claiming it was a Zyn pouch that she had in her mouth. Silva later lodged an appeal with the Manitoba Combative Sports Commission (MCSC) seeking review. Aside from a fine, however, the appeal did not alter the result. Officials have now concluded that while Jasudavicius had a foreign object in her mouth, they were unable to verify what it was to a degree that justified overturning the decision.

“Jasmine Jasudavicius’ #UFCWinnipeg win was officially upheld Saturday after an appeal by Karine Silva’s team, per sources,” the tweet from MMA reporter Nolan King read. “The Manitoba Combative Sports Commission concluded an unauthorized object in her mouth, but was unable to verify what it was.”

While the commission agreed she had something in her mouth, they essentially refused to allow that as a big enough reason to consider overturning the result.

“Without evidence regarding the item in question, the commission concluded there was insufficient basis to overturn the result of the bout,” their statement read.

However, the commission did still fine Jasudavicius an undisclosed amount for “the safety violation and breach of the Act of Regulations.” Under MMA guidelines, fighters are prohibited from competing with a foreign object in their mouth because of the safety risks involved. This means for now, she has evaded any form of punitive action from the commission.

While there are few comparable incidents in MMA, the controversy brought back memories of former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson’s infamous “toothpickgate.” Henderson had previously sparked concern for his habit of chewing toothpicks even during his fights.

The former lightweight champion later admitted he was addicted to toothpicks and would absentmindedly carry them during daily activities, including sparring sessions and fights. The habit became a major talking point at UFC on FOX 5 in December 2012 after UFC commentator Joe Rogan asked him about the toothpick following his dominant victory over Nate Diaz.

At the time, in an effort to evade further controversy, Henderson responded slyly with a smile, stating, “No, that’s dangerous.” While the lightweight veteran evaded the fury of the athletic commission, the recent controversy over the Zyngate did prompt a commission overview.

In the days following UFC Winnipeg, Jasudavicius eventually addressed the controversy during the interview with Ariel Helwani.

“It’s so funny that everyone is saying I had a nicotine pouch in,” Jasudavicius told Ariel Helwani, addressing the controversy. “No, I train with gum, and I was warming up with gum. Sometimes I like, I’ve fought with gum in my mouth in the past, but I forgot to spit it out before the walkout, and it was just still in my mouth. Better than a toothpick… I didn’t even think about it; it went in with my mouthguard, and I still chew it normally, and then I just take it in between my lips, and then during the rounds I have a couple of chews.”

As such, the Athletic Commission appears to have given her the benefit of the doubt this time, but it may be smart to avoid doing it in the future.

Commission ruling keeps Jasudavicius afloat, leaves Silva at a crossroads

Competing in the penultimate bout of the main card, Jasudavicius faced Silva in a three-round flyweight clash. Both fighters entered the bout coming off losses and started cautiously, but Jasudavicius gradually took control with her cardio and grappling pace. Yet for all that finesse, the fight later drew attention after several observers raised concerns that Jasudavicius might have been chewing a nicotine pouch to enhance her performance.

Now, despite the fine, the ruling carries major implications for both fighters.

For the 37-year-old Canadian flyweight, the athletic commission’s decision restores momentum that had stalled after top-ranked contender Manon Fiorot stopped her in the first round of their fight in Vancouver this past October. With the victory now officially standing, Jasudavicius can move forward in the division with renewed momentum.

For Silva, meanwhile, the ruling marks another setback. The defeat to Jasudavicius is now officially her second straight loss after dropping a decision to Maycee Barber last December. As of the time of writing, her camp has yet to comment on the commission’s final ruling.