why do they put vaseline on fighters

Fighters, especially in MMA and boxing, use Vaseline on their faces to reduce friction and prevent cuts and injuries during fights. Vaseline makes the skin more slippery and elastic, which helps punches, elbows, and other strikes to slide off rather than tear or cut the skin. If a fighter gets a cut, Vaseline can be applied to the wound to stop it from worsening and reduce bleeding, allowing the fight to continue longer. This protective barrier also helps minimize swelling and keeps the skin soft rather than dried out, supporting fighter safety and performance. However, the amount of Vaseline applied is carefully monitored since too much can create unfair advantages in grappling or submissions.