PEOPLE are only just realising why UFC stars have Vaseline rubbed onto their faces before fights.

MMA stars such as Conor McGregor and Derrick Lewis are among those who use the petroleum jelly-based product during their bouts.

Conor McGregor has Vaseline put on his face before a fight

They are checked by a commission official as well as a cutman before entering the octagon.

This is when the fighter’s protective cup, mouthguard and gloves are given a once over before the fight.

Then the cutman will apply Vaseline to the fighter’s face by rubbing it on the cheeks, eyebrows and nose.

And fans are just realising why it is used.

One posted: “Learning about UFC fighting and Vaseline.”

A second wrote: “Every time I put sunblock on my face, I picture those guys in UFC putting vaseline on the fighters’ faces.”

The reason that Vaseline is used on UFC stars is to give them a a protective barrier on their skin.

The product will prevent wounds and minimize swelling.

Vaseline will keep the fighter’s skin soft and stretchy rather than dry out.

This means that there is less chance of the skin tearing after being hit.

It can also be used on a wound that has occurred during a fight in order to stop it from getting worse.

However, fighters can not have too much applied to their face or any on their body as it is monitored by the referee.

This is to ensure they’re not too slippery to help them escape submission attempts.