Las Vegas, USA – UFC bantamweight fighter Cameron Smotherman collapsed moments after successfully making weight on Friday morning, forcing the cancellation of his scheduled bout at UFC 324.
The incident took place during the official weigh-ins at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, just one day before fight night. Smotherman had been due to face Ricky Turcios on Saturday, but medical concerns brought an abrupt end to those plans.
What Happened at the UFC Weigh-Ins?
Smotherman, who competes in the 135-pound bantamweight division, stepped on the scale and weighed in at 135.5 pounds, comfortably within the required limit.
However, seconds later, the situation took a worrying turn.
Key moments from the incident:
Smotherman walked away from the scale after weighing in
He suddenly collapsed to the floor
Medical staff rushed in immediately
He was carried off the stage and treated by doctors on-site
Despite Turcios also making weight without issue, the fight was officially cancelled shortly afterwards due to Smotherman’s condition.
Smotherman Speaks Out: “I’m Completely OK”
Later on Friday, Smotherman reassured fans by posting a video message on social media, saying he was feeling fine and recovering well.
“I’m completely OK and hopefully I’ll be back soon,” Smotherman said.
He also pushed back against speculation that an extreme weight cut caused the collapse.
Smotherman’s key comments:
He claimed he did not cut much weight for the fight
Said his weight had been low throughout fight week
Admitted he is still unsure what caused the collapse
Confirmed he will undergo further medical tests
“I see a lot of people online saying it was a crazy weight cut,” he explained. “I genuinely didn’t cut very much weight at all.”
Weight Cutting in the UFC: A Common but Risky Practice
Weight cutting is a long-standing and controversial part of MMA, particularly in the UFC. Fighters often reduce significant weight in the days before weigh-ins, then rehydrate before competing.
Typical weight-cutting facts:
Many fighters cut more than 10% of their body weight
Methods include dehydration, sauna use, and strict dieting
Risks can include fainting, dehydration, organ stress, and long-term health issues
Although Smotherman insists weight cutting was not the cause in his case, the incident has once again sparked debate about fighter safety.
No Official Update Yet from the UFC
As of now, the UFC has not released an official medical update on Smotherman’s condition or confirmed when he might return to competition.
Cameron Smotherman’s UFC record:
Professional MMA record: 12 wins, 6 losses
UFC appearances: 3
Current UFC record: 1 win, 2 losses
Fans and analysts are now waiting to see whether additional medical checks will impact his future in the promotion.
Other Fighters Miss Weight at UFC 324
Smotherman’s collapse was not the only weight-related issue during Friday’s weigh-ins.
Fighters who missed weight:
Deiveson Figueiredo (former UFC flyweight champion)
Missed weight by 2.5 pounds
Fight vs Umar Nurmagomedov will go ahead
Alex Perez
Missed weight by 2.5 pounds
Fight vs Charles Johnson remains scheduled
Both fighters were fined 25% of their fight purse, a standard UFC penalty for missing weight.
Growing Concerns Over Fighter Safety
Smotherman’s sudden collapse has raised renewed concerns about:
The physical toll of weight management
Whether current regulations are sufficient
The need for improved medical monitoring at weigh-ins
While incidents like this are rare, they highlight the intense demands placed on professional fighters in the modern MMA landscape.
References
UFC Official Weigh-In Coverage
ESPN MMA Report on UFC 324 Weigh-Ins
UFC Athlete Health and Safety Guidelines
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