UFC’s Cameron Smotherman Collapses At Weigh-In in Vegas, Raising Weight-Cutting Questions
Posted on: January 23, 2026, 04:14h.
Last updated on: January 23, 2026, 04:47h.
- Cameron Smotherman collapsed after making weight at UFC 324 weigh-ins
- The bantamweight fighter fainted on stage and was rushed to the hospital
- The incident, which resulted in the canceling of his Saturday fight, sparked renewed debate over weight- practices in MMA
UFC bantamweight Cameron Smotherman collapsed during Friday’s official UFC 324 weigh‑ins at Las Vegas’ T‑Mobile Arena, crumpling to the stage moments after making weight. The 28‑year‑old was quickly attended to by on‑site medical personnel and rushed to a nearby hospital, forcing the cancellation of his scheduled bout Saturday against Ricky Turcios and reigniting long‑standing concerns about the dangers of severe weight cutting in mixed martial arts.
Smotherman successfully hit the bantamweight limit at 135.5 pounds, but appeared visibly drained as he stepped off the scale. After taking only a few steps toward the side of the stage, he fainted, face-planting onto the platform.
UFC officials, Nevada commission staff, and onsite physicians rushed to his aid. He briefly regained consciousness before being carried off the stage for further medical evaluation.
As of now, Smotherman’s condition remains unknown, and the UFC has not issued a formal update. The MMA community continues to send support to the Texas native as the situation develops.
Perfect Storm
The alarming incident occurred ahead of the UFC’s first event under its new $7.7 billion broadcast partnership with Paramount. And it was a weigh-in day already marred by weight-cutting struggles. Former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo and contender Alex Perez both missed weight by 2.5 pounds and were fined 25% of their purses, though their fights will proceed.
Weight-cutting remains one of MMA’s most controversial practices, with many fighters routinely shedding more than 10% of their body weight in the final days before stepping on the scale.
Fans, fighters, and analysts quickly flooded social media with concern, many pointing to the dangers of last-minute dehydration and the sport’s long standing struggles with extreme weight management culture. Some observers noted that similar collapses have occurred backstage at past events, underscoring how common — and risky — the practice can be.
UFC 324 is still scheduled to take place Saturday, January 24 at T-Mobile with a main card featuring co-main events with Justin Gaethje facing Paddy Pimblett in an interim lightweight championship fight, and Sean O’Malley taking on Song Yadong.
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