The mixed martial arts community was shaken when UFC bantamweight Cameron Smotherman collapsed shortly after making weight for his upcoming fight. The incident occurred on March 15, 2024, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where Smotherman was scheduled to compete against Ricky Turcios at UFC 324.
After successfully weighing in at 135.5 pounds, Smotherman took a few steps away from the scale before collapsing to the ground. Medical personnel quickly responded, carrying him off the platform to provide immediate care. His condition following the incident has not yet been disclosed, and the UFC has not issued any updates regarding the status of his fight against Turcios.
Weight cutting is a common practice in the UFC and broader mixed martial arts. Fighters often shed significant weight—sometimes more than 10 percent of their body weight—leading up to weigh-ins, only to rehydrate before competing. This practice, while routine, raises concerns about the safety and health of the athletes involved.
As Smotherman prepares for his fourth fight in the UFC, he currently holds a record of 12 wins and 6 losses, with a fight record of 1-2 in the organization. The MMA community will be closely monitoring developments regarding his health and the potential continuation of the fight card.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll imposed on fighters within the sport, highlighting the need for continued discussions on safety measures related to weight management in mixed martial arts.
