UFC bantamweight Cameron Smotherman experienced a frightening incident during the weigh-in for his fight against Ricky Turcios at UFC 324, scheduled for Saturday night in Las Vegas. After stepping onto the scale, the 28-year-old collapsed, leading to immediate medical attention. He fell face-first onto the stage but regained consciousness quickly and was responsive, receiving support from his team before being transported to the hospital.
Originally, Smotherman was set to open the fight card, marking the start of a new era for the UFC on Paramount+, following a significant $7.7 billion deal with the broadcaster last year. Unfortunately, the event put a pause on his anticipated clash with Turcios, which has now been canceled.
Smotherman, who previously appeared on the Dana White Contender Series in 2023, made his UFC debut the following year with a victory over Jake Hadley. However, he faced setbacks in his next two bouts, suffering narrow decision losses. Ahead of his fight with Turcios, Smotherman expressed his determination to improve, emphasizing that his losses were not due to being thoroughly outperformed, but rather because he struggled against opponents who employed stalling tactics.
In response to Smotherman’s incident, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) raised alarms over the dangers associated with drastic weight cuts in MMA, warning that such practices could lead to serious health issues, including renal disease. They emphasized the importance of proper medical response in emergencies, suggesting that protocol should always involve summoning an ambulance rather than attempting to move an unconscious fighter.
This unfortunate episode serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards athletes face in the realm of competitive sports, particularly regarding weight management. As UFC fans eagerly await the main event where Paddy Pimblett competes against Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight championship, the focus remains on ensuring athletes’ health and safety.