Cameron Smotherman Collapses After Weigh-In, UFC 324 Fight Canceled

A scheduled bout at UFC 324 has been canceled following the collapse of bantamweight fighter Cameron Smotherman shortly after he successfully made weight. The incident occurred on January 23, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where Smotherman weighed in at 135.5 pounds, comfortably within the bantamweight limit for his match against Ricky Turcios.

Witnesses reported that Smotherman appeared unsteady immediately after stepping off the scale. He managed only a few steps before collapsing to the ground. Medical personnel were quick to respond, and he was carried away from the weigh-in platform while receiving medical attention, as detailed in a report by ESPN. As of now, the UFC has not provided any updates regarding Smotherman’s condition.

Weight Management Practices Under Scrutiny

The physical demands of weight cutting in mixed martial arts continue to raise concerns, and Smotherman’s collapse has reignited the debate. Fighters often undergo significant weight loss in the days leading up to weigh-ins, only to rehydrate before competing. It is common for athletes to shed more than 10 percent of their body weight during this process, highlighting the potential risks involved, even for those who successfully meet the required limits.

Smotherman entered UFC 324 with a professional record of 1–2 in his previous three appearances with the promotion. The fighter’s situation emphasizes the physical toll that weight management can impose, prompting calls for stricter regulations in the sport.

Additional Weigh-In Issues at UFC 324

Smotherman was not the only competitor facing challenges during the weigh-ins. Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo missed weight by 2.5 pounds for his anticipated fight against Umar Nurmagomedov. Similarly, flyweight Alex Perez also weighed in 2.5 pounds over the 125-pound limit for his bout against Charles Johnson. Both Figueiredo and Perez were fined 25 percent of their purses, but their fights are still set to proceed as scheduled.

The incident involving Smotherman has circulated widely on social media platforms, further fueling ongoing discussions about weight management and fighter safety within mixed martial arts. As the UFC and its athletes navigate these issues, the focus remains on ensuring the health and well-being of competitors while maintaining the integrity of the sport.