At a Glance
- Cameron Smotherman collapsed onstage during a weigh-in on Jan 23, 2026.
- He weighed in at 135.5 lbs, just under the bantamweight limit.
- The scheduled fight against Ricky Turcios was canceled the next day.
- Why it matters: The incident highlights the risks of weight cutting and the importance of athlete safety.
Cameron Smotherman’s collapse at the Las Vegas weigh-in for UFC 324 shocked fans and officials alike. The 28-year-old was just moments after making weight when he fell to the floor, prompting a rapid medical response. The bout against Ricky Turcios, set for the following day, was subsequently called off.
The Incident
On Friday, Jan 23, 2026, Smotherman stepped onto the weigh-in platform in Las Vegas. He reported a weight of 135.5 lbs, narrowly below the non-title bantamweight limit of 136 lbs. Moments after the official measurement, he appeared to lose consciousness and collapsed. Medics arrived quickly and helped him sit up, after which he was able to leave the weigh-in area.
Weight Cutting in UFC
Weight cutting is a common practice among mixed-martial-arts fighters. Athletes often dehydrate themselves and reduce caloric intake to meet strict weight categories. While it can provide a competitive advantage, the process carries significant health risks, including fainting, organ strain, and in extreme cases, death.
The UFC requires fighters to weigh in the day before their scheduled bout. This policy is designed to ensure fairness, but it also places intense pressure on athletes to achieve specific numbers. The bantamweight division’s limits-136 lbs for non-title fights and 135 lbs for title bouts-are enforced to maintain safety and competitive balance.
Smotherman’s Statement
After the incident, Smotherman released a video message on Instagram. He began by thanking fans for their support:
> “Obviously, I’ve gotten a lot of messages, and I appreciate all of the genuine concern about me,” Smotherman said. “I am completely okay. I’m good.”
He addressed speculation about a drastic weight cut:
> “I’m not entirely sure what happened. I see a lot of people online saying, ‘Oh, it was a crazy weight cut,’ stuff like that. I genuinely didn’t cut very much weight for this fight. I came in pretty low, but even over the course of this week, I haven’t cut much weight.”
Smotherman added that he would undergo further tests:
> “I have some more tests and stuff to take in the coming weeks to get to the bottom of it.”
He closed with an apology to his opponent:
> “But I appreciate the concern. I’m completely okay, and hopefully I’ll be back soon. I apologize to my opponent.”
Impact on the Fight Card
The UFC quickly announced that the bout with Ricky Turcios was canceled. The decision was made to protect both fighters’ health and to maintain the integrity of the event. Turcios was left without an opponent, and the UFC had to adjust the card for UFC 324.
| Event | Date | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Weigh-in | Jan 23, 2026 | Smotherman collapses, medical assistance provided |
| Bout cancellation | Jan 24, 2026 | Fight against Turcios called off |
The cancellation underscores the importance of monitoring fighters’ well-being before competition.
Medical Follow-Up and Next Steps
Smotherman stated he would undergo additional medical testing in the coming weeks. While the exact nature of the tests was not disclosed, they are intended to determine the cause of his collapse and to ensure he is fit for future bouts. The UFC’s medical staff will likely review his results before any return to competition.
In the interim, Smotherman’s future fights remain uncertain. The UFC has not announced a new opponent or date. Fans and analysts will watch for updates from the organization and the fighter’s team.
Key Takeaways
- Safety first: Even a small weight difference can lead to serious health events.
- Transparency matters: Fighters and promotions must communicate clearly about medical incidents.
- Medical oversight: Ongoing testing is essential to prevent future accidents.
- Event impact: A single collapse can ripple through an entire fight card.
The incident serves as a reminder that the sport’s high stakes come with real risks, and that careful medical oversight is crucial for athlete welfare.
