Cameron Smotherman’s Health Scare at UFC 324 Weigh-Ins Raises Concerns
Cameron Smotherman’s collapse after stepping off the scale at the UFC 324 early weigh-ins on Friday has raised immediate concerns over his health and the status of his bantamweight bout with Ricky Turcios. The incident occurred after Smotherman successfully weighed in at 135.5 pounds, hitting the bantamweight limit before fainting on stage in scenes described as “scary” by witnesses and analysts.
According to multiple reports, Smotherman appeared to make weight, turned to step away from the scale, and then suddenly lost consciousness, collapsing face-first on the stage. Officials and members of the UFC staff rushed in immediately as the broadcast cameras captured the fall in real-time. On-air analysts, including Daniel Cormier and Chris Weidman, reacted in real-time and later described the moment as frightening to watch.
A video of the incident, which can be seen on YouTube, shows Smotherman initially lying motionless before beginning to regain consciousness while being attended to by physicians and commission staff. He was eventually sitting up, given water, and then assisted or carried off the stage to continue receiving treatment backstage.
Medical Evaluation and Fight Status
Smotherman was later transported to a hospital for further evaluation after the incident. At the time of reporting, outlets state that he is recovering, but no detailed medical diagnosis or formal UFC statement on the exact cause of the collapse has been released. Smotherman’s fight with Ricky Turcios was part of the UFC 324 prelims on the same card that features an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, along with Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong and Derrick Lewis vs Waldo Cortes-Acosta.
After the collapse, several reports noted that his bout is in serious doubt and is “highly likely” to be removed from the event pending medical clearance. As of the latest updates on weigh-in day, there has been no official confirmation that the Turcios vs Smotherman fight is cancelled, but coverage from multiple outlets frames the contest as at significant risk. Any final decision is expected to depend on medical assessments following his hospital evaluation and communication from the UFC and the athletic commission.
The incident highlights the importance of fighter safety and the rigorous protocols in place to protect athletes’ health. The UFC has a comprehensive medical program, which includes pre-fight medical screenings, weigh-in monitoring, and in-event medical care. The organization works closely with athletic commissions and medical professionals to ensure that fighters are fit to compete and that their health is prioritized above all else.
As the situation develops, fans and supporters of Smotherman will be eagerly awaiting updates on his condition and the status of his fight. The UFC and the athletic commission will likely provide further information in the coming days, and it is essential to prioritize Smotherman’s health and well-being above all else.
