A terrifying incident occurred at the official UFC 324 weigh-ins on Friday when bantamweight Cameron Smotherman fainted just after he got off the scale. Now that the scene shocked the arena and stopped proceedings, he would go on to see his bout against Ricky Turcios cancelled. As the painfully pale fighter collapsed in his corner, fans and officials looked on with concern as medical staff quickly rushed to his aid, an image that drew attention to the grueling physical stress on fighters throughout fight week.
Although Smotherman had passed the bantamweight limit for this non-title bout, he wobbled just seconds after stepping off the scale, then crumpled onto the stage face-first. The broadcast cut away, but UFC staff and medical personnel quickly closed in on him. It sent ripples through the MMA community and cast a pall over a card that was otherwise one of the more anticipated events in recent memory.
Cameron Smotherman rushed for medical evaluation after collapse
Cameron Smotherman was taken backstage after the incident and examined by a physician, according to reports. The UFC has not provided any specifics regarding his condition, although sources have confirmed that his collapse was due to the high-pressure weight-cutting process. The practice of extreme dehydration in the days prior to weigh-ins (known as “making” weight) remains controversial in fighting.
Witnesses at the event said it was a terrifying moment, and that Smotherman appeared unfocused before stumbling. Authorities quickly responded and got him to safety, leading to an announcement that the fight would be canceled moments later. Ricky Turcios, however, made his weight without any problems, but was prepared to face no one.
UFC 324 overshadowed by renewed debate over weight cutting
The incident, however, has sparked more debate over the risks associated with weight cutting in MMA. While many fighters are still having the conversation about what needs to be done to reform the sport, others are still risking it all through extreme weight cuts to compete below their natural weight class. The most tragic testament to that reality, obviously, is Smotherman’s collapse.
UFC 324 will still happen on time and will still be topped by the matchup between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, a fight that fans just can not wait for. But then Friday struck, and the tone of fight week changed significantly. Since then, some fighters and pundits have called for more stringent health protocols, as well as possible changes to weigh-in rules to promote athlete safety.
Source: The times of India