Fighter's Weight Cut Goes Wrong: UFC Bout Canceled
In a surprising turn of events, UFC bantamweight Cameron Smotherman found himself in a tough spot after making weight for his upcoming fight. Just moments after stepping off the scale, Smotherman collapsed, leading to the cancellation of his scheduled bout against Ricky Turcios at UFC 324 in Las Vegas.
The Risks of Weight Cutting
This incident highlights the extreme measures fighters often take to meet weight requirements. It's not uncommon for athletes in MMA to shed over 10% of their body weight in the days leading up to a weigh-in. After the weigh-in, they then rehydrate to regain the lost weight before the actual fight. This practice, known as weight cutting, is a standard but risky part of the sport.
Aftermath and Medical Attention
Smotherman, who had successfully weighed in at 135.5 pounds, was quickly attended to by medical staff after his collapse. He was carried off the platform and tended to by physicians. Turcios, his opponent, had also made weight without any issues.
The UFC has not released any updates on Smotherman's condition. This incident serves as a reminder of the physical toll that weight cutting can take on fighters. It's a practice that, while common, carries significant risks.
Smotherman's UFC Journey
Smotherman's record in the UFC stands at 1-2 in three appearances. This cancellation adds another layer to his journey in the octagon.