UFC bantamweight Cameron Smotherman has reassured fans that he is doing well after a frightening collapse during the UFC 324 weigh-ins on Friday morning.
The incident, which shocked viewers and immediately raised concerns about his health and safety, occurred just moments after he successfully hit the 135-pound limit.
As he stepped off the scale, Smotherman suddenly fell face-first to the ground, prompting an urgent response from on-site medical staff.
The UFC broadcast and attending media captured the tense moment as officials rushed to help the 27-year-old fighter.
Smotherman was quickly lifted from the floor, assisted off the stage, and transported to a local hospital for immediate evaluation.
Many feared the collapse was related to an extreme weight cut, a problem that has affected many fighters across combat sports. However, Smotherman later clarified that this was not the case.
Immediate Medical Response and UFC Update
Following the incident, the UFC medical team provided an official update to ensure fans had accurate information.
According to their statement, Smotherman underwent CT scans for both his head and neck, which thankfully returned clear.
Doctors administered a few stitches for minor facial injuries sustained during the fall, and he was discharged later the same day.
The quick medical attention and positive results offered relief to fans, teammates, and other fighters who had witnessed the troubling scene.
Although cleared to leave the hospital, Smotherman acknowledged that more tests will be needed in the coming weeks to determine what caused the sudden collapse.
Cameron Smotherman Breaks His Silence
On Friday night, Smotherman released his first public statement since the weigh-in incident.
Speaking calmly and openly, he assured everyone that he was safe and recovering. He also took time to thank fans and supporters who had reached out to him throughout the day.
“Obviously, I’ve gotten a lot of messages, and I appreciate all of the genuine concern about me,” Smotherman said. “I am completely OK. I’m good. I’m not entirely sure what happened.”
One of the biggest online talking points was the assumption that Smotherman had endured a brutal or extreme weight cut.
Many fans posted comments suggesting dehydration or exhaustion may have caused the collapse. Smotherman strongly pushed back on that narrative.
“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,” he explained. “I came in pretty low, but even over the course of this week, I haven’t cut much weight.”
He emphasized again that the weight cut was not severe and that he was already near his target range by fight week.
While he does not yet know the exact cause of the collapse, he confirmed that additional testing is scheduled.
“I’m not entirely sure what happened, and I have some more tests and stuff to take in the coming weeks to get to the bottom of it,” he added.
Smotherman Thanks His Team and Sends Apology to His Opponent
In his message, Smotherman also expressed gratitude toward his corner and the UFC staff, who acted quickly to stabilize him and ensure his safety.
“To all the people saying I must have done a crazy cut or something like that, I cut very, very little weight,” he reinforced. “I’m not sure what happened. But I appreciate the corner. I’m completely OK, and hopefully I’ll be back soon. I apologize to my opponent.”
It remains unclear whether the incident will lead to the bout being rescheduled or if Smotherman will need additional recovery time before returning to competition.
Regardless, he made it clear that his opponent deserved an apology, as the situation affected the fight lineup for UFC 324 weekend.
A Reminder of the Risks Fighters Face
Although Smotherman insists the collapse was not weight-cut related, the incident highlights the ongoing risks fighters face during preparation and weigh-in week.
Even small fluctuations in hydration, stress, or health can lead to unexpected consequences.
The UFC has made significant efforts to improve safety protocols in recent years, but moments like these reinforce the unpredictable nature of combat sports.
Fans and fighters alike were reminded how physically demanding the sport is and how important the medical teams are in managing high-pressure situations.
What’s Next for Cameron Smotherman?
While Smotherman has been cleared to leave the hospital, his return timetable depends on upcoming medical evaluations.
He made it clear that he wants answers before jumping back into training or booking another fight. His health and well-being will remain the priority for both him and the UFC medical staff.
For now, fans can take comfort in knowing that he is recovering well and in good spirits. His transparency and reassurance have helped ease the concerns of those who watched the unexpected collapse unfold.
As the MMA world awaits further updates, the hope is that Smotherman will make a safe and full recovery.
His willingness to address the situation openly has already earned him widespread respect from the community.
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