Terrifying Collapse at UFC 324 Weigh-Ins: Fighter Faceplants on Stage in Shocking Incident
Las Vegas, NV – A harrowing scene unfolded at the official UFC 324 weigh-ins on Friday, as fighter Cameron Smotherman suddenly collapsed on stage, suffering a sickening faceplant that left spectators, officials, and fellow fighters in stunned silence.
The incident, captured on video and rapidly circulating across social media, occurred during the first UFC weigh-ins of 2026, marking a disturbing start to what was anticipated to be an electrifying event weekend. Smotherman, stepping onto the scale for his bout, appeared unsteady before his legs gave way entirely, sending him crashing face-first onto the platform in a moment described by witnesses as “terrifying.”[1][2][3]
Details of the Disturbing Moment
According to eyewitness accounts and footage from the event, Smotherman made weight for his scheduled fight but showed immediate signs of distress. As he stepped off the scale, his body wavered, and he plummeted forward in a uncontrolled fall. Medical personnel and handlers rushed to his side, stabilizing him before he was carried off stage.[3]
The Bloody Elbow report detailed the “sickening faceplant,” emphasizing the severity of the collapse and its potential link to the grueling demands of weight cutting in mixed martial arts (MMA).[1] This is not an isolated incident; extreme dehydration and calorie restriction ahead of weigh-ins have long plagued the sport, leading to similar scares in the past.[4]
“A terrifying moment took place at the first UFC weigh-ins of 2026.” – Bloody Elbow coverage[2]
Background on Cameron Smotherman
Cameron Smotherman, a rising contender in the UFC’s ranks, was set to face an undisclosed opponent at UFC 324, headlined by high-profile matchups in Las Vegas. Details on his fight weight class remain sparse in initial reports, but the collapse has cast a shadow over his participation. As of late Friday, UFC officials had not issued an official statement on Smotherman’s condition or whether the bout would proceed as planned.
Smotherman’s camp has yet to release a statement, but sources close to the fighter indicate he was transported to a local medical facility for evaluation. Fans took to social media with an outpouring of concern, trending hashtags like #PrayForSmotherman and #UFC324WeighIns.
A Pattern of Weigh-In Perils in MMA
This event echoes previous high-profile weigh-in mishaps, such as the 2024 incident involving a wobbly fighter who nearly collapsed due to a botched weight cut and had to be carried off stage.[4] MMA Mania reported then that handlers intervened just in time, highlighting the “clear sign of an extreme weight cut.”
Experts attribute these occurrences to the brutal practice of rapid weight loss, where athletes shed up to 10-15% of their body weight in the final week through dehydration, saunas, and starvation. The UFC has implemented reforms like hydration testing and IV rehydration allowances post-weigh-in, but critics argue more needs to be done to protect fighters.
| Fighter | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Cameron Smotherman | UFC 324 (2026) | Faceplant collapse; status pending |
| Unspecified (Budka reference) | UFC Event (2024) | Nearly toppled; carried off[4] |
UFC 324: The Bigger Picture
UFC 324 promises a stacked card beyond Smotherman’s drama, featuring title defenses and grudge matches that draw thousands to the T-Mobile Arena. However, the weigh-in incident has dominated headlines, prompting discussions on fighter safety. UFC CEO Dana White is expected to address the media at today’s fighter press conference.
AS.com described the scene as “disturbing,” noting how it left fans and officials shocked.[3] Social media reactions range from calls for weight cut bans to praise for the quick medical response.
What’s Next?
As UFC 324 approaches, all eyes are on Smotherman’s health update. The promotion’s history of resilience suggests the event will go on, but this incident reignites urgent conversations about the human cost of combat sports. Updates will follow as more information emerges from Las Vegas.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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