The mixed martial arts community is facing renewed scrutiny over weight-cutting practices following a concerning incident at UFC 324. During the weigh-in for his preliminary fight against Ricky Turcios, 28-year-old Cameron Smotherman collapsed shortly after successfully making weight. The incident, captured on video, has prompted calls for immediate changes to the weight-cutting culture in combat sports.
Teddy Atlas, a prominent figure in boxing and a long-time critic of weight-cutting practices, voiced his concerns on social media. “Been talking about weight cutting a long time, now time to look at it seriously & implement changes,” Atlas tweeted, adding, “Praying he’s okay.” Following the collapse, Smotherman was swiftly taken to a nearby hospital, and his fight was subsequently canceled.
After being released from the hospital, Smotherman issued a statement reassuring fans of his recovery. He indicated that his weight cut had gone smoothly and that he experienced a typical fight week leading up to the weigh-in. Despite this, Atlas remains unconvinced that the incident should be dismissed as an isolated case.
Concerns Over Weight-Cutting Practices
Atlas has been a vocal opponent of weight-cutting for decades, having witnessed its introduction to combat sports in the 1980s. As one of the few active members of the boxing community from that era, he understands the risks associated with drastically altering body weight. In recent years, research has increasingly highlighted the negative effects of weight-cutting on athletes’ health, further solidifying Atlas’s position on the matter.
During a podcast episode on January 9, 2024, he elaborated on his stance, stating, “It’s a life and death question sometimes. It’s an arbitrary number. Say you weigh 160 [pounds]. We’re gonna get you down to 140, and even though your body wasn’t meant to be 140, we’re gonna get you down to 140; you’re gonna have an edge. No, you’re not. You’re gonna be weak, you’re gonna be dehydrated, and you’re putting yourself in danger. I’ve talked to enough neurologists.”
Weight-cutting has been a longstanding practice in boxing, wrestling, and mixed martial arts (MMA). Although its dangers are widely recognized, the practice has become so entrenched that it is often seen as a necessary component of competition. Atlas argues that the time has come for sports organizations to reevaluate and reform these practices to ensure athlete safety.
The reaction to Smotherman’s collapse reflects a growing concern within the combat sports community about the implications of extreme weight loss. As athletes continue to push their limits, figures like Teddy Atlas advocate for a critical examination of the methods that have long been accepted as standard.
In the wake of this incident, the conversation around weight-cutting is likely to intensify, with many hoping it will lead to meaningful changes that prioritize the health and well-being of fighters. As combat sports evolve, the push for reform may become a pivotal issue in ensuring the safety of athletes competing at all levels.
