Veteran UFC referee Mark Smith was compelled to depart T-Cellular Area on Saturday evening after tearing his ACL whereas officiating a battle at UFC 324. The harm, usually related to fighters contained in the cage, marked a uncommon incidence for a sports activities official and left followers involved when video footage confirmed Smith being carried out by Nevada State Athletic Fee personnel.
UFC Referee Mark Smith Suffers Torn ACL Throughout Combat at UFC 324
Smith officiated the middleweight bout between Ateba Gautier and Andrey Pulyaev, which went the total three rounds and led to a unanimous choice for Gautier. Regardless of the harm, Smith remained on-site lengthy sufficient to boost Gautier’s hand after the decision.
UFC President Dana White addressed the incident in the course of the post-fight press convention. “No one’s requested me concerning the ref tearing his ACL in the course of the battle,” White stated. He confirmed the severity of the harm and famous that Smith “blew his ACL” and needed to be carried out of the world. White in contrast the state of affairs to announcer Bruce Buffer, who beforehand tore his ACL at UFC 129 in 2011 whereas introducing Georges St-Pierre throughout the principle occasion.
Smith, a former U.S. Air Power fighter pilot and member of the Thunderbirds demonstration crew, is without doubt one of the most lively referees in Nevada. He has officiated roughly 300 UFC fights over the previous three years. His background as a pilot and Armed Providers veteran makes him well-suited for the split-second decision-making required in combined martial arts officiating.
The harm will doubtless sideline Smith for a good portion of 2026. ACL reconstruction usually requires six to 9 months of restoration earlier than returning to full exercise, with some instances extending as much as 12 months. Smith posted an encouraging message on Instagram after being helped backstage however has not publicly detailed the harm.
