Chaos in Vegas: Every Fight We Lost Before the UFC 324 Walkouts
Chaos in Vegas
The bright lights of the T-Mobile Arena signaled a triumphant new era for the UFC on Paramount+.
Like the Emmys, with the clean sweep from “The Pitt, the buildup for UFC 324 has felt more like an episode of ER. From the moment the first bout was announced to the final, frantic hours before the early prelims, the card has undergone a radical transformation that left matchmakers scrambling.
The heartbreak started at the top. The original co-main event, a high-stakes clash between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes, was scrapped after Harrison was diagnosed with herniated discs in her neck.
My UFC 324 update. #kaylaharrison #ufc324 pic.twitter.com/p5KDtOpGhk
— Kayla Harrison Official (@KaylaH) January 15, 2026
Losing a “GOAT” return and a title fight in one swoop was a massive blow, but it was only the beginning. Soon after, former flyweight queen Alexa Grasso was forced out of her bout with Rose Namajunas, necessitating a last-minute call to the surging Natalia Silva.
However, the “chaos” reached its peak during the weigh-ins. Fans watched in horror as Cameron Smotherman collapsed on stage just seconds after hitting the scale for his fight against Ricky Turcios. The medical emergency led to the immediate cancellation of the bout.
Scary moments at UFC 324 weigh-ins:
Holy shit Cameron Smotherman just passed out at the UFC 324 weigh ins…
He looks extremely drained here so there’s no doubt this was a terrible weight cut for him.
— MarkusB (@markusbthegoat) January 23, 2026
Smotherman would put out his own statement stating he’s seeking further tests for answers:
Cameron Smotherman says in recent video that he did not have a tough weight cut and doesn’t know what happened.
Will have more tests throughout the next few weeks to get to the bottom of it.
Glad to hear he is okay. pic.twitter.com/IiY7wSnDAn
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) January 24, 2026
Adding to the confusion, the lightweight scrap between Michael Johnson and Alexander Hernandez vanished from the lineup on the day of the event without a formal explanation, leaving a gaping hole in the prelims. Rumors circled on social media around shifts in the gambling odds that may have flagged the bout outside of any injury concerns. Rumors that were substantiated by BetOnline removing the fight from their platform and putting out a statement. —
Due to some irregular betting patterns, we will be keeping the limits lower than usual on tonight’s Michael Johnson vs Alex Hernandez bout. Additionally, there will not be props on this fight.
IMPORTANT: This is a standard measure, not a judgement on the fight’s integrity,…
— Dave Mason (@DaveMasonBOL) January 24, 2026
The final 24 hours before the event saw the most dramatic shifts:
- Medical Withdrawal: Cameron Smotherman’s collapse at the scale ended his fight with Ricky Turcios.
- Last-Minute Scratch: The Michael Johnson vs. Alexander Hernandez fight was pulled on Saturday morning, a rare day-of-event cancellation.
- Weight Cutting Struggles: While not cancellations, Deiveson Figueiredo and Alex Perez both failed to make weight, resulting in catchweight bouts and significant purse forfeitures.
Despite these hurdles, UFC 324 remains a 12-fight showcase. However, the sheer volume of “lost” fights serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll of fight week and the reality of the harsh pressures these fighters face before stepping into the UFC octagon, now for millions more in 2026 with the promotion’s move to CBS/Paramount+.
Buckle up.
If this week is any indication, we’re in for a bumpy (and fun) ride!
Excited to contribute to the Fight Bananas team and talk about the sport we all love! ✊
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Cody Merrow is the Live Producer of “The Anik & Florian Podcast” and “Remember The Show” in the MMA space, adding with “The Gresh & Anik Show” talking New England sports. Formerly of “The UG” aka MMA Underground as a media member and social director and lead writer for the “Pound 4 Pound Podcast” newsletter. Cody is an avid golfer (15 handicap) and father to a King Charles Cavalier. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @ cody_merrow
