MMA enthusiasts are no strangers to seeing fighters carried out of the Octagon, as vicious knockouts and intense exhaustion are common at UFC events. Typically, the judges and referees walk away unscathed despite being surrounded by fierce competitors. However, UFC 324 in Las Vegas this past Saturday was different for referee Mark Smith.
During the penultimate preliminary fight between Ateba Gauthier and Andrei Pryaev, Smith officiated inside the cage throughout the lengthy 15-minute bout, which seemed to conclude without any major injuries to the fighters. Yet, fan-captured videos posted on social media shortly afterward revealed Smith being helped backstage by two UFC staff members, suggesting he had sustained an injury during the match. Notably, one crew member was holding a shoe, implying Smith may have hurt his foot.
Fans quickly responded online with concern, posting comments like “Oh my god,” and questions such as “What happened?” Many hoped the seasoned referee was alright but expressed worry about the visible distress. Several viewers speculated that Smith had twisted his ankle toward the end of the fight, with one tweet reading, “I seriously twisted my ankle at the end of the fight,” and others agreeing it seemed like an ankle injury after round three.
Fan Take: This incident highlights the physical toll that even officials face inside the Octagon, reminding fans that referees are an essential yet vulnerable part of the sport. Protecting their health is critical to ensuring fair and safe competition, and this could lead to better safety protocols for officials moving forward.
