UFC Cuts Veteran Months After Viral Weigh-In Collapse

Gaming UFC Cuts Veteran Months After Viral Weigh-In Collapse By Brian Mazique,

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Brian Mazique has covered combat sports and video games since 2011.Follow Author Jun 20, 2026, 09:00am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Summary The UFC recently parted ways with three veterans, including Thiago Moises, Ariane Carnelossi, and bantamweight Cameron Smotherman. Smotherman, 28, was released following a three-fight losing streak, culminating in a May knockout. His departure was not a consequence of his widely publicized collapse at the UFC 324 weigh-ins in January, where he passed out after successfully making weight, causing his bout to be canceled. That alarming incident ignited significant debate within the MMA community regarding the safety and ethics of extreme weight-cutting. While his UFC tenure ended, Smotherman, at 28, is expected to explore opportunities with other promotions like PFL or MVP MMA, aiming for a career resurgence and a potential return to the sport's highest level.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 08: UFC CEO Dana White holds a press conference after the UFC 313 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 08, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCThe UFC made a move to part ways with three veterans on the roster on Friday, June 19. Thiago Moises was the biggest name on the list, which also included Ariane Carnelossi. The promotion also snipped bantamweight veteran Cameron Smotherman, who is unfortunately best known for his viral collapse at a weigh-in in January. Let's talk MMA.