MMA News

Tag: UFC 234

  • Ref Mark Smith Undergoes Surgery After Achilles Tear at UFC 324

    Ref Mark Smith Undergoes Surgery After Achilles Tear at UFC 324

    Mark Smith underwent successful surgery on January 24, 2026, two weeks after tearing his Achilles tendon while refereeing the Ateba Gautier vs. Andrey Pulyaev fight at UFC 324 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    The veteran MMA referee was carried backstage after the incident, captured in viral footage from the event. UFC president Dana White confirmed the injury, noting he’d never seen a referee suffer such damage mid-fight. Smith tore his Achilles during the bout, forcing him out of action and highlighting a rare hazard for officials in the promotion.

    Smith provided an update on his condition, via MMA Junkie:

    “I am happy to share that my surgery was successful and completed without complications. I am currently in the recovery phase, resting comfortably under the care of the hospital staff. I appreciate all your love, prayers, and support. I will provide updates on my recovery milestones as they happen.”

    Smith’s Road to Recovery

    Smith, a respected figure in UFC officiating, now focuses on rehabilitation. Achilles tendon tears typically sideline athletes and officials for months, with recovery involving immobilization, physical therapy, and gradual return-to-duty protocols.

    The injury occurred during the Gautier and Pulyaev fight at UFC 324. Smith collapsed during the action, prompting immediate medical attention and his removal from the cage.

    Promotion officials have not announced a timeline for Smith’s return, but his experience makes him a key asset for high-stakes cards. The MMA community has rallied behind Smith with support. We wish him a quick and full recovery.

  • Kayla Harrison Confirms Emergency Neck Surgery Forced UFC 324 Withdrawal

    Kayla Harrison Confirms Emergency Neck Surgery Forced UFC 324 Withdrawal

    Kayla Harrison has revealed that emergency neck surgery forced her withdrawal from UFC 324, postponing her highly anticipated bantamweight title defense against Amanda Nunes.

    The two-time Olympic judo gold medalist shared an emotional video from her hospital bed in New York City, appearing in a neck brace following surgery to repair herniated discs. Harrison called the situation “a tough one,” confirming she is now on “day one” of her recovery and comeback.

    Fighting back tears, Harrison repeatedly apologized to Nunes, the UFC, and fans for the late withdrawal from the January 24 event.

    “I’ll be back soon,” Harrison promised.

    The champion also spoke about her faith during the difficult moment, saying she wants to honor God “in the good and the bad” and hopes her story can be used “in a powerful way.”

    Harrison thanked her surgeon Dr. Kim, UFC medical staff, her coaches and teammates at American Top Team, and her mother for caring for her children during her recovery.

    The UFC has not announced a new date for Harrison vs. Nunes, though the superfight between the reigning champion and the promotion’s most decorated women’s fighter is expected to be rescheduled once Harrison completes her rehabilitation.

  • Archives: Jon Jones Dispels Israel Adesanya Comparisons (2019)

    The following story was published on this day three years ago. It is presented to you in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of The MMA News Archives.

    On This Day Three Years Ago…

    [ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 6, 2019, 9:11 PM]

    Headline: Jon Jones Dispels Israel Adesanya Comparisons

    Israel Adesanya has been receiving a lot of comparisons to his upcoming opponent, Anderson Silva, as of late. However, there’s also another name he has been compared to quite often recently. That name being UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones.

    Speaking to the UFC recently, Jones addressed the recent comparisons to “Stylebender”. Other than their frame and the color of their skin, Jones doesn’t really believe there are too many similarities (via MMA Mania):

    “We have similar body types and we’re both black,” Jones said. “And that’s about it. I don’t think we fight alike, I don’t think we fight similar. I do a lot of wrestling, heavy ground-and-pound, a lot of submissions – I strike in both stances, I feel like our games are very different.

    “But I do respect him, a lot. I think he is going to be a force to be reckoned with. He is great for the sport, great talker and he finishes fights. He is a very exciting young man.”

    Adesanya will take on Silva in the co-main event of this weekend’s (Sat. February 9, 2019) UFC 234 pay-per-view (PPV) from the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia. As for Jones, he will be defending his championship in the main event of UFC 235. That PPV goes down from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on March 2, 2019.

    What do you think about Jones’ reaction to comparisons to Adesanya?