Why was referee Mark Smith suddenly carried out of the T Mobile Arena during the UFC 324 event?

UFC referee Mark Smith shocked fans at UFC 324 after he had to be carried out of the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas during Saturday night’s event. The reason is now clear. UFC President Dana White confirmed that Smith suffered an ACL injury while working inside the octagon. The moment left many fans worried, especially after videos showed the veteran referee limping badly and needing help from medical staff. Mark Smith had just finished officiating the fight between Ateba Gautier and Andrey Pulyaev, which went the full 15 minutes. While both fighters walked away without major damage, the referee was clearly in pain. One medic was even seen holding Smith’s shoe, which led fans to wonder if it was a foot injury. Dana White later cleared the confusion and said it was an ACL problem. Smith received medical care shortly after being taken out of the arena.

Mark Smith injured after officiating Ateba Gautier vs Andrey Pulyaev as Dana White confirms ACL issue

Mark Smith, who is 52 years old, was refereeing his 884th MMA fight, making him one of the longest-serving officials in the sport. The fight between Ateba Gautier and Andrey Pulyaev ended in a decision win for Gautier. It was a calm bout, with no major cuts or knockdowns. However, as the fight ended, Smith was seen struggling to walk.Fan videos showed medical staff helping him leave the octagon area. Because one shoe was carried separately, many fans believed Smith hurt his foot. Speaking after the event, Dana White confirmed the injury was to Smith’s ACL, not his foot. White said Smith was taken for medical treatment soon after.Smith has not spoken publicly about how the injury happened. However, he did share a message on his Instagram story, writing:“Always end the day with a positive thought. No matter how hard the day may have been, there is always a reason to be grateful.”Smith was not the only person taken to hospital that night. British fighter Paddy Pimblett was also rushed for medical checks after his tough fight against Justin Gaethje. The bout ended in a loss for Pimblett, marking his first UFC defeat. Gaethje, 37, won the fight on points and claimed the interim lightweight title.Paddy Pimblett, 31, was knocked down three times during the five rounds. Before the fight, he had said, “Scousers don’t get knocked out.” He showed heart and kept fighting, but the damage added up. After the judges scored the fight 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46 for Gaethje, Pimblett applauded as Gaethje raised his arms. Pimblett was taken to hospital bruised and bleeding but conscious.