Ryan Benoit thought he would make weight for UFC on ESPN 24 without issue, but his cut was anything but smooth.
Instead, on Friday, Benoit struggled to hold himself upright on the scale as he weighed in for his flyweight fight against Zarrukh Adashev, which was canceled.
On his first attempt, Benoit walked to the scale with his coach then needed him and UFC staff to keep him standing as his body trembled. After he couldn’t register an official mark, Benoit returned several minutes later and again struggled to keep himself upright but this time weighed in three pounds over the limit at 129.
The entire ordeal was a surprise for Benoit, who was transported to a Las Vegas hospital. On Saturday, Benoit issued a statement on the situation.
“Everything was going well and we didn’t think hitting 126 was going to be a problem,” Benoit said on Instagram. “It’s devastating to not compete tonight and earn a paycheck. It’s very unfortunate for my opponent and the promotion. Nobody wins in this situation.”
You read Benoit’s full statement below:
I would like to thank the Nevada commission, the UFC and the hospital staff for the utmost professionalism and care. Unfortunately I had a situation arise during the conclusion of my weight cut which resulted in my bout being cancelled. Everything was going well and we didn’t think hitting 126 was going to be a problem. It’s devastating to not compete tonight and earn a paycheck. It’s very unfortunate for my opponent and the promotion. Nobody wins in this situation.
Thank you to all my friends, family and fans for their kind words of support – I am humbled and grateful for all your well wishes
🙏🏻❤️👊🏻
UFC on ESPN 24 took place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The fight between Benoit and Adashev was one of three canceled after weigh-ins.
Philipe Lins withdrew from his heavyweight bout with Ben Rothwell after falling ill, while Amanda Ribas vs. Angela Hill was canceled following a positive COVID-19 test for Ribas.
