MMA will likely be without considered one of its highest referees for the foreseeable future.
Mark Smith has officiated more UFC fights than anyone else previously three years.
Unfortunately, the 52-year-old will see his schedule significantly reduced in 2026 as he heals from a serious injury.
Viral footage shows the referee being carried backstage at UFC 324 in Las Vegas on January 24.
Referee Mark Smith confirms successful surgery
Mark Smith was the person in the center when Ateba Gautier fought Andrey Pulyaev within the penultimate UFC 324 prelim.
The fight went the gap, and everybody appeared to flee the Octagon without being seriously injured.
Soon after, it was confirmed that Smith had torn his Achilles tendon throughout the 15-minute contest.
Two weeks later, the veteran MMA referee underwent successful surgery on the injury.
“I’m comfortable to share that my surgery was successful and accomplished without complications,” Smith said in an announcement shared by MMA Junkie.
“I’m currently within the recovery phase, resting comfortably under the care of the hospital staff.
“The hard part is over, and the healing process now begins.
“I appreciate all of your love, prayers, and support. I’ll provide updates on my recovery milestones as they occur.”
Dana White stunned by referee injury
Dana White confirmed the referee suffered an injury never seen before at UFC 324.
The UFC boss brought up the incident himself when reporters at his post-fight press conference didn’t.
“No person has asked me in regards to the ref blowing his ACL throughout the fight,” White said.
“(He blew) his ACL, yeah. (I’ve never seen that before) just (Bruce) Buffer. Buffer is the just one I’ve ever seen blow an ACL that wasn’t fighting.
Yeah, he blew his ACL. I don’t know what time it was (within the fight), but that they had to hold him out of there.”