Mark Smith won’t be seen as the third man in the cage or octagon anytime in the foreseeable future.
Smith, who has been the referee for the most UFC fights in two of the past three calendar years, will see his schedule significantly reduced in 2026 as he heals from a serious injury that happened while he was in the cage for the UFC 324 matchup between Ateba Gautier and Andrey Pulyaev on Jan. 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
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Fans noticed something had gone wrong when Smith was helped out of the octagon and backstage following the contest. UFC CEO Dana White discussed the “crazy” situation at the post-fight press conference, and falsely claimed Smith had sustained a torn ACL in his knee.
That turned out to be incorrect, because Smith has since confirmed to MMA Junkie that he tore his Achilles, and has already completed a successful operation.
“I am happy to share that my surgery was successful and completed without complications,” Smith told MMA Junkie in a statement. “I am currently in 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 your love, prayers, and support. I will provide updates on my recovery milestones as they happen.”
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Smith did not reveal a timeline for his recovery or when he could return to officiating fights. According to most medical websites, Achilles tendon rupture surgery can require a recovery window between six and nine months depending on the rehabilitation process.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC referee Mark Smith undergoes successful surgery for torn Achilles
