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Longtime UFC Referee Mark Smith Undergoes Successful Surgery for Torn Achilles
Smith suffered the injury during UFC 324 and is expected to be sidelined for 6-9 months for recovery.
Feb. 8, 2026 at 6:15pm
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Veteran UFC referee Mark Smith underwent successful surgery after tearing his Achilles tendon during the UFC 324 event in Las Vegas on January 24. Smith was helped out of the octagon after the incident, and UFC President Dana White initially claimed Smith had suffered a torn ACL, but Smith later confirmed the injury was to his Achilles. Smith is now in the recovery phase and expects to be out of action for 6-9 months as he rehabilitates the injury.
Why it matters
Mark Smith is one of the most experienced and respected referees in the UFC, having officiated the most fights for the promotion in two of the past three years. His extended absence due to this injury will impact the UFC's ability to staff its events with top-tier officiating talent.
The details
Smith tore his Achilles tendon while refereeing the fight between Ateba Gautier and Andrey Pulyaev at UFC 324 in Las Vegas on January 24. Fans noticed something was wrong when Smith had to be helped out of the octagon following the bout. UFC President Dana White initially claimed Smith had suffered a torn ACL, but Smith later confirmed the injury was to his Achilles tendon. Smith has since undergone successful surgery and is now in the recovery phase, though he did not provide a specific timeline for his return to officiating fights.
- Mark Smith tore his Achilles tendon on January 24, 2026 at UFC 324 in Las Vegas.
- Smith underwent successful surgery to repair the torn Achilles shortly after the injury.
The players
Mark Smith
A veteran UFC referee who has officiated the most fights for the promotion in two of the past three calendar years.
Dana White
The president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
What they’re saying
“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. The hard part is over, and the healing process now begins.”
— Mark Smith, UFC Referee (MMA Junkie)
What’s next
According to most medical websites, Achilles tendon rupture surgery can require a recovery window between six and nine months depending on the rehabilitation process. Smith did not provide a specific timeline for his return to officiating fights.
The takeaway
Mark Smith's extended absence due to this Achilles injury will impact the UFC's ability to staff its events with top-tier officiating talent, highlighting the importance of experienced referees to the sport of MMA.
