Ricky Turcios Moves Up to 145 Pounds, Meets Alberto Montes at UFC 326

The bantamweight fighter will make a quick turnaround after a canceled bout at UFC 324.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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After his scheduled bantamweight bout against Cameron Smotherman was canceled at UFC 324 when Smotherman lost consciousness after making weight, Ricky Turcios will move up to featherweight to take on newcomer Alberto Montes at UFC 326 on March 7 in Las Vegas. Turcios is looking to rebound after back-to-back losses, while Montes will be making his UFC debut after securing a contract through Dana White's Contender Series.

Why it matters

Turcios' move up in weight class and quick turnaround after a canceled fight shows his willingness to stay active and compete at the highest level of the sport. Montes' UFC debut also represents an opportunity for a new fighter to make their mark in the promotion.

The details

Turcios (12-5 MMA, 2-3 UFC) was originally scheduled to face Cameron Smotherman in a bantamweight bout at UFC 324, but the fight was scrapped when Smotherman lost consciousness after making weight. Now, Turcios will move up to featherweight to take on Alberto Montes (10-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC), who secured a UFC contract through Dana White's Contender Series in October 2024 but had to withdraw from his scheduled debut at UFC 314 due to injury.

  • Turcios' fight against Smotherman was scheduled for UFC 324 in January 2026.
  • Turcios vs. Montes is scheduled for UFC 326 on March 7, 2026.

The players

Ricky Turcios

A 12-5 MMA fighter who has competed in the UFC bantamweight division, now moving up to featherweight to take on a new opponent.

Alberto Montes

A 10-1 MMA fighter who will be making his UFC debut after securing a contract through Dana White's Contender Series in 2024.

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What’s next

The UFC has not yet officially announced the Turcios vs. Montes fight for UFC 326, but the matchup is expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Turcios' willingness to move up a weight class and take a quick turnaround fight shows his commitment to staying active and competitive in the UFC, while Montes' debut represents an opportunity for a new fighter to make their mark in the promotion.