Benoit struggles to stand on weigh-in scale, fight canceled
Ryan Benoit struggled to stay upright while weighing in Friday for his UFC Fight Night bout against Zarrukh Adashev.
As a result of the scary scene, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) called off the flyweight contest, it confirmed to MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn and Ken Hathaway.
Benoit's coach escorted the fighter to the weigh-in stage at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and helped him step onto the scale, where he struggled to stand under his own power. Before his weight could be confirmed, the 31-year-old was taken off the scale and checked by a doctor.
Ryan Benoit (@BabyfaceBenoit) unable to stand long enough to get weighed in. Off to see the doctor #UFCVegas26 pic.twitter.com/61mZpGqsG8
— Amy Kaplan (@PhotoAmy33) May 7, 2021
Moments later, Benoit returned to the scale and again needed assistance to step onto it. He was still wobbly and largely held upright by his coach and a UFC official. Benoit weighed in at 129 pounds, three pounds over the flyweight limit.
Second attempt for Ryan Benoit (@BabyfaceBenoit) 129 pounds #UFCVegas26 pic.twitter.com/R3bqT0Xjyk
— Amy Kaplan (@PhotoAmy33) May 7, 2021
Benoit was transported to the hospital, his manager told ESPN's Marc Raimondi.
Adashev made weight earlier Friday, tipping the scale at 125.5 pounds. It's unclear if he will receive his show money or win bonus for the scratched fight.
Benoit, who's been in the UFC since 2013, is riding a two-fight skid and was last victorious in 2017.
A women's flyweight clash between Marina Rodriguez and Michelle Waterson will headline Saturday's event.