UFC 324: Ricky Turcios vs Cameron Smotherman Preview & Prediction
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TUF 29 winner, Ricky Turcios, takes on Cameron Smotherman at 135 pounds in a contest that could see the loser given his walking papers.
Ricky Turcios vs Cameron Smotherman facts
What time are Ricky Turcios and Cameron Smotherman expected to walk out?
Where is UFC 324? T-Mobile Arena, Nevada, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC 324? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC 324
What TV channel is UFC 324 on? UK – TNT Sports Box Office / USA – Not televised
Where can I stream UFC 324? UK – TNT Sports subscribers who have paid for the fight can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – Paramount+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC 324: Gaethje vs Pimblett main card
Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett (Lightweight)
Sean O'Malley vs Song Yadong (Bantamweight)
Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Derrick Lewis (Heavyweight)
Natalia Silva vs Rose Namajunas (Women’s Flyweight)
Arnold Allen vs Jean Silva (Featherweight)
UFC 324: Gaethje vs Pimblett prelims
Umar Nurmagomedov vs Deiveson Figueiredo (Bantamweight)
Ateba Gautier vs Andrey Pulyaev (Middleweight)
Nikita Krylov vs Modestas Bukauskas (Light Heavyweight)
Alex Perez vs Charles Johnson (Flyweight)
Michael Johnson vs Alexander Hernandez (Lightweight)
Josh Hokit vs Denzel Freeman (Heavyweight)
Ricky Turcios vs Cameron Smotherman (Bantamweight)
Adam Fugitt vs Ty Miller (Welterweight)
Ricky Turcios: Can the eccentric bantamweight turn things around after a rough run of results?
Known for his wacky personality and unorthodox fighting style, TUF 29 winner Ricky Turcios (12-5) could be fighting for his job on the very first card of the Paramount era. However, while the American’s record stands at just 1-3 since besting Brady Hiestand in the TUF finale back in 2021, he decidedly hasn’t had the easiest run of opponents, dropping results against the likes of super prospect Raul Rosas Jr. and current bantamweight contender Aimenn Zahabi. However, with just a single win over Kevin Natividad since joining the promotion, Turcios will be aware that a third straight defeat will likely spell the end of his time in the UFC.
Cameron Smotherman: "The Baby-Faced Killer" returns in search of a first win since debuting in the promotion
Despite coming up short in devastating fashion against Charalampos Grigoriou on the Contender Series back in 2021, Cameron Smotherman (12-6) came roaring back with three straight wins on the regional circuit to earn a debut shot against Jake Hadley in 2024. “The Baby-Faced Killer” would seize the opportunity with both hands, besting “White Kong” in decisive fashion across three rounds as a massive underdog. Regrettably for the American, he has yet to secure a win since, dropping clear cut back-to-back decisions against Serhiy Sidey and Ricky Simon. Much like his opponent, Smotherman could well be receiving his walking papers with a defeat.
Ricky Turcios vs Cameron Smotherman prediction
Serving a career crossroads bout for both combatants, this could well be a thrilling showdown between bantamweights with a point to prove.
On paper, the odds would appear to favour Smotherman. In addition to being the younger, more athletic fighter, “The Baby-Faced Killer” is an explosive striker with some serious thud behind his punches. He typically only loses to fighters who are able to KO him early or out grapple him across three rounds, a mould that Turcios seemingly doesn’t fit.
However, fights are not fought on paper, and Smotherman has looked nothing short of awful in his last two appearances; Ricky Simon literally beat him up like a schoolyard bully last time out. By contrast, Turcios may be on a two fight losing streak but he definitely had his moments in those bouts. In particular, he put a crazy pace on Benardo Sopaj in his last contest, who is an excellent fighter in his own right. He might not have the power to put Smotherman away, but it’s easy to envision a reality where his relentless pressure and diverse striking entries are simply too much for his opponent to deal with.
Sound the alarm bells, we’re going with the upset. Turcios leans on his pace and creativity to outwork and outdog Smotherman across three rounds, earning himself a decision and saving his job in the process.
Prediction: Ricky Turcios to win
