Dana White Sends Chris Billam-Smith, Ryan Rozicki To Hospital After Brutal Fight

Zuffa Boxing president canceled post-fight interviews and ordered immediate medical checks for both cruiserweights

Chris Billam-Smith and Ryan Rozicki were sent directly to hospital after their bruising cruiserweight fight in Bournemouth, prompting Dana White to cancel all post-fight media duties. Both fighters later reassured fans they were recovering after precautionary medical examinations.

Billam-Smith emerged victorious when Rozicki’s corner stopped the fight due to severe cuts over both eyes, but the damage sustained by both fighters prompted immediate action from Zuffa Boxing president Dana White.

“We sent them both to the hospital, they’re both getting checked out,” White said after the event.

“I got my guy, Dave Lewis, and I said, no interviews, no nothing. I want both these guys to go straight to the hospital. And if there’s anything even remotely serious for either guy, I want them both med-vac’d to London.”

White said fighter safety was the priority following one of the most physically demanding fights on the card.

“In 30 years of the UFC, there’s never been a death or serious injury. And it’s important for me to keep that run alive, especially with boxing. A lot more traumatic brain injury things happen in the sport of boxing than they do in MMA, so I’m crazy about the health and safety side of it.”

Billam-Smith later reassured fans that his trip to hospital was precautionary.

“I have been taken to hospital but it is very precautionary.

“I am absolutely fine, they are just going to do some tests but all is well.”

By Sunday, both fighters had been released from hospital and were recovering.

A photograph posted by Zuffa Boxing showed Billam-Smith and Rozicki together after the fight, with the visible damage on both men highlighting why White was unwilling to allow either fighter to remain at the arena for media duties.

While Billam-Smith kept his place among the leading contenders in the cruiserweight division, the immediate story after the fight was the toll the contest took on both men and the precautions taken to ensure their safety.

ABSOLUTE WARRIORS 🫡 🥊

Nothing but respect between Chris Billam-Smith and Ryan Rozicki! #ZuffaBoxing07 pic.twitter.com/5CoPqJGLdG

— Zuffa_Boxing (@Zuffa_Boxing) June 7, 2026

Share on Facebook

Post on X