Jasmine Rocha was forced to withdraw from UFC Fight Pass Invitational 11 after being hospitalized with ketoacidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
The sudden Jasmine Rocha ketoacidosis scare sparked concern across the BJJ community and shed light on the dangers of extreme training and weight-cutting practices in combat sports.
Rocha is now recovering and emphasized the need to prioritize health moving forward.
Jasmine Rocha Ketoacidosis Ends in Urgent Hospitalization
As fans geared up for UFC Fight Pass Invitational 11, few expected the sudden headline that would sideline one of its most promising competitors.
In a post that stunned the grappling community, Jasmine Rocha was forced to withdraw from her match against Alexandria Enriquez after being hospitalized due to ketoacidosis — a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
The last-minute Jasmine Rocha ketoacidosis withdrawal not only shook the card’s lineup but also raised new concerns about the intense physical toll of elite-level preparation in combat sports, especially among younger athletes striving to cut weight and peak at just the right moment.
From Rising Star to Hospital Bed: What Happened to Jasmine Rocha?
On May 29, multiple outlets confirmed that Jasmine Rocha had been pulled from UFC FPI 11 after developing ketoacidosis, a complication that occurs when the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones.
Though commonly associated with diabetes, it can also stem from prolonged fasting or extreme carbohydrate restriction — practices sometimes tied to cutting weight. For the Rocha family, all of whom are grapplers, this is a second health scare in a few months, coming shortly after the story about Vagner Roacha hospialized with heart issues.
“I had to pull out of my fight. I was just 7 pounds from weight and still trying to push through nonstop puking and stomach issues I’d been dealing with all week. The weight cut pushed things over the edge, and I ended up in the hospital with ketoacidosis ”– Jasmine Rocha –
The 22-year-old black belt was widely expected to deliver a strong performance at FPI 11, continuing her surge through the elite ranks of women’s No-Gi grappling. Instead, her withdrawal became one of the most talked-about stories of the event.
Sudden Hospitalization Halts Rocha’s Momentum
Reactions online were immediate and intense. Fans, teammates, and fellow competitors expressed both disappointment and solidarity with Rocha, noting the extreme physical demands competitors face — and how easy it is to ignore the early warning signs of serious health issues.
While Rocha’s condition was confirmed as stable, the ordeal brought back conversations about athlete safety in events where short-notice cuts and last-minute weight drops remain common. Rocha herself confirmed she would be taking time off to recover fully and didn’t specify a return date.
Ketoacidosis and Combat Sports: A Dangerous Intersection
The Jasmine Rocha ketoacidosis case has ignited fresh concern around the prevalence of ketoacidosis linked to extreme dieting in combat sports.
While diabetic ketoacidosis is often the result of insulin imbalances, non-diabetic ketoacidosis can arise in athletes who drastically reduce caloric intake, overtrain, and restrict carbs — all in the name of cutting weight fast.
“Ketoacidosis doesn’t just affect diabetics — it can strike anyone who pushes their body into extreme states, especially athletes trying to make weight.”
Weight cutting remains a contentious topic in MMA and BJJ, with growing calls for reform. In 2022, ONE Championship implemented hydration testing to prevent dangerous cuts, but the broader combat sports world has yet to fully embrace similar measures.
Rocha’s scare could be the high-profile wake-up call needed. As more young athletes compete in events like the UFC Fight Pass Invitational, the pressure to perform — and make weight — isn’t going anywhere.
A Cautionary Chapter in Jasmine Rocha’s Journey
The Jasmine Rocha ketoacidosis withdrawal is more than just a scheduling shake-up — it’s a moment of reckoning for athletes, coaches, and organizers alike.
Rocha’s quick hospitalization and recovery may prevent long-term damage, but it’s a sobering reminder of how dangerous the pursuit of competitive excellence can become when health is pushed aside.
“. Listen to your body. I’ll recover, regroup, and come back better.”– Jasmine Rocha –
Rocha’s story should serve as both a warning and a point of reflection in a sport where limits are constantly tested. As she steps back to recover, the BJJ world will be watching — and hopefully learning.
