UFC middleweight Alex Nicholson can consider himself on a warning.
The 26-year-old became the subject of much controversy at UFC 202 a fortnight ago and he wasn't even fighting on the card.
Rather, he was cornering teammate and promotional newcomer Mike Perry for his UFC debut against South Korea's Hyun Gyu Lim.
Prior to the fight, which ended via a first round Perry knockout, microphones in the debutant's corner picked up some terribly insensitive words from Nicholson.
Nicholson told Perry: "He can't even open his motherfucking eyes, boy!"
https://twitter.com/spartanlife32/status/768204826769498112
He acknowledged the disgusting nature of his remark amid the social media backlash he received and, on Thursday, the UFC released a statement on the matter.
Here it is in full:
"UFC competitor Alex Nicholson made a derogatory comment toward another UFC athlete while cornering his teammate, Mike Perry, at UFC 202. UFC has addressed the matter with Nicholson, as well as Perry, to express the organization's disappointment with Nicholson's insensitive remark. As such, the organization informed Nicholson that any future instances of this nature could result in a suspension from competition, or termination of his contract.
"UFC requires all athletes to act in an ethical, responsible and respectful manner, as mandated by the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy. UFC holds its athletes to the highest standard and will continue to take appropriate action if and when it is warranted."
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