UFC controversy must end with punishment

UFC is not everyone's cup of tea and the fastest growing sport in the world might just have been stopped in its tracks for a while.

Anthony "Bomber'' Breeze. Picture: Inga Williams

UFC is not everyone's cup of tea and the fastest growing sport in the world might just have been stopped in its tracks for a while.

Let me paint the picture.

Two of the best fighters in the lightweight division were the showcase fight of the night at UFC 229.

The champion Russian Khabib Nurmagomedov pitted against the trash-talking Irishmen Connor McGregor.

McGregor has been known for his talk and complete disrespect for his opponent before fights but I doubt anyone could believe what they were about to witness.

The fight was a no-contest with Nurmagomedov way too good for McGregor, choking him out in the fourth round.

It's what followed that has the fight world talking.

Nurmagomedov jumped out of the Octagon to attack one of Connor's cornermen who himself had disrespected Nurmagomedov.

A brawl erupted where a few of Nurmagomedov's corner jumped into the Octagon to attack McGregor.

Order was restored but the belt wasn't presented as owner/promotor Dana White refused to place the belt on Nurmagomedov due to the nature of the upset crowd.

The champion Nurmagomedov now must wait to see if the Nevada Commission suspends and fines him for the disgraceful act. They must come down hard on him to set a strong example going forward.

Spirited Shane still a legend

REALITY TV doesn't appeal to everyone but those who have been watching Survivor have witnessed a woman that in the 70's was one of the greatest swimmers in the world.

Her name is Shane Gould and for those that watched the 61 year old battle it out in Fiji for over 50 days would attest to her fighting spirit.

A lot of today's sportsmen would have never heard of her but at the 1972 Munich Olympics she would stun the world by winning five medals. Three of those were gold (200 freestyle, 800m freestyle and 200m medley). All were in world record time, a stunning feat.

She also won silver in the 800m freestyle and bronze in the 100m freestyle.

This phenomenal swimmer would also be the only swimmer in history to hold every world record from 100m to 1500m freestyle.

Gould also was awarded the Australian of the Year in 1972.

If these records shocked you then what she did next at the time shocked the whole of Australia. At the tender age of 17 she retired from the sport.

Quick thoughts

HERO of the week 1: Ali Brigginshaw has capped a stellar year by being appointed to captain her country. Brigginshaw has been in superb form and will play a huge part in tomorrow's Test against the Kiwis.

Hero of the week 2: Craig Lowndes showed why he is regarded as one of the greats with a masterful driver in his 888 Holden.

Villain of the week: Australian cricket followers are going to be in for a long hot summer if they continue the poor batting performances from the first Test against Pakistan.

Did you know? 1. Prabir Sen of India is the only wicketkeeper to stump the great Sir Donald Bradman.

2. Wasim Akram is the only bowler to achieve a hat-trick in both a Test and one-dayer.

Bomber's best: Chesson Hadley had a terrible start to the Safeway Golf Open and missed the cut.

This week it's a huge racing weekend where I like two in the Everest - Santa Ana Lane and In Her Time.

Originally published as UFC controversy must end with punishment