UFC Fighter on Transgender Fighter: 'Sick Freak'

Matt Mitrione didn't hold back when discussing fellow mixed-martial arts fighter Fallon Fox, who is transgender. Fox is a "lying, sick, sociopathic, disgusting freak," Mitrione said Monday on the MMA Hour. As a result, the UFC suspended his contract today and will investigate the matter, USA Today reports. In a statement, the organization said it was "appalled by the transphobic comments," calling them "offensive and wholly unacceptable."

Fox's gender-reassignment surgery, which she underwent in 2006, and her subsequent supplemental hormonal therapy have been big news in the MMA world since they were first reported last month. Some have expressed that she may have a physical advantage when fighting other women. But Mitrione went beyond that, calling the situation "an embarrassment to us as fighters" and continually referring to Fox as a male. (More transgender stories.)