UFC 189 was an exhibition of mixed martial arts at its absolute summit. It was an event that elevated the sport. But amongst the undeniable beauty of the violence was a sobering reminder of the sport’s cost, as we watched Rory MacDonald struggle to remain conscious after enduring a harrowing beating at the hands of Robbie Lawler.
Most of us were too busy picking our jaws up off the floor to notice MacDonald’s plight in real time. Thereafter, our attention was fixed on the Lawler, whose triumphant demeanour and steady supply of adrenaline masked the physical toll the contest had taken on him.