Gracie camp, ‘Mayhem’ Miller apologize for brawl

Two days after two of his top students retained their Strikeforce titles on prime-time network television, Cesar Gracie issued an apology for his team’s role in a brawl that marred the event.

Gracie protege Jake Shields was being interviewed in the cage by CBS broadcaster Gus Johnson after a successful defense of the middleweight title against heavily favored Dan Henderson when Shields was interrupted by Jason “Mayhem” Miller.

Miller had entered the cage to ask Shields for a rematch of a November fight in which Shields captured the belt with a close decision.

Shields was caught off guard by Miller’s request, and a brief shoving match occurred, causing CBS to momentarily cut away from the action.

When the feed was restored, several of Gracie’s fighters were seen pummeling Miller, who had been knocked to the ground.

The crew included Gilbert Melendez, who had retained his lightweight belt earlier in the evening, as well as Strikeforce welterweight champion Nick Diaz and Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter Nate Diaz.

Gracie issued an apology Monday on his website, graciefighter.com, but also spread some of the blame around.

“Unfortunately the after fight skirmish shifted the focus away from what was probably Jake and Gil’s biggest wins, and that was very disappointing,” the statement said. “After reviewing the tape, I think I saw a lot of blame on all sides. I have spoken to my guys and with Strikeforce to make sure this never happens again.

“I think it would be better if we fight in a professional manner and not in free-for-alls. For the disruption it has caused, we are sorry and would like to extend an apology.”

Gracie said the incident was no worse than what happens in other sports.

“I frequently attend hockey games, and if a fight breaks out, it’s routine and the fans have come to expect it,” the statement continued. “Fights happen in every sport, and it’s really not a big deal, but if a fight breaks out at a fight between fighters, it seems like some people want to act like it’s the end of the world and pretend they are outraged.”

Miller also took to his website to apologize for his role in the incident, after posting simply “Whoops” on his Twitter feed immediately after the brawl.

“I would like to formally apologize to CBS, Strikeforce and all fans of mixed martial arts for my role in the events following the Strikeforce: Nashville event,” his statement said. “In retrospect, my timing could not have been worse to ask for my rematch with Jake Shields, and I take full responsibility for entering the cage and setting off a chain of events that cast a dark shadow on the sport.”

Perhaps fortunately for Strikeforce and the sport, the brawl wasn’t seen live by many.

The final breakdown won’t be available until today, but the preliminary overnight ratings showed an average of 2.63 million watched the event, according to tvbythenumbers.com. That is down from the average of 3.79 million that tuned in to the organization’s debut on CBS in November.

■ WEC 48 — World Extreme Cagefighting’s first pay-per-view event Saturday will look a great deal like an Ultimate Fighting Championship event.

The UFC broadcast team of Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan will handle the TV commentary, and Bruce Buffer will be the in-ring announcer for the card in Sacramento, Calif.

Spike (Cable 29) will air at least two preliminary bouts live at 6 p.m., an hour before the main card goes live on pay per view.

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509.