Jason (Mayhem) Miller issued an apology Monday for his part in the post-fight brawl Saturday night on CBS's Strikeforce card.
Miller, who had won earlier on the mixed martial arts card, entered the cage after middleweight title-holder Jake Shields had defeated Dan Henderson to demand a rematch with the champion. Shields won a decision over Miller in November.
After Miller interrupted Shields' post-fight interview, a melee ensued in the cage.
"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," Miller said in a statement on his website, www.mayhemmiller.com.
"I've been a fighter and a fan of MMA for over 12 years, and would never do anything to intentionally tarnish the sport I've given my life to. In the excitement of the moment I let my emotions run high and made a bad choice that resulted in a debacle, for that, I sincerely apologize."
Gilbert Melendez, who was in Shields' corner after defending his Strikeforce lightweight title earlier on the card, also apologized to MMA fans.
"My intentions were not to fight but to let Shields enjoy his moment. I think mayhemmiller is a cool guy," he said on Twitter.
Shields made his apology when the post-fight interview resumed, saying his emotions were running high after the win.
