“I was not out … I’m not a sore loser, and I think Scott Smith is a great guy. I wish it didn’t come to this. But I’m just doing what I think is right … If Scott hadn’t gotten a hold of the cage—which is blatantly against the rules—I think I would have finished him [in the second round].”

-Strikeforce middleweight Benji Radach explains his decision to file an appeal of his knockout loss to Scott Smith at Strikeforce: "Shamrock vs. Diaz" on April 11. In paper work set to be submitted to the commission, Radach points out several alleged indiscretions made by referee Herb Dean during the fight.

Radach asserts that Smith illegally grabbed the cage during a potentially fight ending guillotine choke which Radach secured against him in the second round. Radich claims that this prevented him ending the fight.

Radach also believes that Dean stopped the fight unfairly citing for two reasons. First, Radach claims that he wasn't hurt by the Scott Smith right that knocked him to the canvas and was scrambling to get back to his feet when the fight was called. Secondly, Radach claims Smith ended the fight with an illegal blow to the back of the head.

This appears to be an unfortunate turn of events as the fight is certainly an early favorite for fight of the year. In three rounds of non-stop action, Radach battered Smith before being leveled by a big right hand. Smith pounced and quickly ground-and-pounded his way to an amazing come from behind victory.

Here is the exciting fight for your viewing pleasure and be sure to pay attention to see if Radach's claims are true or not.