"Fans are probably going to think it's sour grapes. But it's not. It's about fighter safety.
"Would it have changed the outcome? Maybe not. But this is about fighter safety. This isn't just about Rich Franklin; it's about Rich and every other fighter knowing the rules will be enforced, whether the fight is about to be stopped or not.
"There's been no discussion about it. None. It's disappointing. The commissions, referees, fighters - everyone could have improved the safety of the sport by examining and discussing the situation. But because most people thought the outcome was a foregone conclusion, everyone conveniently ignored it." - J.T. Stewart.

Rich Franklin's manager, J.T. Stewart spoke with the Springfield News Sun about the ending of his client's fight against Vitor Belfort at UFC 103.

Belfort knocked Franklin down with a legal punch, but then struck Franklin at the back of the head a few times - which is illegal in the UFC. However, because Franklin had already been knocked down and, essentially, the fight was over, the back-of-the-head blows were dismissed.

Franklin was reported to still be in a but of a daze at the post-fight press conference, which was held an hour after the bout.

Stewart brought up the issue of fighter safety. He insisted that nobody has encouraged dialogue or suggested ways to help protect the safety of fighters.

Franklin (26-5), the former UFC middleweight champion, is not looking to step back into the Octagon until the spring of 2010. In 2009, he fought thrice, defeating Wanderlei Silva, and being defeated by Belfort and Dan Henderson. Throughout Franklin's career, he has only suffered defeat five times; at the hands of Belfort, Henderson, Anderson Silva (x2) and Lyoto Machida.