The Strikeforce Melee

I don't have too much to say about this because it has been beaten to death already, but I watched the fight breakout live on CBS and admit that I had to rewind to watch it again -- even before CBS gratuitously played it again after the commercial break.  At first, I though it was staged to garner interest in a Mayhem Shields rematch, but I quickly realized the fight itself was not staged.  I was not surprised that the Diaz brothers were involved of course, but I certainly don't blame them for instigating -- although they certainly helped escalate matters.  Instead, in the instigation column I would have to put Mayhem and Melendez and to some extent Shields.  Nonetheless, I read somewhere the suggestion that the UFC should (or could) fine or sanction Nate Diaz for his involvement because he is under contract with the UFC.  I am not buying it even if the UFC contract so provides, which of course would not surprise me, i.e., the UFC (or Zuffa) probably has the right to fine fighters or terminate the contract for good cause or no cause at all.  The Tennessee Athletic Commission will investigate and levy whatever fines and suspensions it deems fit.  It doesn't take a lawyer to realize this, but in my opinion the UFC shouldn't touch this with a ten foot pole.  No reason to tangle itself in this mess period.  Stay above the fray.  That's just my opinion.  On a final note, congratulations to Jake Shields on a great fight and a sick jiu jitsu display.