I just watched this very interesting match for the first time - it was an unaired prelim in 2006.
I recall reading about the controversy online and then moving on with my life. What I read and what I just watched are a bit different.
The reports (eg. Wikipedia) seem to be that the ref called for a break, that Smith then stopped fighting, and then the ref changed his mind about the stoppage and Terrell shortly thereafter took Smith down and choked him to tap.
I googled the issue and found a forum where one observer said "You can clearly hear the ref call for a break". On the version of the fight that I have this is not the case.
If the call from the ref to break came shorlty before Terrell's takedown, which seems likely if it occurred, Scott Smith does not appear to stop fighting or to change his behavior in any way as suggested in the reports.
This is perhaps why the CSAC denied Smith's appeal.
It was clear from the video that the ref had moved in close - after the takedown had commenced (though he likely started his approach before he is seen on the screen)- and may have been motioning to touch the fighters as if to stop the action - and then quickly withdrawing his hands as if to say - "oops my bad".
Unfortunately there is no post fight interview on the copy I have.
POST!!
Weird thread for Nov 14th 2011.
I remember, I thought it was a bad call and I think that is part of the reason that Scott Smith was invited to Tuf(4 i believe).
Also, Scott Smith is the nicest mma fighter I've met.
Different note just to throw out random stuff,
March of 2003, I believe Anderson fights and beats Carlos Newton. Stephan Quadros says "how awesome would it be to have Anderson Silva vs Dan Henderson. 5 years later, March 2008 the fight happens.
I was there and it was a very confusing fight for those who couldn't hear the commentary 
holy shit ufc 159!
since when did i miss 20 events.
oops just noticed the 159 - should read 59 obviously
I knew and covered Scotty in his WEC days and was there for the fight. The ref clearly yelled break. Also I don't think that guy reffed too many big MMA shows after that. Smith caught a bad break. Also the fact that he kept fighting doesn't mean the ref didn't call break - it means he knew he had Terrell on his back, a situation where any sane person would keep resisting.
You know we can't let this thread go on without asking the usual...where the hell is Terrell???
This thread combines the future (UFC 159) and the past (Terrell vs Smith).
OP has invented time travel.
What if this rematch is booked for UFC 159?
RONINXOM - What if this rematch is booked for UFC 159?
Fucking awesome.
rockwell - This thread combines the future (UFC 159) and the past (Terrell vs Smith).
OP has invented time travel.
LOL This place can be brutal if you make a typo and it is always hilarious
You have to remember how terrible the reffing and athletic commissions were, in regards to MMA, at that time. Mike Kyle biting Wes Sims is a great example of a guy who should have been banned from fighting.
Likewise, if anyone remembers Wes Sims vs. Frank Mir I, those stomps (especially after the ref called for a DQ) should have gotten Sims suspended.
jhedges - I was standing over top of them when it happened. Not only could both fighters and everyone around the cage hear the ref call out "stop", but the ref also touched Smith on the back in a move to step in and separate them.
Standing over the top of them as in you were the referee?
Anyways, regarding Mike Kyle/Wes Sims, that fight always sticks with me. I remember seeing Sims mouth "He bit me".
Then while the "winner" was getting his hand raised, the camera zoomed in to wes sims' chest and you could clearly still see the bite mark. Fucked up shit.
crazydave -RONINXOM - What if this rematch is booked for UFC 159?
Fucking awesome.
DFW jnr MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!!!
UFC 159 would happen in late 2012 - I'd pay to see those two square off again given what those who were there say went on at 59.
D241 -jhedges - I was standing over top of them when it happened. Not only could both fighters and everyone around the cage hear the ref call out "stop", but the ref also touched Smith on the back in a move to step in and separate them.
Standing over the top of them as in you were the referee?
close... the ufc's photographer