Fedor To Debut Against Brett Rogers!!!!

[stpierrecanada]

Fedor Emelianenko (30-1) will meet undefeated Brett Rogers (10-0) in his Strikeforce debut this fall, officials from the organization's broadcast partner, Showtime, today announced.

Strikeforce, though, has yet to announce a venue or date for the event (possibly to curb the UFC from counter-programming the show).

Emelianenko, widely regarded as the sport's top heavyweight fighter, signed a three-fight deal with Strikeforce earlier this month, and company founder and CEO Scott Coker recently said Rogers or Fabricio Werdum would likely be the Russian fighter's first opponent.

Emelianenko was featured at a public workout today in New York City. The Emelianenko vs. Rogers matchup was revealed during the media and fan event.

While no date has been set, Coker recently told MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) that Emelianenko's debut date had been moved from October to November.

Emelianenko signed with Strikeforce after the UFC refused to co-promote his fights with M-1, an international organization co-owned by Emelianenko and his manager, Vadim Finkelchstein. The UFC and Emelianenko had negotiated previously, but the latest round of talks seemed the most promising, especially after his former home, Affliction Entertainment, canceled its Aug. 1 show, announced it was ceasing promotional operations and returning to the UFC as an official sponsor.

However, both UFC president Dana White and Finkelchstein acknowledged that the co-promoting demands tripped up the negotiations.

Emelianenko now enters Strikeforce with a 26-fight win streak (with 20 stoppages), including victories over former UFC champions Andrei Arlovski and Tim Sylvia in his two most recent bouts. He had been slated to fight Josh Barnett at "Affliction: Trilogy," but Barnett was denied a license due to a failed drug test, and the Aug. 1 event was scrapped altogether a few days later.

Rogers, meanwhile, enters the contest with a perfect 10-0 record with 10 first-round stoppages. In fact, only one opponent (Abongo Humphrey) lasted more than a round with the Minnesota-based fighter. Most recently, Rogers, who had campaigned for Barnett's slot before the "Trilogy" event was ultimately canceled, scored a stunning 22-second knockout over former UFC champ Arlovski at a June Strikeforce event in St. Louis.

No other details were announced about the Emelianenko vs. Rogers matchup. While the fight is certain to headline the show, it's unknown if it'll be a standard three-rounder or if it'll be a five-round bout for an interim heavyweight title.

Woo! Get to see Fedor fighting again!

[stpierrecanada]

Also guy's don't start *****ing about competition. I have Rogers in my top 10 and also Rogers is higher ranked than Carwin on most sites. So if people are complaining about this fight...Then they should be complaining about Lesnar/Carwin. I think it's a good debut fight. I know Fedor will win, but still a tough challenge.

[Macster78]

Rogers is young enough to put up a fight. Oops Fedor 2nd round armbar.

[mobb13]

Yeah I see this fight going as a submission win for fedor. Then again i said the same thing about Arlovski.

[mobb13]

[Andrew_The_Man]

I have a very good feeling Fedor will get the KO standing on the feet, Fedor likes to play into opponents strengths. Brett has standup skills cause of his arm length+power. his arms are from as far as I know is 82inches, I see this as being a KO on the feet or beatdown Gary Goodridge style with Fedor the winner, This will not go past the first minute of the fight.

[Spidergreg]

oh yeah, i already heard about this...
will be interesting both guys KO AA in round1...

Fedor, round1 by whatever he wants

[MurderMayhem666]

Rogers has a good chance of beating Fedor, I mean he is fast hands, power, and he is very unpredictable because this is gonna be only his second fight training full time. Fedor could be beat by this nobody, even though it's unlikely.

[Andrew_The_Man]

Originally Posted by MurderMayhem666

Rogers has a good chance of beating Fedor, I mean he is fast hands, power, and he is very unpredictable because this is gonna be only his second fight training full time. Fedor could be beat by this nobody, even though it's unlikely.

Brett Rogers isnt a nobody, just because he isnt in the UFC doesnt mean he aint good.

[stpierrecanada]

Originally Posted by MurderMayhem666

Rogers has a good chance of beating Fedor, I mean he is fast hands, power, and he is very unpredictable because this is gonna be only his second fight training full time. Fedor could be beat by this nobody, even though it's unlikely.

Yeah I don't like this statement, very ignorant man. Rogers is just as much of a prospect as Carwin, or Dos Santos...Rogers is in my top 10 list, and most other big MMA sites....I like you man, but ugh don't say **** like that. I get pissed when people badmouth Fedor but esspecially if they don't know what they are talking about. Rogers is a 6'5 265 monster, and is a great fight for Fedor.