Check out Jason “Mayhem” Miller and Jake Shields eying each other up after the jump. For the complete photo gallery of the Strikeforce: “Fedor vs. Rogers” pre-fight press conference head over to CombatLifestyle.com.
***Bonus Pic! Even “The Grim” stands in awe of Marloes Coenen!
Strikeforce returns to action this Saturday night and will finally be able to utilize the most valuable asset they acquired when they purchased ProElite’s assets – the CBS Saturday Night Fights contract.
Fedor Emelianenko vs. Brett Rogers – Um, do we really even need to discuss this fight at all?
Outside of calling himself “The Grim” and having a tough-guy mohawk, what exactly does Brett Rogers have going for himself in this fight?
A win over James Thompson? Wow, stellar. A victory over Ron Humphries? Well tickle me pink. A victory over Andrei Arlovski? Impressive, but not that impressive considering it was against the 2009 version of Arlovski and not the 2004-05 version.
Fedor is Fedor. Period. Nothing else needs to be said.
Fedor is Fedor.
Rogers has no chance.
Fedor is Fedor.
Fedor is Fedor.
Fedor is Fedor.
Fedor is Fedor.
Winner: Fedor EmelianenkoJake Shields vs. Jason Miller – Jake Shields insists he is still on a machine to get the “respect” that he deserves as a fighter. Personally, I don’t think anyone is sleeping on Jake Shields anymore and that he has all the respect he deserves. Nevertheless, Shields is now trying his hand at middleweight in an attempt to prove his worth and mettle as a competitor.
To me, Jason Miller seems like a perfect opponent for Shield’s debut before a national audience on CBS. While Jason Miller is more known for his flamboyant speech and mannerisms, behind that facade is a truly talented fighter. Miller also brings some huge national name recognition with the younger audience to this fight after his two successful season’s hosting a show on MTV.
Miller has looked strong in his recent battles with Ronaldo Souza, and his grappling in their first matchup was solid. However, I have a strong suspicion that his grappling just isn’t anywhere near good enough to compete with Jake Shields. Shields has turned into something of a submission savant in recent months.
While Miller should put on a good show as always and give Shields a decent test, I fully expect the night to end with Shields holding both the middleweight and welterweight Strikeforce belts above his head.
Winner: Jake Shields
Gegard Mousasi vs. Rameau Sokoudjou – I don’t really think much analysis needs to be given to the Mousasi vs. Sokoudjou fight. This is a matchup of two fighters headed in completely different directions in their respective careers.
Sokoudjou enjoyed quick notoriety when he quickly dispatched Ricardo Arona and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in PrideFC back in 2007, but quickly fizzled out and was never able to capitalize on the hype he had created. Losses to Lyoto Machida, Luiz Cane, and Renato Sobral have left the Team Quest member languishing in the DREAM “Super Hulk” tournament, MMA’s version of a circus side show.
Gegard Mousasi, on the other hand, continues to climb to new heights in his career and is now attacking the light heavyweight division. With a 26-2 record, Mousasi rolled through the Japanese middleweight scene losing only to Akihiro Gono in 2006 before winning the DREAM Middleweight Grand Prix in 2008.
Mousasi has won his last 13 fights using all many of stoppages to get it done. I see Mousasi defeating Sokou anyway he pleases; by strikes, submission or total humiliation.
Winner: Gegard Mousasi
Fabricio Werdum vs. Antonio Silva – Conventional wisdom probably dictates that the more experience Fabricio Werdum should take this fight easily. Werdum has fought vastly superior fighters over his career and is the much better grappler.
However, I’ve watched both these men fight multiple times over the past few years, and I’m going to go against “conventional wisdom” here.
Antonio Silva is really an enigma of a fighter. Silva is surprising quick on his feet for a fighter of his size, and has, what may be a surprise to some, a decent ground game as well.
In my opinion, Werdum simply hasn’t looked impressive at all in his recent fights (save the victory over Gabriel Gonzaga) and I think Silva’s size and striking will give him a run for his money in this fight.
If Werdum show’s up in good shape and with a good game plane (i.e. taking the fight to the ground for a submission) he could very easily win this fight quickly; if not, I look for Silva to win via decision.
Winner: Antonio Silva
Undefeated Strikeforce heavyweight Brett Rogers will make live appearances from Bristol, Connecticut today (Nov. 4) on ESPN2 programs “First Take” at 10 am ET and then again on “SportsNation” at 4 pm ET.
“The Grim” will headline the Strikeforce/CBS live prime time event “Fedor vs. Rogers” this Saturday (Nov. 7) from the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Illinois at 10 pm ET against famed heavyweight attraction Fedor Emelianenko.
“There’s loopholes in everybody’s game, and in his game, the way I see it, he can sometimes get a little sloppy. He is a patient guy, but when he feels that he has to give, he kind of rushes it a little bit. Just on that, I can kinda set him up for a knockout just by faking an injury or something, just jump in and out his offense a little more than not. Hit and move. Hit and move. Fedor, he’s definitely done and proved to the world that he’s capable of doing whatever he needs to to get the job done. That right there –- that’s the type of fighter that I’m looking forward to fighting because it’s all about testing your might and he’s definitely got it to test.”
To check out the complete Strikeforce: “Fedor vs. Rogers” fight card click here.
Fight Camp 360: ‘Fedor vs Rogers’ will debut tonight (November 3) at 9:30 p.m. ET on Showtime to promote the upcoming Strikeforce/CBS prime time event scheduled for the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, on Saturday, November 7.
The half-hour long special presentation will provide a glimpse into the preparation and training camps of the fighters set to headline the show, heavyweight attractions Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko and Brett “The Grimm” Rogers.
From director Ron Yassen:
“Fedor is beyond captivating as a fighter, and more so, as a man. It’s a pure joy to film him so intimately as he strives for perfection in life and sport with grace and charm. While training for this most important match, he kindly opened up his life to us in and out of the ring, without the ego that often comes with being the very best at one’s craft.”
For those who miss tonight’s “Fight Camp 360″ premier it will re-air on Saturday, November 7 at 4:30 p.m. ET as well as at various times on the cable network’s sister channel Showtime 2.
To check out the complete Strikeforce: “Fedor vs. Rogers” fight card click here.
Strikeforce today (Nov. 2) held a media conference call with heavyweight attractions Fedor Emelianenko and Brett Rogers to promote their upcoming trip to the outskirts of Chicago when the promotion storms the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, for its live CBS prime time broadcast on Nov. 7.
Strikeforce: “Fedor vs. Rogers” will feature a main event between former PRIDE and WAMMA heavyweight champion, Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko trying to quell the undefeated uprising of Brett “The Grim” Rogers in a bid to determine who will challenge Alistair Overeem for the heavyweight strap in 2010.
In addition, “Bully Beatdown” star and DREAM veteran Jason “Mayhem” Miller will take on former Elite XC welterweight champion Jake Shields for the vacant Strikeforce middleweight title.
Rising star Gegard Mousasi will also appear, taking on hard-hitting Rameau Thierry Skoudjou in a non-title affair while Fabricio Werdum looks to go 2-0 for the promotion against former Elite XC heavyweight champ Antonio “Junior” Silva.
Here is a brief recap and highlights of noteworthy items coming out of today’s call:
–Scott Coker and Mitch Graham are excited to be on the call and get right to the questions.
–Brett Rogers doesn’t think Fedor’s marriage will be a distraction for the upcoming fight.
–Fedor Emelianenko is not nervous during the fight but perhaps one day before the fight he will be — because he is human (allegedly). Looks forward to entertaining both Americans and Russians during his stay. Will save his sightseeing for after the fight.
–Lot of heavy whispering and muffled conversation on Emelianenko’s end.
–Brett Rogers feels like he knows Fedor after training for him for three months. Doesn’t think Fedor can handle him standing up so he’s just waiting for the takedown and is not afraid to go there.
–Fedor Emelianenko thinks the NFL is more exciting on TV. Misinterprets a question and confesses he would make a lousy football player.
–Very loud media member screaming his questions like he’s ordering a value meal at the McDonald’s drive-thru.
–Brett Rogers is excited to win this thing and wow the many fans who are there to support him.
–Someone either typing feverishly or playing full contact paddycake in the background, drowning out Fedor’s next response. Something about not going to the UFC.
–Scott Coker doesn’t refute a reporter’s assertion that Fedor is unmarketable, but points to the CBS media campaign that will reach both new and old audiences.
–Fedor Emelianenko is preparing for his fight and can’t be worried about selling himself. His job is to make beautiful fights.
–Brett Rogers doesn’t talk money but reminds Mike Straka that he doesn’t work at Sam’s Club anymore and suggests he re-watch the June 6 Arlovski fight.
–Fedor Emelianenko walks around Chi-town to help relax. On the eve of the fight he gets his coaches to massage him. (Ed: Talk about your bad part-time jobs.) No card games before this fight.
–Brett Rogers is all about meditation and relaxation during his fight prep to help get his mind right for the fight. Will sometimes sleep right up until the fight, come out and take care of business.
–Fedor Emelianenko balks at the accusation that he’s a sloppy fighter.
–Brett Rogers is on a anti-dog fighting crusade because he loves animals and now has the wherewithal to make a difference.
–Fedor Emelianenko does not answer a question about his religion and mental state.
–Brett Rogers agrees that he’s still being underrated based on the huge disparity in the Las Vegas fight odds. Says he’ll get the respect he deserves after the fight and expects a quick finish.
–Fedor Emelianenko will not alter his old-fashioned training regimen because it’s worked for him for his entire career — so why mess with a good thing?
–Scott Coker has no interest in Aleksander Emelianenko until Aleks resolves his issues with the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC).
–Fedor Emelianenko knows Brett Rogers hits hard but is confident in his abilities and does not believe the cage will have an impact on his style.
–Brett Rogers recognizes the difference between a ring and a cage and thinks it may have an impact on striking and will be something he’ll try to exploit during the fight.
–Scott Coker says the Sears Centre is approximately 85-percent sold and anticipates a sellout by Saturday; however, will not confirm an upcoming Dec. 19 show.
–Brett Rogers hopes to build off the striking deficiencies that Andrei Arlovski exposed in the Jan. 24 loss to Fedor.
–Fedor Emelianenko is training in his hotel before the fight and will not train with American fighters.
–Brett Rogers knew he was on an eventual collision course with Fedor after Affliction died and the UFC could not come to terms with the Russian. Thinks he’s as prepared as he can be for Saturday.
–Scott Coker didn’t expect anything from M-1 Global for this event other than bringing Fedor to the states. They did however use their marketing machine to promote the fight overseas.
–Brett Rogers was offered a spot on “Bully Beatdown” but declined because he was preparing for the Fedor fight. Was also asked to audition for the role of B.A. Baracus in the upcoming A-Team movie.
–Fedor Emelianenko thinks he has nothing to prove to American fans who might feel like he hasn’t done anything to earn the title of world’s best heavyweight.
–Brett Rogers doesn’t like the comparisons to Buster Douglas. He’s “Coming from nothing and wanting to be something.” It’s what he’s wanted all his life.
–Some “media member” asks Brett Rogers for advice on being a fighter. Rogers fumbles through the answer and the caller is unceremoniously dismissed.
–Brett Rogers can’t see any scenario where Fedor would try to keep it standing because of Emelianenko’s submission pedigree. Says he closes his eyes and sees Fedor knocked out.
–Fedor Emelianenko will not disclose his fight strategy and coughs up a stock answer about being prepared and the differences between fighting in the U.S. and Japan.
–Scott Coker expects an upcoming announcement about the future of Strikeforce broadcasting plans in the near future.
–Brett Rogers was a little distracted by the camera and media following him around all week but outside of that has no distractions. Plans on pursuing Alistair Overeem after beating Fedor.
–Fedor’s translator is starting to get a little feisty in her responses.
–Fedor Emelianenko is not amused by the assumption that he took part in a Russian ritual that involves killing a bear with a fork and knife. Says the only bear he ever saw was in a zoo.
–The McDonald’s screamer is back. Scott Coker answers his question but my ears are still ringing and I missed it. Sorry.
–Fedor Emelianenko quickly exits stage left after the embarrassing “Bear” question. Call abruptly ends with no goodbye from “The Grim.”
That’s a wrap.
For everything you need to know about the upcoming Strikeforce event feel free to hit up our event archive right here.
The Chicago MMA Hype train has left the station. Has the promoting for the Strikeforce/CBS event been up to snuff? Opinions please…
Strikeforce recently took a major step toward finalizing the line-up for its upcoming trip to the outskirts of Chicago when it storms the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, for its live CBS prime time broadcast on Nov. 7.
Strikeforce: “Fedor vs. Rogers” will feature a main event between former PRIDE and WAMMA heavyweight champion, Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko trying to quell the undefeated uprising of Brett “The Grim” Rogers in a bid to determine who will challenge Alistair Overeem for the heavyweight strap in 2010.
In addition, “Bully Beatdown” star and DREAM veteran Jason “Mayhem” Miller will take on former Elite XC welterweight champion Jake Shields for the vacant Strikeforce middleweight title.
Rising star Gegard Mousasi will also appear, taking on hard-hitting Rameau Thierry Skoudjou in a non-title affair while Fabricio Werdum looks to go 2-0 for the promotion against former Elite XC heavyweight champ Antonio “Junior” Silva.
Here is the current “Fedor vs. Rogers” fight card:
Main event:
265 lbs.: Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko (30-1) vs. Brett “The Grim” Rogers (10-0)
Main card (Televised):
185 lbs.: Jason “Mayhem” Miller (22-6) vs. Jake Shields (23-4-1)
205 lbs.: Gegard “The Dreamcatcher” Mousasi (26-2-1) vs. “The African Assassin” Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (7-4)
265 lbs.: Fabricio “Vai Cavalo” Werdum (12-4-1) vs. Antonio “Junior” Silva (13-1)Under card (May not be broadcast):
145 lbs.: Marloes Coenen (16-3) vs. Roxanne Modafferi (13-4)*
145 lbs.: Jeff “The Big Frog” Curran (29-12-1) vs. Dustin “The Beast” Neace (17-13-1)*
170 lbs.: Shamar Bailey (9-1) vs. John Kolosci (10-5)*
155 lbs.: Deray Davis (5-1-1) vs. Mark Miller (9-5)*
205 lbs.: Nate Moore (3-0) vs. Louis Taylor (4-0)*
170 lbs.: Jonatas Novaes (4-2) vs. Christian Uflacker (1-0)*
*Fight not yet officially confirmed by Strikeforce.
MMAmania.com will provide LIVE blow-by-blow, round-by-round coverage of Fedor vs. Rogers, beginning with the CBS telecast at 10 p.m. ET. In addition, we will deliver up-to-the-minute quick results of all the under card action as it starts to flow around 8 p.m. ET.
We’re still a few days away from showtime; therefore, feel free to share your thoughts and predictions on “Fedor vs Rogers” in the comments section below. And remember that MMAmania.com will be the spot for the latest news and event-related highlights before, during and after the event.
For everything you need to know about the upcoming Strikeforce event feel free to also hit up our event archive right here.
”Keep moving. Never, never stay still. Keep moving, and you’ll always find some way, some pocket, to get out of a bad situation. Especially when it comes to a ground situation.”
– Words of wisdom from former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Josh Barnett, as he helps Brett Rogers prepare to take on the world’s best heavyweight, Fedor Emelianenko, at Strikeforce: “Fedor vs. Rogers” at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Ill., on Nov. 7. Of course, Barnett was supposed to fight Fedor earlier this year at Affliction: “Trilogy;” however, he tested positive for banned substances prior to the match and the bout was scrapped. Barnett competed alongside the Russian for several years under the Pride FC banner and is among the most intelligent fighters in the sport today. If anyone can help Rogers gameplan effectively for Emelianenko it’s certainly Barnett. In fact, he may even be over qualified. But will it be enough for Rogers to overcome years of experience and a much more well rounded skill set?
“The hardest part has been having someone (camera persons) on the mat during training that I CAN’T hit. Normally, the rule is, if you’re on the mat, you’re fair game to get some. It’s been fun to share my story. I feel that I am living the American success story. And I hope that others can take some level of inspiration from it. I am really looking forward to seeing the show, but to be honest, I won’t be in the right frame of mind next week to really enjoy it. I’ll have to go back and watch it in a couple of weeks to digest it all. The film crew has been here for more than five days. I tell you, it is a surreal experience to have the world watching you, watching me do what my fight team and I have been doing for five years in relative obscurity day in and day out. All of a sudden, to have my life become worthy of this attention is amazing, shocking almost. But we are having fun with it. We’ve had various training partners roll through the past few days and it’s been odd to explain what the cameras are doing here. They aren’t expecting it. The first few days the crew was here, it was a bit suffocating. To have them shadow me through my every move, not just in training, but at home with my family, during meals, everywhere. After a few days, though, I kind of got used to it.”
Undefeated heavy-handed heavyweight, Brett Rogers, isn’t going to let his new-found fame (and a few cameras) get in the way of what he has to do at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Illinois on Nov. 7. “The Grim” has taken a serious step up in competition after knocking out Andrei Arlovski at the “Lawler vs. Shields” event back in June. And he’s apparently unfazed about now taking on Fedor Emelianenko, who is widely regarded as the most talented and dominant mixed martial artist ever, at the next major Strikeforce event that will air on national television (CBS). To get a behind the scenes look at the Rogers training camp, be sure to check out FIGHT CAMP 360: “Fedor vs. Rogers” via Showtime on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 9:30 p.m. ET.
NEW YORK (Oct. 22, 2009)-In the wake of the critically acclaimed debut of FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic, SHOWTIME Sports® turns the spotlight to mixed martial arts with FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers.
FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers will feature unrestricted access to one of the most enigmatic professional athletes of today, Fedor Emelianenko and his next opponent, the undefeated Brett Rogers, as they prepare to headline “STRIKEFORCE/M-1 Global Saturday Night Fights” to be broadcast LIVE on Saturday, Nov. 7 (9:00 PM, ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.
FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers will premiere on SHOWTIME® on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT. The CBS Television Network will also make the show available to its 203 affiliated stations for broadcast in advance of the fight.
From director Ron Yassen, who is embedded in Fedor’s training camp in Stary Oskol, Russia: “Fedor is beyond captivating as a fighter, and more so, as a man. It’s a pure joy to film him so intimately as he strives for perfection in life and sport with grace and charm. While training for this most important match, he kindly opened up his life to us in and out of the ring, without the ego that often comes with being the very best at one’s craft.”
Produced in conjunction with Roadside Entertainment, FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers will showcase both fighters as they prepare for this historic fight. Nov. 7 marks the first time Fedor, widely considered the sport’s No. 1 fighter, will appear in front of a national broadcast television audience. Despite his iconic status within the sport, Fedor (30-1) remains shrouded in mystery, living and training in seclusion in a remote mining village in Russia far away from the spotlight afforded the sports’ very best.
Rogers lives and trains in Minneapolis, and enters the fight with an impressive 10-0 record after most recently dismantling former heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski. Rogers, a quiet, soft-spoken giant outside the cage, who earlier this year quit his job as a tire technician at Sam’s Club, has the opportunity of a lifetime to dethrone the sport’s greatest in front of a national television audience.
“The response to our inaugural episode of Fight Camp 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic chronicling the boxing tournament has been overwhelming,” said SHOWTIME Sports General Manager Ken Hershman, who commissioned the project. “Because of the subjects involved-the mysterious world champion set to fight a man living the American dream-we had to turn our lens in this direction. Special thanks to M-1 Global and STRIKEFORCE for affording us a level of access to both men that has been unparalleled in their respective careers.”
Scott Coker, president of STRIKEFORCE, added, “This is a one of a kind opportunity for fans to go behind the scenes and take a close look at the extraordinary, number one fighter in the world – Fedor – and his opponent who has become a symbol of The American Dream.”
Below are the air dates and times for FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers on SHOWTIME and SHOWTIME 2®.
Tuesday, Nov. 3 9:30p (premiere) SHO
Tuesday, Nov. 3 10:00p SHO2
Wednesday, Nov. 4 11p SHO2
Thursday, Nov. 5 10p SHO2
Friday, Nov. 6 10p SHO2
Saturday, Nov. 7 4:30p SHO
Note: all times ET/PT
“I will not comment on [Brett Rogers], I am very busy with K-1 right now, with all the fight I have there. When there will be time to meet in the ring he will see. For now, I will not comment. I am very busy these days, I have a fight in Glory, then in DREAM.12 and after that I’ll fight in the K-1 Finals so I am very busy with training and fighting and I don’t have time for this bullshit.”
MIA Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem tells MMARocks.pl that his busy schedule does not permit him the time to respond to recent criticisms from Brett Rogers, who claims that “Demolition Man” is hiding from American drug tests by continually fighting overseas instead of returning to San Jose to defend the title he’s held hostage since 2007. Is Overeem simply fulfilling his International duties? Or does “The Grim” have him all figured out?