Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers is being touted as the largest mixed martial arts event of the year, and Strikeforce has pulled in the biggest name in the sport for its debut on network television. Widely considered the best MMA fighter in the world, Fedor "The Last Emperor" Emelianenko will face Minneapolis' undefeated heavyweight Brett Rogers in the night's main event. Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers will be held at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, IL and will be shows live on CBS at 8:00 with the undercard kicking off at 6:00 (CT).
Main card
Fedor "The Last Emperor" Emelianenko (30-1) vs. Brett "The Grim" Rogers (10-0) (Heavyweight bout)
While Rogers' has been touted as one of the most powerful punchers in the sport, Emelianenko has proven time and time again that he's no slouch when it comes to trading blows. Rogers is likely to come out in the same raging-bull fashion as he did against Andrei Arlovski, but Emelianenko's patience has never flinched in the past and he should be able to withstand the initial rush from "The Grim." From there it's only a matter of time until Rogers is taken down, and that's where Emelianenko will take over; Rogers has never been tested on the ground while "The Last Emperor" has won gold in the Russian Sambo Championships five years straight. One more thing to watch out for will be Emelianenko's ability to work within the confines of the cage, something that other fighters such as Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovi? have had difficulty with when transitioning from matches in a ring. That being said, it's still hard to imagine Rogers coming out of this one with a victory.
Winner: Emelianenko via submission in round 1
Jason "Mayhem" Miller (29-6) vs. Jake Shields (28-4) (Middleweight Championship bout)
While both fighters have strong ground skills, Jason Miller has the ability to take control of the fight with his strikes, which could potentially give him the upper hand in the match. Despite their similar abilities on the ground however, Miller should look to keep the fight away from the mat as Shields has won six of his last seven matches via submission. Though the bout for the currently vacant Middleweight Championship has the potential to go the distance, look for Shields to take over on the ground if given the chance.
Winner: Shields via submission in round 2
Gegard "The Dreamcatcher" Mousasi (29-2) vs. Rameau Thierry "The African Assassin" Sokoudjou (7-4) (Light Heavyweight bout)
While Sokoudjou has been one of the most electric fighters in the world of mixed martial arts, Gegard Mousasi is simply better on his feet and better on the ground. Having put together a run of 13 straight victories with just one of those matches making it out of the first round, look for this match to end fast.
Winner: Mousasi via KO in round 1
Fabricio "Vai Cavalo" Werdum (12-4-1) vs. Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva (13-1) (Heavyweight bout)
The battle of the Brazilian heavyweights is pinning two very big, very strong fighters against one another. Silva is the much heavier fighter however and will likely look to use his weight advantage to keep the fight off of the mat, where Werdum has the advantage as a highly accredited grappler. Though Werdum's recent stint in the UFC was hot and cold, it included wins over both Gabriel Gonzaga and Brandon Vera. Add to the equation that Silva has only fought outside of the first round twice in his 14 fights, his cardio is still questionable and that doesn't bode well for the fighter as the bout progresses.
Winner: Werdum via submission in round 2
Undercard
Women's bout: Marloes Coenen (16-3) vs. Roxanne Modafferi (13-4)
Welterweight bout: Mark Miller (9-5) vs. Deray Davis (5-1)
Bantamweight bout: Jeff Curran (31-12) vs. Sam Thao (5-1)
Middleweight bout: John Kolosci (10-5) vs. Shemar Bailey (9-1)
Middleweight bout: Louis Taylor (4-0) vs. Nate Moore (5-1)
Welterweight bout: Christian Uflacker (1-0) vs. Jonatas Novaes (4-2)
Previously: Relaxing is Brett Rogers' key to beating Fedor Emelianenko
| Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers | ||
| Examiner | Winner | For More... |
 Scott Heritage Pittsburgh Fight Sports |
Fedor 1st Round TKO |
StrikeForce: Fedor vs. Rogers predictions |
 Joseph Bourelly Oakland Fight Sports |
Fedor | The time for Fedor - Rogers is upon us |
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Fedor 1st Round Submission |
Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers preview and predictions |
 Eddie Graveline Mixed Martial Arts |
Fedor Submission |
Strikeforce Fedor vs. Rogers predictions: Fedor, Shields, Werdum and Mousasi will submit opponents |
 Chris Garcia Las Vegas MMA |
Fedor Submission |
Strikeforce: Fedor vs Rogers preview |
 Doug Drexler Tampa MMA |
Fedor 1st Round Submission |
Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers - Previews and predictions |
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