Fedor vs Rogers: boom goes the dynamite

November 7, 11:35 PMDallas MMA/Pro Wrestling ExaminerGreg Garcia

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       F. Emelianenko, photo courtesy of MMAjunkie.com

The network television world finally got to see an MMA main event heavyweight fight that featured two top ten heavyweights face off and put on an exciting fight with a dramatic finish that will be replayed on highlight reels for the foreseeable future. Strikeforce could not have hoped for a better main event and overall each fight was strong.

When Brett Rogers and Fedor Emelianenko stepped into the cage the stage was set. The crowd was built up and ready to go. The 'big fight' atmosphere was there.

Rogers came out looking a little nervous which was surprising. Fedor came out calm and patient as he usually does. A hard left hand from Rogers cut the nose of Fedor early on. Despite the blood Fedor was the one to press Rogers when it should have been the other way around, at least from Rogers standpoint.

Rogers was caught by a left hand and then taken down by Fedor. Rogers did not look uncomfortable on his back and was able to gain control following a kimura attempt by Fedor. Roger postured up and began land some big punches but Fedor quickly turned for an arm bar. Rogers was able to slip it and eventually scramble back to his feet.

Roger was briefly able to pin Fedor up against the cage during the first round but was not able to land any significant damage. The cage was not a factor in this fight as some had speculated that it might have been.

At the end of the first round, you would have thought that Rogers would be a little more confident and let his hand go. That was not the case. Then just as the second round began to warm up POW! Fedor caught Rogers with a huge over hand right and that was a wrap. Once again Fedor finds a split second mistake by his opponent and makes them pay.

If anything, you have to agree on two things. First Brett Rogers is for real. He showed everyone that he is not just a heavy handed puncher but he has some ground defense and his ground game is not a liability. Secondly, Fedor Emelianenko is and deservingly so the top heavyweight fighter in the world.

Yes Fedor loops his punches and gets off balance but his counter punching along with his power make him a threat to any heavyweight. Rogers should also not be discouraged in any manor of the word. This guy's future is bright. He is still young in the sport and should only improve over time.

Overall the card was good. Jake Shields did what he always does and that is control his opponents with his jiu jitsu and wrestling. Jason Miller had no answers and defended the take down terribly. If Miller could have kept the fight on their feet then he would have had a chance. Other than the rear naked choke to close out the third, he did not seem to have a chance at any point of the fight. Shields did not win in exciting fashion but he was in control the entire fight doing what was needed to win the Strikeforce middleweight championship.

Gegard Mousasi defeated a guy who appears that he may need to find a new profession. Sokoudjou or 'Sendojou' as Frank Shamrock kept referring to him as has no heart. He basically gave up mentally in a fight that he was not losing by much. It could have been his stamina but it appeared Sokoudjou just gave in once he was on his back mounted.

Fabricio Werdum found out fairly quick that standing with 'Big Foot' is not a great idea. However he was able to control Antonio Silva most of the fight to pull out the win. Werdum let everyone know that he wants to fight Fedor. Werdum may want to be careful what he wishes for.

Overall again, the show was solid. Despite the referees finding ways to stand in front of the camera, the commentary being sub par at best and Fedor's translator not understanding the questions the fights were good and this was the kind of card that MMA fans would want to see presented to the masses as a representation of what MMA is about.

Strikeforce is still not close to the UFC but is going in the right direction. It will be interesting to see what the ratings are. If they are high it would not be surprising for Strikeforce to make a run at PPV.

Here is a breakdown of the results.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Fedor Emelianenko def. Brett Rogers via TKO (punches) - Round 2, 1:48
• Jake Shields def. Jason "Mayhem" Miller via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)
• Gegard Mousasi def. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou via TKO (strikes) - Round 2, 3:43
• Fabricio Werdum def. Antonio Silva via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

PRELIMINARY CARD

• Marlos Coenen def. Roxanne Modafferi via submission (armbar) - Round 1, 1:03
• Jeff Curran def. Dustin Neace via submission (injury) - Round 1, 1:39
• Shamar Bailey def. John Kolosci via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
• Nate Moore def. Louis Taylor via submission (strikes) - Round 2, 3:24
• Christian Uflacker def. Jonatas Novaes via unanimous decision (29-26, 30-25, 30-25)