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Strikeforce: Fedor versus Rogers results
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Werdum versus Silva
In front of a capacity crowd at the Sears Center in Chicago and a much larger audience on the CBS broadcast, Strikeforce put on the best card in the promotion’s history, tonight. Strikeforce: Fedor versus Rogers showcased every aspect of MMA across four main card fights, each one seemingly more active and exciting than the last.
The following are the main card results for Strikeforce: Fedor versus Rogers:
Fedor Emelianenko versus Brett Rogers- In the headlining bout of the night, Rogers actually proved more about his skills in defeat than he has in his past ten victories. The Grimm came out much more measured than he usually does, waiting for Fedor to strike.
Emelianenko came out as the aggressor, but was bloodied early by a counter jab by Rogers. Fedor punched his way into a body lock and immediately scored a takedown. Proving that he’s more than just a one dimensional striker, Rogers scrambled nicely, clinched up with Fedor, and ground him against the cage.
After another quick exchange, Fedor tossed Rogers to the floor and attempted a quick kimura. In the roll for the submission, Rogers postured up in Fedor’s guard and threw some hands that nearly put The Last Emperor away.
Ever unshakeable, Fedor kept his cool in the face of Rogers’ fists and transitioned from an armbar attempt into a roll. Rogers was also able to show some prowess in his ground work by maintaining a closed guard on Fedor and showed some very above-par grappling defense.
The story of the second frame was a little less favorable for the young challenger. Fedor came out even more aggressive than before. Rogers kept his cool and had some good standing defense. However, about half way in to the frame Rogers got a little antsy and went on the offense. Fedor, having gotten Rogers’ timing down, threw his famous overhand right and knocked his opponent out.
Jake Shields versus Jason Miller- In my predictions, I mentioned that it was time to bet the farm on the underdog. I even lost a bet with the writer of Fighting Words banking on Mayhem. For those who lost their farms, I apologize. However, this middleweight title bout would have been fight of the night on just about any card I’ve ever seen in my life.
The first round opened with Miller landing a few aggressive hand strikes, only to be taken down by a quick single leg from Shields. After the takedown, Miller walked down to the cage wall and conserved his energy as Shields tried to grind him down.
This opening maneuver became the story of the fight, and no play by play can do it justice. Shields blanketed Miller, staying ahead on points, while Miller picked his shots for big takedowns and attempts to win.
Over the course of the bout, Miller and Shields ran a fight that demonstrated just about everything that ground work is in MMA. A twister and a banana split were just two of many positions I’ve only seen in training until tonight.
The highlight of the bout came at the end of the third frame, where the ever patient Miller saw his big opportunity to strike. In a stunning reversal, Miller took Shields’ back and locked in a rear naked choke that promised to end the fight. A red and fading Shields held onto consciousness long enough to be saved by the bell. Shields then came out strong in the last two rounds, maintaining control of the ground game and securing a decision win.
Gegard Mousasi versus Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou- Sokoudjou was another of the many fighters tonight whose stock did not drop in his loss. The African Assassin not only had a much better gas tank than his last few outings, but also finally got to show off his Judo credentials, being one of the first men to score multiple takedowns on Mousasi in a single round.
Mousasi still got the better of the striking in the first round, dazing Sokoudjou more than once. However, Sokoudjou’s control game enabled him to hang on into the second round.
Then came the second round. Mousasi apparently had Sokoudjou figured out and neutralized most of his offense. After dazing Thierry the fight went to the ground once more, this time with Mousasi working a brutal ground and pound on Sokoudjou and winning the bout via referee stoppage.
Fabricio Werdum versus Antonio Silva- The action started early, tonight, as Bigfoot Silva dominated the stand up portion of the first round, nearly putting Werdum away early with strikes. After a bumpy start, though, Werdum woke up and started to out work his giant opponent.
As expected, Werdum did have a superior ground game, but the big key to his victory was consistent working of an inside leg kick. Silva made little attempt to check the blow and over the course of three rounds Werdum was able to take a little power away from the larger opponent.
In the third round, Werdum started to throw his weight around in the clinch and score big knees that dazed Silva, badly. In the end, Werdum’s come back was more than enough to get the job done and he was awarded the unanimous decision.
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