Millions of televisions will be tuned to CBS on Saturday night for the return of one of the best in the business. Yes, at the Strikeforce show, America will wait with bated breath for... the dulcet tones of Gus Johnson behind an MMA mike.
That may be burying the lede but there's a bit of truth to my flippancy. Even though we MMA fans are salivating over a major stage for the world's best heavyweight Fedor Emilianenko, it remains to be seen whether he'll get mainstream eyeballs trained on the cage come Saturday. The most important storyline of the weekend may not be the action in the ring but the ratings the morning after. CBS's commitment to MMA has been impressive so far, but if they can't get viewers to come out for one of the best fighters in the world, their zeal may wane.
Fedor's signature armbars may become America's most popular Russian import since Stoli.
Personally, I'm not concerned with who's missing out. This is a solid card: good names for the fight fans and a couple good matchups to convert the newbies. Fedor vs. Brett Rogers is a huge step up from Kimbo against the tomato cans and speaks to a long-term quality that Strikeforce is concerned with but never troubled EliteXC. If EliteXC had put the right eggs in the right baskets, they might have had this fight: Rogers is a three-fight veteran of the folded promotion.
As impressive as Strikeforce has been so far, this weekend will serve as a strong referendum on their future. A night of exciting fights, strong ratings, and a finish that shows off Fedor's immense talent while still protecting a young star in Rogers would be a dream scenario for Scott Coker, but the real world rarely plays out that nicely. I think he'd settle for dodging a disaster of Petruzellian proportions. With a Challengers card that's splitting his staff between Fresno and Chicago, Coker is already playing from behind when trying to execute a flawless product on Saturday. Bonus points to him if they pull it off.
Article comments
1 - John
Good article, but I'd like to point out some small mistake.
Fedor never lost to Big Nog, the fight was ruled a NC due to the accidental headbutt.
2 - Critic
LOL get your facts straight before you write an article!
3 - MDT
You're absolutely right: I had written "blemishes" meaning to say no-contest for the Nog fight and then for some reason put decision loss. I'll get that corrected.
4 - UFC Notes
I think Fedor wins via submission quick in the 1sr round over Rogers. I think Rogers' only chance of winning is landing a huge knockout blow (like Henderson did at UFC 100). But I just dont see that happening. Fedor is way too skilled and will take this to the ground and will win quickly.
5 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
There really shouldn't be any doubt in anyone's mind about Fedor now! Rogers was supposed to be the "Emperor Killer" because a lot of UFC Fanboys, er..I mean MMA fans felt that Fedor has only been victorious over "cans" previously (I guess they never watched him fight in Pride). BUT, this was a clear victory with a brutal knockout in the second round!
Fedor was correct in saying that Rodgers is a great fighter and he does have a lot of talent,but, a second match would only prove that Rodgers doesn't have the experience to deal with such a warrior. AND, Rodgers needs to learn some sportsmanship, class & respect before they give him another shot!
I really don't see Brock Lesnar lasting too long in the ring with Fedor.