Strikeforce- Fedor vs. Rogers: Don’t Call it a Preview
__________________________________________________________________________We are less than 24 hours to see the commencement of #1 Heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko’s Brock-Dodging contract. Fedor is only the star in the minds of MMA fans, yet mainstream sports fans should look forward to an interesting matchup between Fedor and red-hot opponent Mr. T Brett Rogers. And, yes, Gus Johnson will be on the call.
YOUR ‘FEDOR VS. ROGERS’ PREDICTIONS
Brett Rogers over Fedor Emelianenko. That’s right, the only thing that will justify CBS’ showcasing of Fedor, with no sign of Gina Carano anywhere on the card, is the colossal upset that will shake the foundation of MMA and bring an arrogant smile across the face of Dana White. Brett Rogers is a biiiig boy, but an even bigger underdog as his quick knockout power has carried him to a 10-0 record (1 win by submission). Rogers needs to end this one in the first round if he wants a chance, but I’m giving him one. Rogers by ‘shockout’ in round one!
Can this man beat Fedor? We think so
Jake Shields over Jason “Mayhem” Miller. Miller is a great character, he even has his own show on MTV, but he is not the star of this show and he won’t even be the star of his own fight. Jake Shields doesn’t mess around and I like him to submit Miller early.
Gegard Mousasi over Rameau Sokoudjou. I can’t remember the last time Sokoudjou looked good. MMA’s equivalent of that one guy who played for the Redskins and ran for all those yards in that one Superbowl will now encounter rising star Gegard Mousasi. For those of you who don’t know, and don’t act like you do, Mousasi is a specialist in Judo and kickboxing who also happens to have a strong submission game. He is currently riding a 13-fight win-streak and Sokoudjou won’t be able to keep up with whatever Mousasi decides to throw at him. Mousasi rolls in this one in impressive fashion.
Fabricio Werdum over Antonio Silva. Antonio Silva has been on an impressive roll as of late, and winning this fight would go a long way in legitimizing his recent tear across the heavyweight division as well as his career to this point. I like the bigger, stronger, Jui-Jitsu heavyweight to get perhaps the biggest victory of his career.
YOUR ‘FEDOR vs. ROGERS’ PROJECTED RATING
The last MMA card on CBS, EliteXC’s Heat, drew a 1.8 rating with 4.3 million viewers, a good rating but not good enough to keep EliteXC in business for the long term.
It is also important to note that the last card had arguably the two biggest stars in MMA with Gina Carano and Kimbo Slice being featured in bouts.
This card has no female bouts on the main card and Fedor Emelienenko is not a big enough star to be a difference-maker in the ratings despite being the number 1 heavyweight in the world. It also doesn’t help that The UFC will be counter-programming with its upcoming ‘Main Events’ Special scheduled to air during The Strikeforce fights. In any event, MMA fans will be excited to see MMA on network television as the sport continues its exponential growth and transition into the mainstream media.
I say the show will do around a 1.0 rating in prime time, which is respectable but not earth-shattering.
Related Stories
Tags: Brett Rogers, EliteXC, Fedor Emelianenko, Gus Johnson, MMA, MMA on CBS, Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers
