Cagewriter - UFC

It's too bad Fedor Emelianenko hasn't gotten much mainstream media coverage over the years because tomorrow night's fight against Brett Rogers really could've been pitched as a 1980's throwback promotion. Fedor resembles some of the great Soviet Olympians from 30 years ago. He's walking around the fighter hotel in Chicago with a huge entourage that includes two dudes who look like Rasputin. The world's No. 1 heavyweight is decked out in zip up jacket that simply reads "Russia." CBS color analyst Frank Shamrock says it's all part of what makes up Fedor's aura:

"One of the things he said in his interview was 'my father and mother brought me up to have a strong love of god and of country. And I fight because I want to fight for my country. I want Russia to be pround. Just that statement we were all floored. That is a very powerful force to drive you to do something."

Fedor is a total throwback:

"He came into the warmup jumping the rope and doing pull ups. He's wearing the suits from the 70's.  He want to be a good person ... after he smashes you."

His opponent Brett Rogers is far from a bad dude. His story is unreal. Making little money until 2009, the 6-5, 265-pounder had to work a full-time gig at Sam's Club. He's a family man and has fulfilled every promotional media request.

With the Cold War laid to rest, it'll be interesting to see if american viewers will root for Rogers simply because Fedor is a Russian. Most MMA fans don't care about cultural lines but they'll make up a minute portion of the CBS audience.

Shamrock buils a pretty good case for Rogers pulling the upset. Shamrock says Rogers footwork is great and he's got a great shot if he keeps Fedor backing up throughout the fight. Is he just making the pitch for CBS or does he really believe it?

Make sure you listen to the end when Shamrock suggests that the best fighter on the card is actually Gegard Mousasi. Mousasi, 24, will face Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou. Shamrock said if Mousasi ever faces Anderson Silva he'd beat him every time.

digg delicious
more

28 Comments

Post a Comment
  1. Clifford J
    1. Posted by Clifford J Fri Nov 06, 2009 4:40 pm EST

    Report Abuse

    "Mousasi, 24, will face Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou. Shamrock said if Mousasi ever faces Anderson Silva he'd beat him every time."
    Ahh ... probably not. Saying Rogers has a shot at beating Fedor isn't Strikeforce propaganda, but that last statement sure is. And never mind the fact that A. Silva isn't even really a light heavyweight (though he can obviously fight at that weight class).
    Still, the fight tomorrow is going to be killer. I hope they do sign Dan Henderson, a little competition for the UFC would be good for the sport.
  2. Mojo7
    2. Posted by Mojo7 Fri Nov 06, 2009 4:46 pm EST

    Report Abuse

    Hey Steve Cofield, Where did you learn to write, prison? You sound like an idiot. Get an editor, because this is 3rd grade drivel.
  3. PaddyRite
    3. Posted by PaddyRite Fri Nov 06, 2009 4:50 pm EST

    Report Abuse

    How much is Shamrock getting to promote this?. Wow, he is laying the hype thicker that maple syrup, but twice as gooey and sweet. Trying to sell the unsellable is a huge task. I think they are starting to look a little desperate. Could it be that the eraly indicators is that this will be a rating flopmeister?. I hope its a good fight. But my experience tells me that Mayhem/Shields will be the only good fight on the card. Mousasi/ Soko is just a plain joke.
  4. Rob R
    4. Posted by Rob R Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:00 pm EST

    Report Abuse

    Shamrock also said that Fedor is the "top guy" (OK) and that Rogers is the "next top guy."
    WHAAAA?! Maybe in Strikeforce...but REALLY?! And doesn't that kind of throw your heavyweight champion Overeem under the bus? (Not that Overeem doesn't deserve it.)
    For Shamrock to say that Moose would beat Anderson Silva "every time" is an absolute outrage.
    Paddy: Werdum-Bigfoot could be interesting. And the womens' fight (Modafferi-Coenen), if it makes the air, ought to be good. But I do believe Fedor and Moose will steamroll their opponents in less than 3 minutes each.
  5. jayyolf1
    5. Posted by jayyolf1 Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:01 pm EST

    Report Abuse

    I agree with Frank, Gegard would probably win against Anderson. That would be a great fight, finally throw Anderson in the cage with some real competition (the "spider" has only fought tomato cans, Dan Henderson was his only A-Level fight). Hopefully we get to find out when Mousasi comes to the UFC (which he stated he wants to).
  6. Dhurt
    6. Posted by Dhurt Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:08 pm EST

    Report Abuse

    Yes, An MMA event on FREE TV for all the fight fans to enjoy this weekend. The Last Emperor is in the US of A.
  7. Rob R
    7. Posted by Rob R Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:18 pm EST

    Report Abuse

    Jayyolf...Do you think he would win "every time?" Because that's apparently (unless Steve is misquoting him) what Shamrock said. I can see where people (I'm not one of them) think Mousasi is better than Silva or would have a good chance to beat Silva...but "every time?!"
    If you do think he would win "every time," then please stop calling people "UFC nuthuggers," because you are the biggest Strikeforce nuthugger out there. Bigger than Ken Hershman and Mauro Ranallo combined.
  8. mathiasmorciglio
    8. Posted by mathiasmorciglio Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:23 pm EST

    Report Abuse

    Moussasi would beat Silva "every time"? That's just plain ridiculous. Moussasi MIGHT have what it takes to beat Silva, but he's hardly beat the top competition to prove that. I don't think there's a man alive who'd beat A. Silva EVERY time. Even Fedor, granted he'd probably beat Silva 9 out of 10 times, or even 99 out of 100, but Silva'd win once, he's that good.
  9. jayyolf1
    9. Posted by jayyolf1 Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:32 pm EST

    Report Abuse

    No I don't believe he would win "everytime," hence the part where I said "probably." I do believe Gegard would beat Anderson, but not "every time," that is rediculous. Anderson is dope, but I just know that Anderson is not "invincible" like the ufc hype machine would like us to believe. The guy has only fought B-Level fighters, with his only A-Level fight being against Dan Henderson. AND of course this is all IMHO
  10. jayyolf1
    10. Posted by jayyolf1 Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:45 pm EST

    Report Abuse

    oh and also I think it's awesome that Frank called out Anderson Silva and said publicly that Gegard can beat him (except he shouldn't have said "every time"). Now let's see if Anderson the "Spider" Silva has the courage to meet this challenge one day, but he will probably duck him like he does every other potential loss (yes, I am still upset that Dan Henderson did not get the rematch, but at the same time, I don't really care 'cause they don't pay my bills........yes! I love it when I get to use A Bronx Tale quote! LOL!)
  11. Sandman
    11. Posted by Sandman Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:51 pm EST

    Report Abuse

    For days now everyone is going crazy over Gegard Mousasi. I agree that he looks great, but don’t you think that some of you guys are exaggerating just a little? I’ve seen all of Mousasi’s fights. But get real, he was getting killed by Denis Kang before he made a fatal error, which Mousasi exploited (as any good fighter would). Mousasi looks very, very promising—I am not denying his potential, but his past competition does not warrant THIS much glorification. Think about it: Does his submitting Mark Hunt, a fat old irrelevant hack, really add untouchable luster to his record? Or what about his submitting a one-trick pony like hanhoef? Is Mousasi’s stand-up anywhere near Anderson or Belfort? What warrants that claim? I grant his destruction of Sobral was impressive. But how good is Sobral nowadays? I’m not saying he isn’t great, I’m just saying it is not obvious that he is top-level material. Conclusion: Mousasi looks like a very, very good prospect. Fighting Sokoudjou is not impressive in my book and will not validate Mousasi as just as good as (or better than) Anderson. Mousasi enthusiasts should let him rack up some meaningful scores before they compare him to the best fighters in the world. Again, I think he looks great, I’m just saying it is an exaggeration to compare him to Anderson at this point. I’m not attacking Strikeforce or praising the UFC—this comment is not aimed at such comparisons. I’m just skeptical of the intense glorification of Mousasi at the present, as he has not quite earned the extreme adoration that many bloggers are giving him.
  12. Sandman
    12. Posted by Sandman Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:53 pm EST

    Report Abuse

    *Manhoef*
  13. AdamG
    13. Posted by AdamG Fri Nov 06, 2009 6:01 pm EST

    Report Abuse

    Saying that Moussasi would beat Anderson Silva is an opinion, and not one you would expect from a professional fighter. Moussasi looks good in all of his fights, but he hasn't fought the level of competition that Anderson has. While Moussasi appears to have the tools to beat Anderson, I also felt the same way about Dan Henderson. And if Dan does indeed sign with Strike Force, a match with Moussasi isn't far off.
  14. Robert C
    14. Posted by Robert C Fri Nov 06, 2009 6:05 pm EST

    Report Abuse

    Cofield? Do you now butcher your grammar on purpose?
    I will forgive small errors and hate when people complain about them...BUT THIS ONE IS RIDICULOUS.
  15. jayyolf1
    15. Posted by jayyolf1 Fri Nov 06, 2009 6:10 pm EST

    Report Abuse

    AdamG - "he hasn't fought the level of competition that Anderson has." - Anderson Silva has only fought B-Level fighters, with his only A-Level fight being against Dan Henderson.
  16. Matt M
    16. Posted by Matt M Fri Nov 06, 2009 6:15 pm EST

    Report Abuse

    Sandman - Mousasi doesn't have the kind of standup that Belfort and Silva has, however, its very good. His kickboxing fight with Musashi where he beat the crap out of Musashi is proof of this. And Musashi is a top level k-1 fighter. Granted, Musashi probably underestimated (highly underestimated in fact) Gegard. If they had another k-1 fight, it would be much more competitive and Musashi would prob win it. Nevertheless, it just shows that Gegard is more than just a grappler.
    I'd say he could hold his own against Silva or Belfort on the feet, though either one of them would get the better of the striking against him.
  17. Sandman
    17. Posted by Sandman Fri Nov 06, 2009 6:31 pm EST

    Report Abuse

    @ Matt M
    Thanks for the comment. I'll rewatch the Musashi bout.
  18. Steven W
    18. Posted by Steven W Fri Nov 06, 2009 7:39 pm EST

    Report Abuse

    thanks for bringing that up matt m...i was about to reference the k1 match as well. i was actually looking forward to seeing him fight more in k1 but these days it doesn't look like that will happen. but who knows, he might pull an overeem and just keep doing what the f he wants.
    sandman, mathias, rob and jayyolf...i see your points and agree with many others in saying that shamrock is a little outta control in saying that mousasi would beat anderson every time....but i think it's important to remember that there's little to no chance he really believes that, therefore you shouldn't take it seriously either. just take it as him saying mousasi is the best fighter they have at that weight and that he'd beat the best fighter the ufc has at a similar weight....that's what my frank shamrock filter tells me.
    and sandman specifically, i understand that he needs to beat more people on paper to be considered anywhere near the p4p list or warrant all these accolades in most people's eyes....but one thing that nobody seems to be taking into consideration that i always mention is JUST WATCH THE FIGHTS. listen, i get that his resume doesn't equal what you think it should for this many people to be on his jock....but when you watch him, his technique, timing, execution, defense...everything, the whole package...it's scary good. everybody knows he needs to beat more names, but everybody in the know sees how he fights, who he has done it against, who he trains with, his demeanor...all of the above. all the ingredients are there, it's obvious he's on the rise and everybody is just very excited about it. that's my take on it.
  19. jayyolf1
    19. Posted by jayyolf1 Fri Nov 06, 2009 8:59 pm EST

    Report Abuse

    Cofield - "it wasn't about money (in regards to Fedor with Dana/Fertitas/UFC) it was about respect" Bravo Steve for having the balls to say it like it is, I take back a lot of the things I said about you.......this was an intriguing interview, good job.
  20. jayyolf1
    20. Posted by jayyolf1 Fri Nov 06, 2009 9:07 pm EST

    Report Abuse

    also btw, Frank did say that Mousasi would beat Anderson "every day," which I do not agree with. I completely agree that Mousasi would devastate Anderson, but not EVERY time, Silva is too dope.
    Just like that new guy Strikeforce signed at WW - Marius Zaromskis - I think he could EVENTUALLY challenge my boy GSP, and even if he won, it wouldn't happen everytime. (if you guys haven't seen that kid fight, youtube that $h!t quick, you won't be disappointed, Zaromskis is dope, his striking is freakin' awesome!)
  21. Brizzle T
    21. Posted by Brizzle T Sat Nov 07, 2009 12:47 am EST

    Report Abuse

    @jay
    Henderson his only "A level fight"? Rich Franklin looks terrible lately, but 3 years ago when Anderson first DESTROYED him, he was a top tier middleweight.
  22. jayyolf1
    22. Posted by jayyolf1 Sat Nov 07, 2009 3:39 am EST

    Report Abuse

    Brizzle T - alright bro, I'll give you Franklin along with Henderson for Anderson's only A-Level Fights, but that's it, all his other fighters were either tomato cans to pad his stats or just B-Level fighters.
  23. arrogant bastard
    23. Posted by arrogant bastard Sat Nov 07, 2009 7:59 am EST

    Report Abuse

    Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Shamrock pick Sobral to beat Mousasi? I think Shamrock's taken a few too many shots to the head......Mousasi is a more complete fighter than Silva, but Silva's been the most dominant fighter in mma the last few years. I'd love to see that fight.......I hope this crowd doesn't do those idiotic U-S-A chants. Save that [profane] for team sports.
  24. event horizon
    24. Posted by event horizon Sat Nov 07, 2009 8:33 am EST

    Report Abuse

    Steve...Honestly??? First thnaks fro diong a cuople artcles on strikeforce, Finalley"??? But yuor bolg mkaes me look liek an english maojr...Sheesh..
  25. mathiasmorciglio
    25. Posted by mathiasmorciglio Sat Nov 07, 2009 8:41 am EST

    Report Abuse

    Jay, what about Marquardt? He's one of the best MW's out there, there's only a few MW's that he couldn't beat (Silva is one of them). Or even Forrest Griffin? I know that KO was embarrassing, but at that point he was only 1 fight removed from back to back wins over 'Page and Shogun, and until he got KO'd he was beating Rashad. Those guys are at least as good as or better than any of the competition Moussasi has fought. Even Cote, Leites, and Irvin while admittedly are B-C level fighters are not an easy fight for anyone. I disagree that Gegard would destroy A. Silva, he has the potential to beat Silva, but that's certainly not a sure thing. Just remember when Anderson Silva puts his fists on people, they GO TO SLEEP, without supper, or a story. Straight to bed.

Cagewriter

Add to My Yahoo! RSS

Steve Cofield

Cagewriter is an MMA blog edited by Steve Cofield. Email him, and follow him on Twitter.

Contributors:
Maggie Hendricks, Zak Jensen,

Related Photo Gallery

Y! Sports Blogs

Cagewriter Recent Readers