Strikeforce announced Wednesday during an open workout with Fedor Emelianenko that his next opponent will most likely be Brett Rogers (10-0) in his Strikeforce debut this November. Emelianenko, widely regarded as the sport's top heavyweight fighter, is on a 26-fight win streak (with 20 stoppages), including victories over former UFC champions Andrei Arlovski and Tim Sylvia in his two most recent bouts. Brett Rogers is undefeated in his MMA career however has not faced any top level athletes besides his most recent 22 second knock out over Andrei Arlovski. No other details were announced regarding the fight between Rogers and Emelianenko.Considering the talent Strikeforce has in the heavyweight division, I’m surprised they did not have Fedor fight someone of higher calibre then Rogers. Don’t get me wrong, Brett Rogers is a hell of a striker with lots of power but aside from Arlovski, he hasn’t faced any real high calibre fighters. Fedor seems to think otherwise though and feels he has nothing to prove other then representing Russia.
“Brett Rogers is a very strong opponent. He is a great opponent. And he has a really very heavy knockout punch. I do not read all the rumors and gossip that is published on the Internet. To tell you the truth, the offer from the UFC was not really the worthy one. And if they are able to give us a really good offer then maybe [one day] we could agree. Frankly speaking, when I am in the cage or ring I don’t feel like I have to prove something. There are a lot of people around me who feel I do, but I don’t think so. When I come into the ring or cage the only thing I’m thinking about is is Russia (and representing it). So I don’t think that I need to prove anything.”
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