We'll make this a quick one:
Fedor "The Last Emperor" Emelianenko (30-1) vs Brett "The Grim" Rogers (10-0)
I previously gave my opinion about Fedor signing with Strikeforce instead of the UFC, and how it could be detrimental to his legacy and reputation as the best fighter in all of MMA. Though it may have seemed like I am not a fan of Fedor, the opposite is true, which is why I wanted him to fight in the UFC. It will always be debatable about who is 'the best', but there is no debating the fact that Fedor is the most complete and well-rounded fighter around. I am not going to give a history lesson on his accomplishments; unlike the general fan, I assume most of you reading this know all about Emelianenko. There has been some (maybe deserved) criticism that his last five opponents—Andrei Arlovski, Tim Sylvia, Hong Man Choi, Matt Lindland and Mark Hunt—have posed no threat to the Last Emperor. But he defeated all of them in convincing fashion. He also holds victories over such fighters as Big Nog (multiple) and Mirko 'Cro Cop' (when he was at the top of his game). This fight will be his introduction to the casual U.S. fight audience, before he faces off against Alistair Overeem for the Strikeforce heavyweight title.
Bret Rogers first started getting attention in the now defunct EliteXC because of a near altercation with that organization's poster child—Kimbo Slice—during a press conference. It seemed like the two behemoths were headed for a confrontation, but fate had other plans. EliteXC decided that Rogers was too big a threat to their cash cow, and were also miffed about the statements Rogers made during the press conference that led to the argument with Slice—referring to both Kimbo and the main event match as 'garbage'. Slice was instead matched up with Shamrock, which led to the debacle with Petruzelli and contributed to the demise of EliteXC (I will talk more about Kimbo in the future, his appearance on TUF 10 has really won me over). Rogers signed with Strikeforce, and went on to defeat Ron Humphrey and his most notable opponent, Arlovski. With a perfect 10-0 record and the absolute destruction of Arlovski, Rogers was ready to be matched up against an elite heavyweight to see how he truly measured up. Instead, he gets the elite heavyweight. It is win-win situation for Rogers, as win over Fedor would cement his career; a loss won't hurt because he isn't expected to win.
Breakdown: Rogers has once chance in this match: the punchers chance. There is no denying his power, and he is capable of landing a knockout blow against Fedor. But that is his only chance. He cannot matchup against Fedor on takedowns or on the ground, and Fedor himself is really good striker. Rogers also has the tendency to throw wide power punches, which Fedor will counter with tight, clean shots. He will then take Rogers down, do some GNP, and lock in an armbar or RNC.
Prediction: Emelianenko, 1st Round, submission
Jason "Mayhem" Miller (22-6) vs Jake Shields (23-4) for the vacant Strikeforce MW championship
This is the matchup that I am looking most forward to on the card, and has the potential to be fight of the night. They are both well matched on the ground, Miller has slightly better striking skills.
Prediction: Miller, Decision
Gegard "The Dreamcatcher" Mousasi (26-2) vs Rameau "The African Assassin" Sokoudjou (7-4)
I have enjoyed watching Mousasi develop as a fighter. He indeed the real deal.
Prediction: Mousasi, 2nd round, TKO
Fabricio Werdum (12-4) vs Antonio "Junior" Silva (13-1)
Prediction: Werdum, 2nd round, submission
