During a public workout on Wednesday in New York City, Strikeforce CEO and Founding owner Scott Coker announced that M-1 Global‘s Fedor Emelianenko’s first fight with the organization will take place against Brett “The Grim” Rogers.
Emelianenko, 30-1, has not competed since a first round knockout of former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski during Affliction’s “Day of Reckoning” event this past January. The former PRIDE heavyweight champion had been scheduled to compete against Josh Barnett on Aug. 1 during Affliction’s “Trilogy” event. However, the California State Athletic Commission denied Barnett a license for the event after he allegedly tested positive for steroids.
Soon after Affliction’s decision to cancel the event and fold its MMA operations, Strikeforce and M-1 Global announced a co-promotional agreement that would allow Emelianenko to compete under the Strikeforce banner for three fights.
Rogers, who fights out of St. Paul, Minnesota, elevated his status from that of blue chip prospect to top contender following his 22-second TKO of Arlovski during June’s “Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields” event in St. Louis, Missouri. The victory improved Rogers’ record to a perfect 10-0.
An precise date has yet to be announced for Fedor vs. Rogers but the matchup is expected to headline a fall event on Showtime.
