Though many believed Fabricio Werdum would be next in line to face Alistair Overeem for the Strikeforce Heavyweight Championship given his first-round submission of the previously unbeatable Fedor Emelianenko last June, not to mention prior success against Overeem in PRIDE, it appears he will in fact be facing heavy-handed Brett Rogers on March 5 at a yet-to-be-announced Strikeforce event in Columbus, Ohio.

News of the targeted date and potential match-up was confirmed by Five Ounces of Pain with sources close to the situation. A request for the company’s official stance on the rumored bout has not been returned as of this posting.

“The Grim” was considered to be one of the division’s rising stars after opening his career up with ten consecutive TKOs, eight of which were in the first round including a twenty-two second showing against former UFC heavyweight champ Andrei Arlovski in mid-2009. However, Rogers then lost two in a row including strike-based defeats to Emelianenko and Overeem, and was only able to out-point journeyman Ruben Villareal at an event this past October.

His pairing with Werdum creates a classic stand-up vs. submission encounter, as the crafty Brazilian is considered to be one of the sport’s top BJJers in his weight-class. His striking has also understandably improved as of late due to time he’s recently spent training with Chute Boxe Academy. The 14-4-1 grappler has found success in his last three outings and five of his last six. In addition to Emelianenko and Overeem, Werdum holds past wins over Brandon Vera, Gabriel Gonzaga, and Antonio Silva.

It is believed the bout will serve as part of Strikeforce’s rumored heavyweight tournament, as Arlovski vs. Sergey Kharitonov and Emelianenko vs. “Bigfoot” Silva have also been mentioned by various media outlets as taking place in the next few months under the premise of a Grand Prix format.
Similar Posts:

• Scott Coker says Overeem, Kharitonov, Bigfoot possible for Fedor next, but not Werdum
• Alistair Overeem vs. Brett Rogers for Strikeforce heavyweight title
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• Alistair Overeem vs. Fabricio Werdum for Strikeforce Heavyweight Championship
• Strikeforce heavyweight Fabricio Werdum ready for return

The final week of 2010 has arrived, and though the year may not have delivered on the public’s long-standing dream of flying cars and laser-blasters it was certainly a period filled with memorable months from a Mixed Martial Arts viewpoint. We witnessed champions fall in dramatic fashion, rise from the ranks to become divisional kings, and in some cases emerge victorious by the skin of their teeth. We saw shocking signings and ridiculous releases; countless classics and numerous nod-offers; moves in the ring unlike any other before and some hopefully never seen again.

With the close of the year, Five Ounces of Pain is here to bring you our annual awards as we wind things down and get read for the adventures 2011 will undoubtedly bring. Over the next few days we will announce our winners in somewhat unique categories with a final batch of standard distinctions handed out on Friday, December 31.

As always, 5 Oz. invites our readers to offer their own opinions in the “Comments” section on who should have taken home the hardware (or in this case digital love). We would not be here without you, and rest assured the Staff not only appreciates your contributions from a “page view” standpoint, but genuinely enjoys reading our community’s take on topics. Have an incredibly fun, albeit safe, holiday week!

— The “Who Saw That Coming?” Award —

Fabricio Werdum submits Fedor Emelianenko: This was supposed to be another “tune up fight” for Fedor Emelianenko on his road to the Strikeforce heavyweight title. Werdum was looked at as a very good fighter with outstanding Jiu-Jitsu but most people’s lasting memory of him prior to this fight was seeing him get his clock cleaned by Junior dos Santos. Plus, Fedor is Fedor. He was practically undefeated, he was unstoppable, he was a robot, he was frickin’ Fedor! When the fight started, it looked like another cake walk for “The Last Emperor”. He immediately dropped Werdum and then pounced on him for the finish. Then it happened. Out of nowhere the Brazilian used Fedor’s aggressiveness and the cage to his advantage, locked on a triangle choke, and forced Fedor to give a single tap, but possibly the most memorable tap in MMA history. The once unbeatable had been beaten.

— Beatdown of the Year —

Josh Koscheck vs. Georges St. Pierre / UFC 124: Not to be confused with “Fight of the Year”. Though there were plenty of options to consider, including Roger Huerta’s loss to Eddie Alvarez and Cain Velasquez’s title-win over Brock Lesnar, in the end GSP’s rivalry-ending smackdown of Koscheck prevailed. For months upon months fans listened to Koscheck spew his venom at Georges St. Pierre, questioning everything from the welterweight champion’s ability to strike to his hushed demeanor and preference for spandex trunks. An entire season of the Ultimate Fighter was dedicated to the rivalry he seemed intent on creating even if GSP wasn’t interested in engaging outside of the cage. However, once the two met in the Octagon at UFC 124 it became clear the most important jabs in MMA are not of the verbal variety. Koscheck left the event having lost all five rounds, sporting a broken orbital bone, and undoubtedly reflecting on how much more he needs to learn before he’s on the same level as the French-Candian champ. He was completely out-classed for twenty-four of the twenty-five minutes he spent in the ring, and though he may not have been rendered unconscious he most certainly exited Montreal the victim of a “beatdown”. Whether or not Team St. Pierre’s “male nurse”, i.e. Brad Tate, sent him a “Get Well Soon” card after the action concluded is still unknown…

— Most Meteoric Rise —

Anthony Pettis: Over 3.5 million. That’s how many times videos of Pettis delivering his amazing kick off the cage have been viewed on YouTube. It’s crazy to think that just one year ago Pettis was coming off the lone loss of his career against Bart Palaszewski, and now he’s one of the most popular fighters in the world. Pettis was able to rack up several impressive wins over the course of 2010, but none was bigger than his WEC Lightweight Championship win over Ben Henderson a few weeks ago. Not only did he deliver a kick that will be on MMA highlight reels for all of eternity, he also managed to showcase excellent skills in all areas of the sport. He’s next in line for the UFC Lightweight Championship, and after his star-making performance at WEC 53 he can be sure that everyone will be watching his next fight very closely in the hopes of seeing his next mind-bending maneuver.Similar Posts:

• Five Ounces 2010 Year-End Awards: Oops, Oohs, and Arghs
• TUF 12 begins production in Las Vegas
• Josh Kosckeck: “I don’t need motivation from GSP to want to kick his ass.”
• Five Ounces 2010 Year-End Awards: The Meat and Potatoes
• Exclusive: Marc Stevens joins TUF 12 cast

Fans of MMA’s legendary PRIDE promotion who are well-versed in the role tournaments played throughout the organization’s run in Japan are likely smiling today as it now appears Strikeforce may be taking a page from the PRIDE book by putting together a heavyweight Grand Prix next year with possible participants including Fedor Emelianenko, Fabricio Werdum, Alistair Overeem, and Josh Barnett, as well as others.

News of the potential tournament was reported by Tatame, who also explained Strikeforce would be planning to promote at least part of the process on PPV.

Though the future-status of Emelianenko’s contract is still up in the air, if he does indeed extend his deal and throw his name in the group he will bring valuable experience with him into the situation. The highly-ranked Russian was the winner of PRIDE’s 2004 Heavyweight Grand Prix with wins over Mark Coleman, Kevin Randleman and dual victories on the same night against Naoya Ogawa and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in the final.

While no official details have been announced, given Strikeforce’s current roster it seems other entrants are likely to include any or all of the company’s top heavyweights like Andrei Arlovski, Antonio Silva, Sergei Kharitonov, and Brett Rogers.

PHOTO CREDIT – Susumu NagaoSimilar Posts:

• “Strikeforce St. Louis: Heavy Artillery” Weigh-In Results
• Jackson vs. Silva III and Griffin vs. Evans for light heavyweight title confirmed for UFC 92
• Fedor Emelianenko vs. Brett Rogers set for Strikeforce
• Alistair Overeem last man standing at K-1 World Grand Prix Final
• Andrei Arlovski out of K-1 World Grand Prix

Fans of MMA’s legendary PRIDE promotion who are well-versed in the role tournaments played throughout the organization’s run in Japan are likely smiling today as it now appears Strikeforce may be taking a page from the PRIDE book by putting together a heavyweight Grand Prix next year with possible participants including Fedor Emelianenko, Fabricio Werdum, Alistair Overeem, and Josh Barnett, as well as others.

News of the potential tournament was reported by Tatame, who also explained Strikeforce would be planning to promote at least part of the process on PPV. However, Five Ounces of Pain contacted Strikeforce representative Mike Afromowitz who clarified the official situation, saying, “The news being circulated about this tournament is just rumors.” Clearly, as enticing as it sounds to see, the aforementioned scenario’s actual occurrence is by no means set in stone at this point in time.

Also affecting the likelihood of rumor becoming reality are ongoing negotiations with Fedor’s camp. Though the status of Emelianenko’s contract extension is still up in the air, if he does indeed add to his present deal and throw his name in the alleged group he will bring valuable experience with him into the bracket. The highly-ranked Russian was the winner of PRIDE’s 2004 Heavyweight Grand Prix with wins over Mark Coleman, Kevin Randleman and dual victories on the same night against Naoya Ogawa and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in the final.

Given Strikeforce’s current roster, if the Grand Prix were to take place, it seems other entrants are likely to include any or all of the company’s top heavyweights like Andrei Arlovski, Antonio Silva, Sergei Kharitonov, and Brett Rogers.

PHOTO CREDIT – Susumu NagaoSimilar Posts:

• UPDATE: Fedor Emelianenko could return to action as soon as next month
• Alistair Overeem responds to challenge from Fedor Emelianenko
• “Strikeforce St. Louis: Heavy Artillery” Weigh-In Results
• Strikeforce signs Andrei Arlovski
• Dana White: Fedor ‘got his face smashed in by Brett Rogers’, time to see ‘Lesnar smash his head’

After traveling around the world and conducting seminars it seems Strikeforce contender Fabricio Werdum is ready for his return to the cage after being sidelined as the result of elbow surgery. However, just because the the Brazilian heavyweight is healthy does not mean he is planning on returning to Strikeforce just yet.

Werdum has used his travels as a way to remain active while in recovery, as he recently explained in a conversation with Sherdog.

On the topic, the Brazilian said, “I used this trip to make a couple of good contacts in Abu Dhabi and Japan. Strikeforce wants me to return in March against Fedor (Emelianenko) or (Alistair) Overeem, but I’m looking forward to having a fight before that one. I don’t have an exclusive contract with Strikeforce – only for the U.S. – and I got a nice proposal in Abu Dhabi and another one in Japan.”

With Werdum expressing interest in fighting oversees in February a return stateside for a March match up is highly unlikely and could push his Strikeforce return to the middle or end of 2011.

So this question remains for the Strikeforce faithful: Which heavyweight bout will we get to see in the coming New Year? With Strikeforce champ Overeem tied up in K-1 and Emelianenko/M-1 Global’s ongoing contract negotiations, Werdum just added a new dimension to the complexity that is the Strikeforce heavyweight divisions’ future.

Werdum is 14-4-1 overall and the only fighter legitimately beat heavyweight icon Emelianenko. He also holds notable wins in his career over Gabriel Gonzaga, Brandon Vera, Antonio Silva, and the afore-mentioned Overeem.

PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCESimilar Posts:

• Fabricio Werdum vs. Mike Kyle confirmed for “Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg”
• Alistair Overeem vs. Fabricio Werdum for Strikeforce Heavyweight Championship
• Report: Affliction balks at signing ex-UFC heavyweight Werdum
• Andrei Arlovski vs. Fabricio Werdum possible for Strikeforce
• 5 Oz. Exclusive with Alistair Overeem: ‘I expect to be fighting solely in the U.S. throughout 2010′

Welcome back to another edition of “MMA Link Club”, Five Ounces of Pain‘s weekly smorgasbord of work from our brothers and sisters in the MMA community. Enjoy…

Dana White Discusses his Initial Meeting with Fedor Emelianenko (Versus.com)

UFC and THQ Extend Partnership for “Undisputed” Title (MMAConvert.com)

Martin Kampmann is Ready to Expose Jake Shields in the Ring (Heavy.com)

Claude Patrick Not Happy with UFC 120 Win (FIGHT! Magazine)

Joe Rogan Does His Best Mauro Renallo Impersonation (MMAScraps.com)

Mike Pyle Talks About Handing John Hatahway his First Career Loss (WatchKalibRun.com)

Chris Horodecki Could Be Fighting Donald Cerrone at WEC 53 (CagePotato.com)

Josh Barnett has a Message for Fabricio Werdum (MiddleEasy.com)

Tito Ortiz Talks Health, No Longer Drinking (MMAFighting.com)

Similar Posts:

• 5 Oz. MMA Link Club
• 5 Oz. MMA Link Club
• 5 Oz. MMA Link Club
• 5 Oz. MMA Link Club
• 5 Oz. MMA Link Club

Welcome back to another edition of “MMA Link Club”, Five Ounces of Pain‘s weekly smorgasbord of work from our brothers and sisters in the MMA community. Enjoy…

Dana White Discusses his Initial Meeting with Fedor Emelianenko (Versus.com)

UFC and THQ Extend Partnership for “Undisputed” Title (MMAConvert.com)

Martin Kampmann is Ready to Expose Jake Shields in the Ring (Heavy.com)

Claude Patrick Not Happy with UFC 120 Win (FIGHT! Magazine)

Joe Rogan Does His Best Mauro Renallo Impersonation (MMAScraps.com)

Mike Pyle Talks About Handing John Hatahway his First Career Loss (WatchKalibRun.com)

Chris Horodecki Could Be Fighting Donald Cerrone at WEC 53 (CagePotato.com)

Josh Barnett has a Message for Fabricio Werdum (MiddleEasy.com)

Tito Ortiz Talks Health, No Longer Drinking (MMAFighting.com)

Similar Posts:

• 5 Oz. MMA Link Club
• 5 Oz. MMA Link Club
• 5 Oz. MMA Link Club
• 5 Oz. MMA Link Club
• 5 Oz. MMA Link Club

Fedor Emelianenko will in the coming week decide what
his immediate future holds in Strikeforce, according to a source close
to the fighter.

While speculation on Emelianenko's next opponent has centered around
current heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem or a rematch with Fabricio
Werdum, the source said a contest with Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva on Dec. 4 is currently on the table for the Russian's final
fight on his current Strikeforce contract.

Strikeforce has yet to determine a city or venue for the Dec. 4 event, and officials could not be reached for comment. 

The rematch will have to wait.

Brazilian heavyweight Fabricio Werdum, who in June
handed Fedor Emelianenko his first legitimate career loss, is on the
shelf until the first quarter of 2011.

Werdum's management today announced that "Vai Cavalo" is scheduled for
elbow surgery on Aug. 18, and he'll need six weeks of physical therapy
before he can return to training.

When Fedor Emelianenko tapped out to Fabricio Werdum’s triangle-armbar hybrid last June fans were left wondering how “The Last Emperor” would react to the first legitimate loss of his thirty-three fight career. Though specific terms of his original deal with Strikeforce were never officially confirmed, it was widely speculated Emelianenko was only obligated to the organization for one more bout and was considering a return to Japan or even retirement once the contract expired.

The stoic Russian recently spoke about his future plans for the first time during a press conference to promote an American M-1 Global tournament, mentioning his interest in maintaining his partnership with Strikeforce while also dismissing the possibility of inking a deal with the UFC.

“For now (we) M-1 Global works with Strikeforce and we are concentrating on that – the contract is not over yet. So for now we don’t have any interest in the UFC,” said Emelianenko. “So far I feel very comfortable fighting…very good with my fighting…and I’m planning of fighting as long as I can physically. As far and I’m concerned we should discuss the possibility of signing another contract for 4-6 fights.”

Emelianenko is 31-2 as a professional with sixteen submissions and eight TKOs to his credit. His recent loss to Werdum broke an incredible 27-fight win streak including impressive wins over Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic, Tim Sylvia, Andrei Arlovski, Antonio Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira, and Mark Coleman.