Although there’s been an abundance of talk that Strikeforce’s second CBS show could mark the promotion’s last on network television, Fedor Emelianenko’s return could spark enough interest for “the eye” to request a third primetime broadcast.
For hardcore MMA fans, “Strikeforce: Nashville” is solid enough to stand on its own without Fedor, however with the UFC potentially counter-programming the April 17th event, casual MMA fans could skip Strikeforce’s promotion altogether (Thank God for DVR’s).
Now that Fedor is officially back in the mix, Strikeforce retains access to the best fighter in the world and know the UFC can’t get their hands anywhere near him.
The Russian’s debut in November, “Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers,” was a great success as it garnered four million viewers.
If given a third CBS show, it would be hard to believe Strikeforce wouldn’t showcase MMA’s baddest heavyweight this time around as it would maximize exposure for not only him, but the San Jose, California-based promotion as well.
In addition, the primetime advertising dollars will certainly help pay some of Emelianenko’s hefty salary. Then again, there’s also the possibility of Fedor headlining Strikeforce’s first ever pay-per-view show, which company CEO Scott Coker said could take place later this summer.
Either way, Fedor is by far Strikeforce’s biggest meal ticket and the key to their longevity, regardless of what Coker & Co. keep trying to preach.
Let’s be real. If we can record both fights for 4/17 then all fight fans are winners. Henderson will or should prove he’s their best commodity between 185 & 205. I hope to see him destroy Shields easily and he would do the same to every 185er they have. I believe he can do the same to their LHW division. Moussassi is good, but Henderson is better in terms of his experience. I think that’s why Hendo didn’t mind leaving because he wanted to be the man behind Fedor. However, if he can clean out both divisions and Fedor continues fighting non-elite fighters then Hendo could potentially be the man if he fights 3 or 4 times this year against the best SF has to offer. If Fedor loses, especially since he really hasn’t been impressive as of late, then SF’s golden goose is cooked. Why would the EYE want to continue airing Minor League events when they would lose out to Spike TV or VERSUS every single time if the UFC and Dana White plans to counter-program them; it dilutes the potential ad revenue they could make if they have to share an audience. At this point we, the UFC fans want Fedor in the UFC, just so we can see him get his butt whooped by the true, best HWs in the world; no disrespect to Fedor; he’s tough, but his game and size cannot handle the true well rounded MMA HW fighters the UFC have.
MR_GC commented on March 10, 2010 @ 10:36 am
Exactly which of Fedor latest fight havent been impressive? The 36 second tap out of a former 2 time champion? The first round Knock out of another former champion? The 2nd Round KO in his first appearance in a cage? You just sound like another of the masses that is gleefully taking a heaping dose of Dana White’s brainwashing. I do realize that SF will never be on the level that UFC is, but you have to admit, Dana White has all but ruined MMA. I mean honestly for what reason, other than money, would you put a man that is 2-1 in the cage to fight for the Heavyweight Championship? I know Brock is a beast, but he is also a rookie that did not deserve the shot that he was given. That is just one example of how Dana is just out for money. Unless you can cite examples (as I have) then your argument against Fedor can just be considered more UFC propaganda and be taken with a grain of salt.
csr1476 commented on March 10, 2010 @ 12:31 pm
I’v watched every single Fedor fight (minus about 4 that was not taped) and can tell you, he whould have no trouble handling anyone in the UFC. Watch all of his fights first before commenting, but if you want to just comment to be hurd, thats fine, its a free country.
Jayfighter commented on March 10, 2010 @ 12:33 pm
Yeah, there was never a single doubt that Fedor couldn’t
wipe out the UFC heavyweight division. I mean, even if I were a huge UFC fan like many others, I would still be able to distinguish who the greatest fighter alive is (Fedor). Anyone with half a brain can tell you this, even if all you saw was 3 or 4 of his fights. It is only the overly prideful UFC fanatics that insist that Fedor is “over-rated” while everyone else realizes that he’s simply the best in the world. Whether Fedor fights in the UFC, Strikeforce or Dream, he will always be considered the best. The only down-side is worrying about him injuring his hand after every single fight. This waiting thing really sucks!
sasquatchhunter#2 commented on March 10, 2010 @ 4:28 pm
Im pretty much in my opinion one of the most loyal and realatable fans with Fedor,(I was born n raised Ukrainian/Russian). Let me make this CLEAR to all the Fedor haters and doubters, he is the BEST HW in MMA right now. Those that dont think so are the same MMA “fans” that think UFC is the sport rather then Mixed Martial Arts. Its sad to see how fighters that come from Pro-Wrestling (Lesnar, Lashely) can even be put into the same category of fighter that Fedor and others can. If this is where the UFC is going with its fan base and bad mouthing a fighter like a bitter girlfriend after a break up then maybe the UFC will one day reap what it sows aswell. Lesnar is a great wrestler, Mir has great BJJ, Arlovski has great boxing, but Fedor takes all that and combines it into one style, which is wat MIXED Martial Arts is all about. Keep hating, keep trash talking, Fedor keeps winning regardless of promotion. Fedor > Cock Chestnar
Zeek07 commented on March 10, 2010 @ 5:25 pm
MMA is NOT about mixing various styles into one style, it is about fighters being able to use whatever style they want in order to beat another fighter. So wrestlers are just as welcome in the Octagon as Brazilian Jujitsu fighters and Kick-boxers.
Dean commented on March 10, 2010 @ 6:22 pm
Fedor is absolutely “The Best” Heavyweight MMA fighter period! I continue to hear the doubter’s ramble on,but I still fail to see a line of worthy opponents for Fedor to pound on! Fedor is simply “The Real McCoy”!
colonel 3 commented on March 10, 2010 @ 10:10 pm
Fedor owns m-1and now he owns strikeforce
Vanpezee commented on March 11, 2010 @ 1:59 am
It would be great if the M-1 and Strikeforce cooperation finally begins with a more professional approach. Fedor is a great fighter but the information mess just lower his popularity…
Watch all 35 fights of Fedor Emelianenko:
http://www.mmajudo.net/fedor-emelianenko.php
mma judo commented on March 11, 2010 @ 3:45 am
Here is interview, seminars and much more: http://www.fedoremelianenko.tv/eng/video/
alex4ever commented on March 17, 2010 @ 9:21 am