Brett Rogers interview - I like this guy

[windmortal]

Undefeated Strikeforce heavyweight, Brett Rogers has spoken for the first time since it was announced he would be facing Fedor Emelianenko before the year is out and he’s not just coming to make up the numbers.

I like how he doesn't talk gameplan, just what he observes

Speaking to MMAFanHouse.com, Rogers said:

“Oh yeah. I've been watching a handful of his fights, but the ones I'm really going to concentrate on are his last five, because those are the ones that really matter, you know? Going way back in time, those are the ones that he improves his skills. I want to see where he's at right now. So he has some loopholes. When he gets excited that's when can get caught. That's the way I see it, especially if he wants to stand and bang with me. Otherwise, I can see a ground-and-pound game, too. I'm definitely not going to allow him to lead the fight. That's just not happening.”

“Yeah, I'm definitely preparing for it. He loves jiu-jitsu, and I mean, jiu-jitsu is good but you have to catch somebody for that. I've definitely been working on getting out of submissions, and most importantly, standing up. It's tough taking somebody down, and [if] you don't succeed in that, it tires you out. So I'm going to shoot for that and keep my weight on him.”

“I’m going to knock him out. He's going to give me his chin, somehow, someway. He's going to get sloppy with that overhand right that he loves to do or he'll try to shoot in for a takedown, and I'll catch him with either a knee or an uppercut ... something. I'm going to drop him. I want the crowd to go (gasp). I want to get that reaction out of people. So I can't wait.”
“I'm God then. I'm the God of MMA. I'll become the God of MMA, right? Isn't that how it goes? I'm the soul snatcher; I'm the grim. I'll take all his wins and put them under my belt, and then everybody can just hush up.”

Rogers also took aim at fellow Minnesota native and UFC heavyweight champion, Brock Lesnar. Asked if he agrees that Fedor is ducking the best competition in the world by not joining the UFC:

“No. Fedor can fight whoever he wants, the way I see it. I'm pretty sure it was a different situation with the UFC versus Strikeforce. Coming to Strikeforce, you know, was definitely a little different swing, I guess you can say. But as far as the heavyweights over there, I mean, what heavyweight over there is so special besides -- who? -- Brock [Lesnar]. Everybody compares Brock as if he is the second-best heavyweight in the world, and I see different, and Brock is from my hometown. So competition-wise it's no different.”

When asked if he felt Brock Lesnar was maybe over rated, Rogers said:

“Yeah. Yeah, actually, I do. Brock is overrated. I mean, look at how many fights he's had; he's had a handful fights. He's only showcased that he's just a wrestler and a ground-and-pounder. I mean, he hasn't fought anybody the same size as him. So it's going to get to that point when that happens it really is going to showcase Brock's talent.”

The event has been rumoured to be taking place in Roger’s hometown of Minnesota which would naturally give “The Grim” a great lift ahead of the biggest fight he has ever been in.

By Michael Pepper.

[hector234]

Undefeated Strikeforce heavyweight, Brett Rogers has spoken for the first time since it was announced he would be facing Fedor Emelianenko before the year is out and he’s not just coming to make up the numbers.

I like how he doesn't talk gameplan, just what he observes

Speaking to MMAFanHouse.com, Rogers said:

“Oh yeah. I've been watching a handful of his fights, but the ones I'm really going to concentrate on are his last five, because those are the ones that really matter, you know? Going way back in time, those are the ones that he improves his skills. I want to see where he's at right now. So he has some loopholes. When he gets excited that's when can get caught. That's the way I see it, especially if he wants to stand and bang with me. Otherwise, I can see a ground-and-pound game, too. I'm definitely not going to allow him to lead the fight. That's just not happening.”

“Yeah, I'm definitely preparing for it. He loves jiu-jitsu, and I mean, jiu-jitsu is good but you have to catch somebody for that. I've definitely been working on getting out of submissions, and most importantly, standing up. It's tough taking somebody down, and [if] you don't succeed in that, it tires you out. So I'm going to shoot for that and keep my weight on him.”

“I’m going to knock him out. He's going to give me his chin, somehow, someway. He's going to get sloppy with that overhand right that he loves to do or he'll try to shoot in for a takedown, and I'll catch him with either a knee or an uppercut ... something. I'm going to drop him. I want the crowd to go (gasp). I want to get that reaction out of people. So I can't wait.”
“I'm God then. I'm the God of MMA. I'll become the God of MMA, right? Isn't that how it goes? I'm the soul snatcher; I'm the grim. I'll take all his wins and put them under my belt, and then everybody can just hush up.”

Rogers also took aim at fellow Minnesota native and UFC heavyweight champion, Brock Lesnar. Asked if he agrees that Fedor is ducking the best competition in the world by not joining the UFC:

“No. Fedor can fight whoever he wants, the way I see it. I'm pretty sure it was a different situation with the UFC versus Strikeforce. Coming to Strikeforce, you know, was definitely a little different swing, I guess you can say. But as far as the heavyweights over there, I mean, what heavyweight over there is so special besides -- who? -- Brock [Lesnar]. Everybody compares Brock as if he is the second-best heavyweight in the world, and I see different, and Brock is from my hometown. So competition-wise it's no different.”

When asked if he felt Brock Lesnar was maybe over rated, Rogers said:

“Yeah. Yeah, actually, I do. Brock is overrated. I mean, look at how many fights he's had; he's had a handful fights. He's only showcased that he's just a wrestler and a ground-and-pounder. I mean, he hasn't fought anybody the same size as him. So it's going to get to that point when that happens it really is going to showcase Brock's talent.”

The event has been rumoured to be taking place in Roger’s hometown of Minnesota which would naturally give “The Grim” a great lift ahead of the biggest fight he has ever been in.

By Michael Pepper.

Fedor doesn't practice jiu-jitsu though, he is a sambo fighter, very different. This should be a great fight, I like Rogers, and not many people are giving him a chance.

[tboculosis]

Pretty cool interview. I hope the fight between him and Fedor do take place in MN, so I would most definitely go check it out.