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In what became a more competitive fight than many likely imagined on Saturday night in Hoffman Estates, IL, "The Last Emperor" Fedor Emelianenko TKO'd Brett Rogers in the second round of their bout on CBS.
The opening round saw the undefeated challenger bloody the nose of the #1 heavyweight and have some success in early exchanges. Fedor took him to the ground early but Brett worked his way quickly back up to his feet. After some back and forth, Fedor began to pummel away with a number of punches that Rogers withstood before being taken down.
On the ground, Fedor went for a kimura that led to Rogers sweeping him. On top, Rogers unleashed a flurry of ground and pound that saw him land a number of punches before Fedor attempted an armbar and forced him out of that position. Fedor again took advantage late in the round and wound up over a downed Rogers, where he threw one last drop down punch and ended the round in top position.
The second round saw Rogers come out a bit cautious, and Fedor came out the aggressor. Fedor again unleashed a barrage of punches against Brett on the cage, but Rogers took everything thrown by covering up and he came forward. Then, right in the center of the cage, Fedor knocked Brett down with a bullet-like right hand, followed by one more shot on the ground before Big John McCarthy stepped in.
For Fedor, it was yet another victory in his storied career, but this time it was on national television in the U.S. on CBS. And while Rogers may have been beaten on this night, he was not broken and emerged as a more respected fighter despite the first loss of his career.
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