Following Brett Rogers' impressive 22-second knockout of Andrei Arlovski on the June 6 Strikeforce event, many suspected that he would be next in line to fight for the organization's heavyweight title. However, Rogers' trainer/manager, Mike Reilly, told FanHouse Monday that he isn't surprised that Rogers isn't getting the first crack at champion Alistair Overeem."I don't think Overeem was ever planning on fighting Brett," Reilly said. "I think Overeem is afraid of Brett. He's afraid of a big striker who is going to knock him out. ... I don't think anyone is going to admit that, but I'm not going to shy away from it. He's had two opportunities to fight Brett but he hasn't taken either of him."
Reilly went on to say that he thinks "Werdum will submit [Overeem] quick and easy.
"I think Overeem was a good champion for Strikeforce when they were a smaller show. Obviously, we want the biggest challenge we can have and we think that's Werdum."
Reilly added that he was always planning on having Rogers fight again in October, and that he would like to have him compete two more times this year. He mentioned that he was initially surprised to see Werdum get a title shot in his first fight for Strikeforce, but upon further reflection, he thought it made sense because "if I was Overeem, I would avoid Brett too. it's a horrible f***ing fight for Overeem."
And if that wasn't enough, Reilly issued this warning to the entire heavyweight division on behalf of Rogers:
"If you are under 250 pounds right now, just forget about fighting Brett Rogers because all that is going to happen is that you are going to get your head spun around."
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
I know this guy is just trying to pump up his guy, but I tend to agree with him this is twice now Rogers thought he was going to fight for the title and it was taken away.
The first time it happened Rogers took a tough fight with Arlovski now he should do the opposite and take on a lesser fighter to get more work in and then fight the winner of this match.
He hasn't defended the title since 11/07(injury sminjury). Strikeforce dropped the ball as far a expecting their Champs to defend the belts. Also, Overeem's last 4 fights were safer fights against aging stars. Hunt, Goodridge, Buentello, & Crocop all between the ages of 35-43. So yeah he probably is scared of a young up and comer.
a k.o win over arlovski should not get a title shot anyway,HE DOES NOT HAVE A CHIN,overeem would destroy rogers but i do agree werdum will submit overeem the same way he did aleks
rogers is going 2 get submiited in a fight very soon or he will lose by GNP,just need some1 thats good at takeing people down and keeping them down 2 fight rogers and rogers has no chance.like say brett was 2 fight brock lesnar,brock is stronger then brett,brock would take brett 2 the ground the very second the fight starts and brock would just walk away with a easy GNP tko victory over brett.lashley would do the same 2 brett.brock would beat lashley.
i think Werdum subs overeem again, even though his take down defense has improved. i think he'd sub rogers too. Werdum is going to regain his fourm.