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"The Grim" has been tapped to take on the man that most consider to be the best heavyweight in the world, it was announced during Emelianenko's Wednesday workout at New York City's Fighthouse gym.
No date or venue has yet to be decided for the matchup, but it is unlikely to be on the possible Oct. 10 card.
Rogers (10-0) most recently defeated Andrei Arlovski in a 22-second knockout. Nine of his wins have come by KO or TKO. He was rumored as a possible replacement for Josh Barnett after Barnett tested positive for steroids prior to his Affliction bout with Emelianenko, but the promotion decided to scrap the entire event. Now, it appears Rogers will get his chance.
Emelianenko (30-1 with one no contest), has been atop the MMA heavyweight world for years. Ironically, his last win was also over Arlovski, and he needed 3:14 to put him away in a January knockout victory.
After the collapse of Affliction in late July, Emelianenko flirted with the UFC but ultimately signed with Strikeforce. His debut fight with the company will also mark his first time fighting in a cage. His debut fight is expected to air on Showtime.
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