Brett Rogers seeks Strikeforce belt, rematch with Fedor Emelianenko

By Case Keefer (contact)

Thursday, May 13, 2010 | 2:05 a.m.

It's not often that a fighter gets a title shot directly following a loss.

Much to the applause of Brett Rogers, that's exactly what's happening this weekend in the Strikeforce heavyweight division. Rogers, fresh off of a defeat to Fedor Emelianenko, will face Alistair Overeem on Saturday night in St. Louis for the championship belt.

"I feel the time is right," Rogers said. "I've been really dedicated to the sport."

Rogers (10-1, 9 KOs) earned praise for his performance against Emelianenko, despite being knocked out in the second round in their meeting in November.

Emelianenko is widely considered to be the best fighter in the world, but Overeem (32-11, 12 KOs) has possessed the Strikeforce heavyweight belt for the last two and a half years.

Because of injuries and a focus on his kickboxing career overseas, Overeem hasn't defended the title since he earned it by beating Paul Buentello in November of 2007.

Overeem said he was excited to get back to mixed martial arts, which he considered his first true love.

"I'm going to fight whoever they put in front of me," Overeem said. "Brett had a hell of a fight against Fedor. Fedor doesn't want to fight me. It's as simple as that."

Although Rogers is the challenger, it appears he sees the fight against Overeem as a stepping stone to a rematch against Emelianenko.

During a teleconference previewing the bout against Overeem, Rogers mentioned his desire to fight Emelianenko multiple times.

"My last fight against Fedor, I felt it should have gone a different direction," Rogers said. "I didn't get lucky that night. I know if I get another shot, it would go a different direction. I'm not looking past Alstair, it's going to be a tough fight, but I'm definitely wanting that rematch."

Overeem had compliments for Rogers. He said Rogers was a great fighter and would give him a tough matchup.

Rogers didn't have much love to return to Overeem. Rogers hinted that he thought Overeem used steroids and complained that it had taken more than two years to get a chance at the title.

"Alistair has been out doing his thing in the East, while the West has been out here moving forward," Rogers said. "I feel like he's kind of slowed me down with what I've been doing."

It's debatable about which is more important to Rogers: earning the heavyweight championship or beating Emelianenko in a rematch.

As far as Rogers sees it, why can't it be both?

"It's going to be great when I get in there, smash his title and get a second shot at Fedor," Rogers said.