Fedor's camp want Brett Rogers as a replacement

[boxingcar]

(seems logical since he KOed arlovski)

while Fedor’s camp considers Belfort a suitable replacement, Finkelchtein issued some comments that left the impression that perhaps he is not the number one choice.

“We personally entertain the idea of having Brett Rogers step in since he knocked Andrei Arlovski out,” he said. “But if there is any problem with Rogers, then it’s pretty safe to say it’s going to be Belfort. However, we are well aware of the fact that fans don’t consider Vitor Belfort to be a suitable replacement, according to a recent Sherdog poll.”
Finkelchtein later brought up Rogers again as the fighter they are most interested in fighting.

[ufoalf]

Nice. They actually follow the poll. Can't say they're not trying to please the crowd :).

I actually think Rogers would be best "available" opponent.

[québecwarrior]

I hope it's Rogers. Not Belfort please.

[Weber]

Belfort is just too small. Wasn't he supposed to fight at MW next?

[radab]

Buddy Rogers will give anyone a good fight


[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[The_Sandman]

Of course Rogers is the best option... logically, there is nobody else in the heavyweight division. Fedor would walk through Rogers pretty easy, I think. Fedor needs to get this fight over with and prepare his negotiations with Dana White and UFC.:rasta

[The_Sandman]

Both Buddy Rogers and Killer Kowalski were legends in their own right. Props to both wrestlers.

[rekcutnevets]

Why is no one mentioning Seth Petruzelli?

Seriously, Rogers probably has less chance of winning than Belfort does. At least Belfort has a ground game, may be in the fight long enough to land significant punches, and may only be at a less than 20 lbs weight disadvantage. Belfort was set to fight at middleweight, but is reported to be a little over 200lbs currently. The smaller size may be of a little help. Belfort isn't going to out muscle Fedor, and the smaller size may be a reminder to fight accordingly.

Rogers is a serious ko threat to anyone, but Fedor would probably have him grounded and defenseless in seconds.

It may make more sense to have Fedor agree to face Petruzelli, Rogers, and Belfort on the same night.

[jimmie]

Respect for Fedor here you know Lashley is very green plus hes back in TNA wrestling hes not in fighting shape, Belfort is fighting at 185 now, Rodgers at the very least is a undeafted and legit Heavyweight remember he just sparked Arlovski in 20 secounds the guy who gave Fedor alittle bit of trouble.

[Beebs]

Monson would be my choice, he at least offers a fairly legit heavyweight record and a background that presents at least half a chance since he is such a good wrestler.

Babalu for the same reason, although less HW fights, but it would be a rematch of a fairly close fight a long time ago. Hell, now that I think about it, I like Babalu vs Fedor, Babalu is, in many respects a smaller Josh Barnett. Started with Olympic style wrestling and then went to luta livre whereas Barnett went to catch. Babalu of course has switched to BJJ teams, but still, he has a lot of Luta Livre in him, just like Barnett has a lot of catch in him. The two styles are very comprable.

Beyond stylistically, both are aggresive to the point of being just flat out nasty on the ground, not in a bad way, just a "I'm going to grab something, and if you don't tap or stop me I'm going to break it off and just keep grabbing and breaking things until I am stopped" sort of way

Babalu and Monson are at least threats on the ground; more of a threat than Rogers is on the feet, thats for sure.

[rekcutnevets]

Stated by Fedor at [Only registered and activated users can see links]
Fedor was diplomatic when talking about whom he prefers to face out of the two possibilities of Rogers or Belfort.

"I'm not in a situation where I can pick who I am fighting. I will fight whoever they put in front of me," he said.

I thought that was too diplomatic; I wanted to know who was the more interesting opponent for him.

“You know, I'm being really honest here,” he said. “I am equally interested in a fight with either Belfort or Rogers. I've never fought with either one. I used to watch Belfort fight, even before I started competing. So there is a history there for me with him. It is very interesting to me; he was a fighter who faced and beat a lot of the greatest fighters in MMA at the time. Rogers is a fighter who is tearing through the heavyweight division with 10 fights and 10 wins. And, I have to add, he beat Arlovski."

I also had to ask about the weight difference between him and Belfort, who recently has been fighting at 185 pounds.

"To be honest, in terms of his speed at that weight, I honestly don't know if being heavier is an advantage with a fighter who is as fast as him at his current weight,” Fedor said. “I have always found it harder to fight the lighter, faster guys, rather than the really big, plodding heavy and super heavyweights. And Belfort has always stood out in terms of his speed."
I don't know if the absence of Lashley's and Monson's names mean they're not really in the running.

[Boyd]

isn't vitor confirmed?

[rekcutnevets]

Posted by Boyd
isn't vitor confirmed?
I believe Belfort has accepted fight, and may have even signed on. I think Affliction and Fedor have yet to commit to Belfort.

[Tuffnutz]

Even though Belfort is extremely hot and cold this fight interests me a bit because of the speed of Belfort, and the last minute adjustments Fedor will have to make to deal with Belfort.

I think I'd actually prefer Belfort over Rogers because of his experience and the speed a lighter fighter can bring.

It's going to be an interesting one if the fight get's made.

[sugarngold]

Belfort's handspeed could give Fedor fits. He'll certainly fair better than Brett The Grim Rogers.

[Rattler]

I would trust Rogers to make this a fight... can't say the same for Vitor.

[rekcutnevets]

Posted by Rattler
I would trust Rogers to make this a fight... can't say the same for Vitor.
I wish someone could assure me that Rogers has some sort of ground game. Show me some proof that he wrestled in high school, training clips of him defending submissions, or most importantly footage proving a take down defense. Then I will be all for this huge dude with frightening power in his hands facing of with the sport's best fighter.

Until then, I feel Belfort is more of a test and a better name to add to his legacy. I was joking a bit elsewhere in the forum earlier, but Belfort's speed could make this fight get interesting.

[Rattler]

I wish someone could assure me that Rogers has some sort of ground game. Show me some proof that he wrestled in high school, training clips of him defending submissions, or most importantly footage proving a take down defense. Then I will be all for this huge dude with frightening power in his hands facing of with the sport's best fighter.

Until then, I feel Belfort is more of a test and a better name to add to his legacy. I was joking a bit elsewhere in the forum earlier, but Belfort's speed could make this fight get interesting.

IF Belfort is prepared to fight and not muffle his way through it. There's definitely a chance that the idea of Fedor being on the other side of the cage from him could make him less than confident about going for it.

[boxingwizard]

Respect for Fedor here you know Lashley is very green plus hes back in TNA wrestling hes not in fighting shape, Belfort is fighting at 185 now, Rodgers at the very least is a undeafted and legit Heavyweight remember he just sparked Arlovski in 20 secounds the guy who gave Fedor alittle bit of trouble.
I saw Lashley on TNA tonight, I fear he may get beat in MMA by focusing on pro wrestling too much.

[Big N Bad]

Personally I would love to see Fedor fight either bret rogers or vitor belfort as they are both very dangerous. Both have the power to knock anyone out so it should be interesting

at this stage i think fedor is too good, the only way i see him losing is by a lucky punch. this is what i wouldnt want happening to him.