My expectation prior to this fight was that Fedor would win and do so devastatingly, but Rogers would turn in an effort that would go a long way towards negating some of the more ardent criticism of his ability:
Luke Thomas: It's borderline irrational to pick Rogers. One would have to make a highly specific, extremely compelling case based on thoroughly vetted evidence to even sniff reasonable territory where a Rogers pick makes sense. But I will say this: I think he'll lose, but earn himself some credibility with hardcores. I do tend to think Rogers is highly durable and packs a serious wallop in his punch. He is limited and that will be his undoing, but the idea that he is some also-ran that Fedor will clean out like Ogawa after he refused to touch the Russian's gloves doesn't ring true with me. It's MMA and either man could go to sleep within seconds, but I find that possibility on either end unlikely. I think Rogers will be overwhelmed, but not before proving he isn't a warm body for Fedor to sacrifice on the altar of keeping his number one ranking. Fedor by TKO, round 2.
Scott Coker also suggested he liked what he saw in the young heavyweight:
"Brett -- I think he surprised a lot of you," said Coker. "I think he was an underdog in this fight, and he came out and I think they had a couple of exchanges. I think the weight was an issue, but Fedor is Fedor and he does what he does."
If Rogers proved anything, it’s that the 28-year-old fighter has more to offer than just a puncher’s chance. To fight Emelianenko, Rogers said he had to make himself believe that.
"I put myself up there. I put myself on the pedestal," said Rogers. "I don’t see myself as a low-class fighter or however you want to see it. I feel I can fight with the best and that I will fight with the best."
In only his 11th career bout, taking on the king of the mountain, Rogers took away a lesson.
"I learned that I just need to trust in my instincts a little bit more," he said. "I definitely saw a lot of openings. I just didn’t take them."
Rogers did hesitate and it cost him, but when he pressed the action he looked dangerous. I particularly point to the moment Rogers was on top of Emelianenko unloading ground and pound. Realizing he had to not give Fedor an inch to breathe or a moment to spare, Rogers put heavy punches together in quick succession that damaged the Russian. The difference in grappling ability ultimately saved Emelianenko as he used the armbar to eventually sweep Rogers, but the Minnesota native never panicked or froze.
And while he did noticeably hesitate on the feet and a little in the clinch, he wasn't overwhelmed. I'd also say he made some effective use of the weight differential against the fence. Ultimately the speed and explosive attack of Emelianenko proved more than Rogers could be prepared for, particularly given his hesitation. But against the greatest heavyweight MMA has ever seen, we can be forgiving of Rogers and grant him more hard work in the gym and further tactical preparation could take him great distances in his career.