MMA Returns to CBS on Saturday, Network Hopes Fedor Draws Viewers
One of the greatest Mixed Martial Artists of all-time, Fedor Emelianenko, makes his Strikeforce debut on Saturday night against undefeated heavyweight Brett Rogers
The last time that a Mixed Martial Arts event was aired live on CBS in primetime, the Elite XC organization witnessed its biggest mainstream star, Kimbo Slice, get knocked out in just 14 seconds by light heavyweight Seth Petruzelli.
The corrupt MMA organization later came under heavy scrutiny when it was revealed that promoter Gary Shaw gave Petruzelli additional financial incentive to stand and trade with Slice. Elite XC folded and the sport has not been seen on the CBS network since.
However, Strikeforce's debut on the CBS Network is scheduled to take place this Saturday night in primetime and the network is hoping that the organization's premier attraction, Russian heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, will draw a significant number of viewers. According to The Los Angeles Times, Strikeforce's rival MMA organization, the UFC, plans to counter-program Strikeforce's live event with an airing of main event fights from recent Pay Per Views on Spike TV.
Unlike CBS' first experience with the sport, the network is now relying on one of the most credible and talented MMA fighters in the world in Fedor Emelianenko as opposed to a street brawling YouTube sensation as Elite XC did with Kimbo Slice in order to attract casual fans. Emelianenko, who has a professional record of 30-1 with 1 no contest, is scheduled to fight undefeated heavyweight Brett Rogers in the show's main event.
Strikeforce's first ever primetime event on CBS will also feature one of MMA's hottest young prospects, 29-2 light heavyweight Gegard Mousasi, when he takes on fellow light heavyweight Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou.
