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Captain America speaks to AOL Fanhouse and talks about his physical health heading into this weekend's main event with Brandon Vera:

You're taking this fight after an 11-week layoff: One of the shortest you've ever had in your career. Do you like having that little time between fights?
Yeah, that was one of the things I liked about this fight: It's a very quick turnaround and I was very healthy after the Nogueira fight, so it allows me to keep moving. The last time I fought two times in pretty quick succession were my fights against Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz [in June and September of 2003], and that worked out pretty well for me, so I feel great about it.

I know you get the question all the time, but how do you stay in good enough shape to fight twice in three months at age 46, and how much longer can you do it?
I don't know if there's any one answer. I keep my body healthy. I stay in good shape. In the last couple years I've spent a lot of time getting my blood chemistry evaluated, taking the supplements and eating the things that my blood chemistry says I should be. That's been the biggest thing the last couple years, age 45 and 46.

Is it realistic to think you could be fighting at 50?
Anything is possible. I'm not thinking that far ahead, but I'm not ruling anything out either. I'm just preparing myself for a great fight and I hope I'll have more of them.

Some of you may recall I had shoulder surgery in May to repair a torn labrum I suffered going hog wild during a set of decline bench presses. Coincidentally, my doctor/orthopedic surgeon is a huge MMA fan and one-time doctor for the Washington Redskins. We talked about injuries both professional fighters and football players sustained and how incredible it was they could come back from some rather debilitating setbacks to still compete at the professional level. His explanation was both sufficient yet hardly medical: "they're just not built like you and me".

In short, their bodies were capable of a function (and regeneration) that ours was not. I liken it to exceedingly intelligent people. If you've ever met a smart person - and I am referring to the elite of the elite who go on to the greatest heights of career success - they are able to compute and problem solve for issues in ways we simply cannot. We can certainly train our existing minds to maximize output, but the threshold for the truly and uniquely gifted will always be higher in ways that astound us.

I believe Randy Couture is physically something similar, but I cannot shake the idea that the genetic lottery doesn't fully explain his ability. Evaluating "blood chemistry" means what, exactly? I would never accuse Couture of using steroids or other illegal performance enhancing drugs largely because a) there's no evidence and b) I don't suspect he's using them. But I am curious to see how he is using medical science to aid his efforts. How close to the ethical medical lines is he approaching? What novel techniques is he employing to give him the comparative advantage? Is what Couture doing similar to other world-class athletes or is his regimen original and unique?

I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants answers to those questions. We are talking about a man who after a highly accomplished career in amateur wrestling is considering cage fighting until he's 50. Whatever he's doing, I'd like to mimic it.

"As for the fedor fight, I thought it was very interesting, but I thought Rogers hesitated, and I felt like Fedor got exposed a bit." -- Joe Rogan

I'm a huge fan of Joe Rogan. If I'm ever half as good at commentary as he is I could die peacefully with a real sense of accomplishment. I also find him to be insightful and clairvoyant. He often sports a very unrecognized erudition about the fight game that informs his very sound judgment. In this case, however, he's completely out to lunch. Fedor was not exposed in any meaningful way and to suggest so seems deeply, deeply misplaced.

If you listen to Jordan Breen and I talk about what makes Fedor who he is (accolades, foibles and all) from MMA Nation this past Saturday, we discussed that one of the hallmarks of Fedor's remarkable career is his perseverance. It's not that Fedor has some otherworldly ability to never be hit, never be stumbled, never be challenged. In fact, it's quite the opposite. He is often challenged or hurt or put in very compromising positions. He can be cut, rocked, controlled, damaged, scored on. In a very real sense, Fedor is profoundly human and Brett Rogers is hardly the first opponent to discover this.

But that humanity is precisely what gives Fedor his utter remarkability. In a fragile human world and in a game as punishing and unforgiving as MMA, Fedor both succumbs to the frailties of his mortal flesh while always rising above them. Fedor is not perfect; he is just exceptional at never letting his imperfections get the best of him.

In an abstract sense, Fedor has made a career out of near flawless execution. He is essentially unbeaten and has dispatched opponents with ferocity, technical acumen and even ease at times. But on the more granular level, those wins and his accolades came at the expense of truly dangerous opponents in often extremely precarious moments. The notion that Fedor's identity is defined by routinely crushing every challenge ever faced is and has always been demonstrably false. Candidly, to believe as much is intellectual laziness partially fed by the hysteria that comes from promoting his identity to the masses.

In a game where the slightest amount of error can cost you everything, Fedor has found a way time and again to never let his shortcomings dictate outcomes. It is not that Fedor never errs or that others cannot remove him from his pedestal. Kazuyuki Fujita came close; Kevin Randleman came close; Andrei Arlovski, Brett Rogers and Mirko CroCop flirted with the possibility. But Fedor, as he has always done, never lets those errors ultimately cost him in the end. In my judgment, that is the true mark of an unmistakable champion.

No one should ever be surprised that there are shortcomings to Fedor's ability or in his career. He is human, all too human. Perhaps Alistair Overeem will be the first tip the balance in his favor should he ever face the Russian. Maybe we'll be lucky enough to watch Brock Lesnar get the opportunity. Regardless, what you should look for is not whether Fedor can put them in body bags with ruthless impunity. While he could stand to fight slightly better opposition, he is not now facing also-rans who have no business being with him in the cage. As I said all last week and will repeat here, Brett Rogers was always a legitimate opponent. Instead, what you should look for from Fedor is what has always defined him: his ability to persevere. He is always focused, always thinking, always waiting for the slightest opportunity or smallest window to exploit an opponent's weakness. And from the jaws of defeat, he has yanked himself out in truly epic and career-defining performances.

Fedor is human. Fedor can be hurt. Fedor can be defeated. That's what makes his seeming invincibility so appealing: there's nothing invincible about him.

Photo by Sherdog.

View more of Combatlifestyle.com's coverage of this event here.

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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.

Yes, it's true: I actually have a show today. Fortune smiles upon me again.

Today on "MMA Nation" we'll be joined by WEC Featherweight Champion Mike Brown. We'll talk to him about what his ATT-teammate Antonio Silva needs to do to win tonight, his upcoming fight at WEC 44 with Jose Aldo and much more.

We'll also be joined in studio by ADCC bronze medalist Ryan Hall and Seph Smith, the proprietors of 50/Fifty BJJ in Arlington, Virginia. We'll talk to Hall about his ADCC experience, give away a membership on air and ask both Hall and Smith to help break down tonight's Strikeforce fights.

Jordan Breen will be calling in to talk Strikeforce as well.

And, of course, lots of Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers talk along will all of your calls.

"MMA Nation" airs every Saturday 7:00pm EST to 9:00pm EST on 106.7 The Fan. To listen live over the Internet, go to The Fan's website and click "Listen Live".

I'm also now on Twitter: @mmanation.

"MMA Nation" is also available by podcast on iTunes.

Number to call: 800-636-1067

Email here.

Talk to you then.

Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers
November 7, 2009
Sears Centre in Chicago, Illinois

Maincard:

Fedor Emelianenko vs. Brett Rogers

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.

Kid Nate: Rogers is very formidable -- I'd love to see how he stacks up in the UFC heavyweight division against the likes of Kongo, Herring, Rothwell, Nelson, dos Santos, even Cro Cop -- but Fedor is FEDOR and there's a reason he's the greatest heavyweight of all time. Several reasons actually, including his hand speed, punching power, ability to transition, takedowns, ground and pound and submissions. Rogers has a punchers chance, but Fedor will win this one. Fedor Emelianenko by submission, Round 1.

Brent Brookhouse: When I wrote the piece breaking down Fedor's striking I was initially studying film to see where I thought Rogers may be able to get to him.  Instead it just cemented the fact that Rogers' only real chance is to catch Fedor in an exchange, unless he somehow developed into a more complete and tactical fighter.  To beat Fedor striking takes patience and timing, or blind luck.  As much as I like Brett he'll be relying on the latter.  Fedor Emelianenko by submission, round 1.

Michael Rome:  I'll open myself up for ridicule here.  I don't think this is even a fight.  Rogers is the new Houston Alexander, ranked high off a crazy upset but not even a "very good" fighter, let alone great.  I think he'll get killed standing too; this fight is designed for Fedor to massacre him.  Fedor via submission, round 1.

Chris Nelson: I've had this sinking feeling the past week or so, a little View-Master reel that flicks through my head wherein Brett Rogers comes out swinging, dusts Fedor in seconds, then does the big Grim dance while hoisting the WAMMA belt over his head (upside down). In truth, I've gotten this vibe before every Fedor fight since Mark Hunt, but Brett Rogers' comments today about feeling maybe a little psyched out by Fedor's demeanor told me what I already knew deep down: Fedor can't lose this fight. In fact, he may have already won. It simply shouldn't happen, and I don't believe it will. Fedor via submission, round one.

Eugene Schelfaut: I will offer a more maladroit expression of Rome's position. This feels like such a waste and afterward I will be left feeling incomplete and a little tired. Fedor Emelianenko by his name and TKO, Round 1. 

Nick Thomas: Fedor by clinch, takedown and submission.

Leland Roling: Fedor has the advantage in every aspect of this fight, including the striking game. The only real chance that Rogers has is if he can blast Fedor before the initial flurry of devasting blows peppers Rogers' face and ultimately leads to a takedown. I'll bank on Fedor winning that battle. Fedor Emelianenko via submission, Round 1.

Mike Fagan: I think we all know where I stand on this fight.  Rogers offers very little (at least from what we've seen) outside of his size and power, and Fedor's never had an issue with either of those things.  Fedor wins this by however he wants, and I'll go with Fedor Emelianenko by TKO, round 1.


Jake Shields vs. Jason "Mayhem" Miller

Luke Thomas: Part of me feels like Miller's durability and defensive savvy are going to keep him in this fight for the long haul. But that's just it: keep him in the fight. I keep seeing in my head Shields working for passes or keeping his base on Miller as he rolls from mount to give up the back and to the mount again. Offensively he is better on the feet and if Shields gasses late Miller will kill him, but will he have already dropped 3 or 4 rounds? Most likely. Shields by unanimous decision.

Kid Nate: Mayhem is bigger, a slightly better striker and very hard to submit. Shields has a huge wrestling advantage and the discipline to keep his head and keep the fight where he needs it to be -- on the ground, with Mayhem on his back. Shields won't do much to hurt him though and won't be able to get the tap out. If this was a three round fight it would be an easy pick for Shields to win, but holding Mayhem down for five rounds is going to be exhausting and once they're tired, Mayhem will have an edge in the slopfest that ensues. It won't be enough though, Shields by decision.

Brent Brookhouse:  This is a really good fight.  Mayhem is better standing and bigger but his defensive wrestling is a major issue for this fight.  I don't think Shields is as good of a wrestler as many seem to...but Mayhem has always been too willing (or just unable) to end up on the ground.  I'd be shocked if either guy finishes the fight and as such it's really a matter of if Miller is able to stay on his feet for enough of the fight to steal rounds.  I don't see it happening.  Jake Shields by decision.

Michael Rome:  Unfortunately for Mayhem, his takedown defense has never been there, and I see him losing a lopsided decision where he spends most of the time on his back.  A 5 round borefest could kill this show on CBS; I hope that doesn't happen.  Shields via decision.

Chris Nelson: I'm with the general consensus that Shields will grind Mayhem down for the duration of this one, but I'm thinking he can also wear him out and finish him in the championship rounds. Jake Shields via TKO, round four.

Eugene Schelfaut: Did you know grapple could also be a term used to denote a grape and apple hybrid? Funny, and yet interesting. Use this gem against those around you in the fourth when Jake Shields scores a takedown at the beginning of the round that will last him until the end of it. Jake Shields by decision, Round 5.

Nick Thomas: Can Shields submit Miller? I doubt it. Will Shields have the cardio for 5 rounds? We'll find out. I see Shields winning the majority of rounds with takedowns. Shields by decision.

Leland Roling: I love this fight in terms of styles as both Miller and Shields have solid grappling ability. I'd give the edge to Shields as he's positionally a more dominating fighter, but Mayhem should have a slight edge on the feet with his natural middleweight size and reach being the deciding factors. If Mayhem can keep it standing, he could point his way to victory, but I think Shields will ultimately dominate Miller on the floor in a positional battle. Jake Shields via unanimous decision.

Mike Fagan: This will go to a decision most of the time.  Mayhem nullifies Shields grappling (at least he finishing aspect) and he doesn't have any sort of KO power standing up.  I do think Miller's being undervalued, and while I expect Shields to actually win most of the time, I'll go with Jason Miller by decision, anyway.


Gegard Mousasi vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou

Luke Thomas: However Mousasi wants it, he takes it. He's physically tough and has the technical skills in any department to overwhelm Sokoudjou. It's just a matter of time. As he stated on the Jordan Breen Show, ground and pound is his favorite part of his game. So, Mousasi by TKO, round 1.

Kid Nate: Poor Sokoudjou, he's a living cautionary tale to young fighters who might be tempted to jump into big money matches too early in their careers. Mousasi is too well-rounded for Sokou by far. Mousasi's freakish reach alone will give Sokou fits. Mousasi by submission in 2.

Brent Brookhouse:  Sokoudjou has a lot of punching power, sure.  We can also pretend that his judo background is relevant.  This is going to be decided on the feet and I can see it being a replay of Soko/Cane in that Mousasi just weathers the early storm, picking out a few spots to land and come the second round he'll pour it on and end it.  Gegard Mousasi by TKO, round 2.

Michael Rome:  Sokoudjou has a much better chance than Brett Rogers, but that ain't saying much.  Mousassi is just on another level everywhere, this should be a fun fight though.  Mousassi via TKO, round 3.

Chris Nelson: Folks are giving Sokoudjou about as much of a chance to beat Mousasi as they did Nogueira, maybe less. That means it's time to pick him. Sokoudjou via TKO, round one.

Eugene Schelfaut: I have not yet found a fight which would allow me to make a move and improve my picking percentage over the group's. I can't steal a W here and neither can Sokoudjou. Mousasi pounds it out on the floor after Sokoudjou gasses out, but it could be before even that, leading to Gegard Mousasi winning by TKO, Round 1.

Nick Thomas:  Mousasi can win this standing or on the ground. Mousasi by TKO.

Leland Roling: Sokoudjou has a puncher's chance to pull off an upset, but Mousasi is easily the better fighter in every aspect of this fight. He's a much more technical striker, better on the floor, and he's surgical with his power striking from top control. He'll punch out Sokoudjou in quick fashion. Gegard Mousasi via TKO, Round 1.

Mike Fagan: Mousasi's gonna roll this chump.  Sokoudjou's a bully fighter, gasses quickly, and doesn't have much of a ground game.  Mousasi's part of the vanguard of MMA 3.0.  Gegard Mousasi by TKO, round 1.


Fabricio Werdum vs. Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva

Luke Thomas: Of the two Werdum is by far the better grappler. Silva is the more well-rounded of the two, but lacks something critical: the ability to withstand punishment in order to keep mixing it up or push the action. He's technical until he's pressured and Werdum often gets very little credit for being highly durable. Yes, Cigano dropped him, but generally speaking Werdum is capable of absorbing tons of damage to pursue the fight. Eventually Silva is going to get worn down and Werdum will pounce. Werdum, by TKO, round 2.

Kid Nate: Silva is a massively powerful physical specimen, but I'm afraid he's the Brett Rogers in this bout, oversized and underskilled. Although he's never quite put his many talents into a package greater than the sum of their parts, Werdum is by far the better grappler and his Muay Thai is decent enough to out score the sluggish Bigfoot. The winner gets to lose to Fedor. Werdum by decision.

Brent Brookhouse:  I remain fairly unsure of Silva's true standing in the division.  This is a guy who came close to losing a decision to Ricco Rodriguez...and I'm talking about "Fat Ricco" not the athletic former champion.  Werdum getting knocked out by Dos Santos isn't really an indication that Silva can get to him.  JDS has really good power but also that was a perfectly timed shot.  I just think Werdum is the better fighter and that he'll pull off the win.  Fabricio Werdum by decision.

Michael Rome:  Strikeforce would be better off if Silva won, they could market a giant against Fedor much better than a jiu-jitsu world champion.  Unfortunately for them, the most likely outcome is Silva gassing, getting taken down, and getting submitted.  Werdum via submission, round 2.

Chris Nelson: I'm so into this fight - only Fedor-Rogers and Sengoku's pair of main events top it for me in this packed weekend. Werdum should take this, but he should've taken the Cigano fight too. Methinks Bigfoot catches him early. Antonio Silva via TKO, round one.

Eugene Schelfaut: After I see Werdum take a few to the jaw and not explode I'll feel better. There is a tier of better feeling on top of that if Werdum can trip this to the ground. Fabricio Werdum by decision.

Nick Thomas: What a great fight here. I don't think Werdum will threaten Silva on the ground. With that it's Silva by TKO.

Leland Roling: This is a tough fight to pick as both Werdum and Silva have distinct advantages in their skill-sets. Werdum will be the better grappler while Silva should have more power in the striking department. Werdum hasn't historically shown a weakness in being knocked out as some fans seem to believe due to his showing against Dos Santos, and he should be the more dominant fighter on the ground. For that reason, I'll take Werdum. Fabricio Werdum via unanimous decision.

Mike Fagan: When this is your lead-in fight, you know you have a good card lined up.  By far the hardest fight to pick on the main card, but I think Werdum's gonna be a too athletic for Silva if he comes in to the fight in shape.  Fabricio Werdum by submisison, round 3.

 

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"He's definitely a different fighter," said Rogers of the heavyweight champion, who will put his legacy and nine-year unbeaten streak on the line Saturday on CBS (9 p.m. ET/PT). "I look into his eyes and I see nothing. I don't see if he's serious. I don't see if he's trying to be funny. I can't sense anything from him. A lot of people say, 'Don't pay attention to his demeanor because it will psyche you out.' It's true. I feel that."

Until the first punch is thrown at the Strikeforce Challengers Series tonight, you can still enter the contest!

For those who need a refresher, here's the deal:

With so many MMA events packed so closely together in one month, the good folks at FightMetric decided there was some fun to be had. The name of this game, like the regular March Madness tourney, is bracket predictions. Now, obviously this isn't one gigantic tourney where we pick one fighter to go all the way through several rounds. Instead, this game asks you to make predictions at each round where you collect points for correct picks. After the events that comprise the rounds are over, you'll tally up points and head to the next round. Again, you aren't trying to pick one fighter to win it all. You just want to be the one who gets the most points by the time Ortiz vs. Griffin 2 - the equivalent of the national championship - has been decided.

Rules on scoring here. Take a look at the bracket here, download and print out a copy for your purposes here, and email me your picks here.

Remember, the winner will get an awesome (albeit as yet to be determined) prize. We have some thoughts in mind about what we'd like to give away, but we are also taking suggestions in the comments section now. Current interesting suggestions: top 100 UFC fight DVD, be a Bloody Elbow writer for a day and a few others.

Let's get the picks in, ladies and gents! Time is running out.

This is a FightMetric fantasy game presented by BloodyElbow.

via Sports Illustrated

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Here are the basic terms:

UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre has signed a multi-year endorsement deal with performance apparel leader Under Armour, the company announced Thursday.

St. Pierre, 28, will become the face of Under Armour’s popular BoxerJock and BoxerBrief Underwear line this Spring, and will be featured in a multi-platform advertising campaign for its ColdGear apparel line this holiday season, as well its Recharge post-workout suit campaign.

By "multi-platform", Under Armor intends to do this:

St-Pierre, whom Battista described as "the Michael Jordan of MMA," will be featured on in-store packaging, as well as in print, TV and Internet advertising that begins this holiday shopping season.

If you're curious about where this places St. Pierre among the other athletes Under Armor sponsors, here's the list:

St. Pierre joins Baltimore Ravens’ Ray Lewis, New York Giants’ Brandon Jacobs, Chicago Cubs’ Alfonso Soriano, lacrosse superstar Paul Rabil, and U.S. Olympian Lindsey Jacobellis among Under Armour’s current spokespersons.

Josh Gross's piece over at Sports Illustrated adds context to what this all means:

"I see him representing the brand across the board," said Under Armour Senior Vice President Steve Battista. "I think he's got an appeal that transcends mixed martial arts. I think he represents a whole new style of training and, really, whole new mentality about his sport."

That's exactly how manager Shari Spencer envisioned selling St. Pierre to major corporate sponsors when she took on the fighter as her sole client two years ago. In a sport whose athletes find success more with fringe than mainstream companies, Spencer felt St. Pierre embodied the kind of attributes -- natural fighting talent, a throwback demeanor, good looks and a clean reputation -- that could change the corporate world's perception of MMA.

Spencer deliberately avoided aligning St. Pierre with niche MMA brands that, despite putting money in the fighter's pockets in the short term, would have prolonged the outlaw stigma the sport yields.

"There were a lot of people sitting back saying this wasn't going to work, the brands weren't going to be there," Spencer said. "And I did turn down money within the industry. Georges was there beside me and he trusted my guidance. It wasn't so much Georges I had to convince."

The key, said Spencer, was getting St. Pierre viewed as an athlete first and fighter second. Recognizing the limited window that exists to maximize an athlete's earnings, especially those participating in sports as physically demanding as St. Pierre's, Spencer sought out the resources of Creative Artists Agency to accelerate opportunities for her client. It took about six months before CAA figured out MMA's relevance in the overall sports world and how it could work in the space. It also didn't hurt that the co-head of CAA sports, Howard Nuchow, fell in love with the combat sport after in-depth conversations with the late Tapout founder, Charles "Mask" Lewis.

And as Mike Chiappetta pointed out on Twitter today, with Under Armor leading the charge, can Nike and Adidas be too far behind? In Japan, they are already on board. Just ask Caol Uno, Yoshihiro Akiyama and many others.

I've said it once and I'll say it again: there are certain rough realities about MMA that preclude it from becoming as meaningful or large as other mainstream sports, but MMA is far more palatable than people give it credit. If we wish to dress up MMA in atmospherics of blood and gore with a parade of endless t-shirt companies that vary between themes of thuggery and counter-culture zeitgeist, then that's exactly where MMA will remain.

Instead, if we open MMA to the masses by promoting the laudable human elements other sports thrive on - discipline, hard work, sacrifice, personal growth, self improvement, athletic heroism and other positive/redemptive qualities - then we can push this sport closer to crowds that find those characteristics and values appealing.

There is a ceiling on how far it can be pushed, sure, but we only limit ourselves by throwing up our hands and letting the "Rape Your Mother" or "Dump Your Body In A Shallow Grave" t-shirt companies of this sport dictate imagery and appearance. If we want MMA to be a carnival filled with carnies, it's very easy to achieve and there are enough of those types of people to make the sport at least somewhat commercially viable. But if we want to chase the big money with the big audiences and achieve real respect and footing among the masses, finding ways to articulate MMA by emphasizing the commonalities of our sport with their interests and values seems the far smarter way to go.

Not every fighter is St. Pierre and as much as it pains me to admit, the horrendous and gawdy imagery presently inundating MMA have some place. The question, though, is where that placement should be and how central to the larger sporting image that imagery actually is. When a fighter like St. Pierre is able to achieve serious mainstream endorsement deals, he at least partially breaks open the door for others (as does Couture with Everlast). If we clean up our act and rethink how we choose to present ourselves, we might be very surprised at who else can benefit and where this road can take us.

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I've been talking with other journalists and analysts in the sport about how Strikeforce should be and isn't promoting Fedor properly. During these talks, our own Michael Rome had an interesting idea: why not use the UFC's popularity against itself? In other words, promote Fedor by having the cavalcade of UFC fighters who've given endorsements in the past about the Russian and his abilities rather than other MMA journalists no one knows. It's a smart idea. Use their existing appeal and cosigning to give the recommendations about Fedor real heft and gravity. Joe Rogan and BJ Penn do so here and here, respectively.

But why stop there? I also believe Strikeforce can use the failed negotiations between Emelianenko/M-1 with the UFC this past summer to demonstrate their clout as a real competitor to Zuffa. And as you can see, the press is naturally drawn to the storyline of that now famous rift:

Emelianenko is one of the few big names in MMA to operate outside of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Many of his critics believe he cannot be the true No. 1 unless he fights the best competition, which they say reside in the UFC. In 2006, after the UFC bought Pride FC, where Emelianenko was the heavyweight champion, many of its fighters signed with the UFC, but not him.

For years, fans have clamored to have the UFC sign him and it almost happened in August. Emelianenko became a free agent after Affliction got out of the fight promotion business.

Emelianenko's management company, M-1 Global, held talks with the UFC. Huge salary numbers were tossed around, but the main issue was co-promotion. M-1 wanted to co-promote Emelianenko's fights with the UFC. The UFC has never done that and said they never will. The talks deadlocked.

Strikeforce was willing to accept M-1's co-promotion terms. It already has a co-promotion deal with DREAM, a Japanese MMA company. So it was Strikeforce that signed Emelianenko to a four-fight contract.

UFC president Dana White was furious with Emelianenko, M-1, and Strikeforce. Fans were teased by the tantalizing thought of a match with Emelianenko against the UFC's dominating heavyweight Brock Lesnar. But this week Emelianenko didn't seem to worry about fan backlash.

''I think it would be good if they would understand that I could not sign a one-sided contract with the UFC,'' Emelianenko said. ''Vadim [Finkelchtein], my manager he considered that we deserve a little bit more.''

If you can't beat the UFC, use them. It won't solve all of your problems, but it's far better than swimming upstream. MMA is the UFC's show. One might as well borrow some of their glow.