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Strikeforce legend Fedor Emelianenko with Russian President Vladimir Putin

New York - At a recent question-and-answer session, UFC color analyst Joe Rogan told it like it is when it comes to the struggles of one Fedor Emelianenko.

"I think at the highest levels of the game, you can't be rolling around fat at 230 and fighting those guys. We saw that in the 'Bigfoot' Silva fight. Bigfoot Silva, he walks around at 290 pounds. [Fedor] is an amazing athlete and he has put on some incredible fights over the years but, I think, once you get to the highest levels of the game, you can't come in fat and you can't be fighting way above your weight class.

"There's guys at 185 that are bigger than him. Anthony Johnson is way bigger than Fedor, that's reality. He has a bigger in his frame; he walks around heavier than him. Anthony Johnson weighs 230 and he's not fat at 230, he's a big swole up at 230.

"I think Fedor is an amazing talent, an incredible athlete. I really admire his mind and his mindset when he goes in to compete. It's really fun to watch, that he's so nonchalant with his big belly and he goes in there [expletive] people up. But the reality is that's not going to work in the upper echelon in the sport, any more at least. I think back when he was in PRIDE that was OK, but the game is passed that now."

Rogan is absolutely right. The truth of the matter is that tactical errors cost Emelianenko in his losses to Fabricio Werdum and Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva. Plus, with many heavyweights now pushing the 265-pound limit, Emelianenko, who usually weighs in around 220-230, fights at a major size disadvantage.

Emelianenko may or may not be listening to his critics, but he has begun to change his ways. Witness the fact that he traveled to Holland last week to work on his kickboxing with K-1 legend Ernesto Hoost.

Next step? Come to the United States to train some jiu-jitsu and wrestling.

Emelianenko is scheduled to return to Strikeforce in July, according to CEO Scott Coker.

Watch the Joe Rogan Q&A video here, courtesy of MMA Weekly.

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