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Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com Despite a spirited effort from Brett Rogers, Fedor Emelianenko walked away the winner on Saturday.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Fedor Emelianenko left the Sears Centre Arena on Saturday with the moniker of world's No. 1 heavyweight still intact, but it did not come without a struggle.

Previously undefeated Brett Rogers gave the Russian legend his toughest fight in recent years at Strikeforce/M-1 Global "Fedor vs. Rogers," but Emelianenko prevailed with a dead-on right hook that cracked Rogers' chin and then pounced on his larger foe with crushing follow-up punches. Referee John McCarthy halted the melee 1 minute, 48 seconds into the second round.