Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Werdum Conference Call Live Notes

We’ll be live-blogging today’s “Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Werdum” conference call, which is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. ET. Included in the call will be Fedor Emelianenko, Fabricio Werdum and Scott Coker.

Stay tuned for live updates.

— Strikeforce calls aren’t exactly known for starting on time, and this one is no different. I’m setting the over/under at 15 minutes late. To be fair, it’s probably incredibly difficult to get Fedor Emelianenko on the phone for anything.

— The call begins at 2:14pm, so I was close with the number.

— Fedor is not on the call, but is expected to join shortly. Werdum is already on the call.

— Coker says this will be the #1 heavyweight fighter in the world against the top jiu-jitsu fighter in the world. Werdum is good, but I’m not sure he’s even the best jiu-jitsu fighter in Strikeforce, much less the rest of the world. Jacare Souza would have something to say about that.

— Werdum says he’s very happy for the opportunity and that June 26th will be the happiest day of his life.

— What is the most important factor for Werdum once the bell rings for the fight against Fedor? He’s very confident in his training and he’s in the best shape of his life. That’s not really an answer to the question, but okay.

— Does Werdum feel like he’s been overlooked because of all the Overeem/Fedor talk? Every time he’s fought before, he’s felt anxious. Again, not really an answer to the question.

— Coker says Werdum doesn’t have to win by knockout or submission in order for the fans to accept Fedor’s loss.

— Fedor says it doesn’t matter that Werdum beat his brother. He’s fighting for himself and for his country.

— Werdum says most fighters have already lost to Fedor before they ever step in the cage with him. He believes a lack of mental preparation sticks with them for their future fights.

— Tickets for the show are still on sale at the box office, Ticketmaster locations and Strikeforce.com. They quickly add that they are also available at M-1Global.com.

— Fedor disagrees with Werdum, saying that he doesn’t believe fighters defeat themselves before they get in the cage with him.

— When asked if this will be his last fight for Strikeforce, Fedor says he’s not looking past Werdum. But he says there’s no reason he wouldn’t want to extend his contract.

— Fedor is asked about Brock Lesnar, Shane Carwin and Alistair Overeem. He says that size and strength doesn’t always define you as a fighter. He has a lot of respect for all three guys and they have a lot of talent.

And now I have to cut this live blog off, because we’re headed over to the Ultimate Fighter Finale weigh-ins. Stay tuned for live updates, video and photos from that event this evening.