Written By:  Michael Hatamoto

CONCEDE MMA

The MMA world was shaken upside down at the San Jose Pavilion in San Jose, California, on Saturday night, when Fedor Emelianenko was submitted by Fabricio Werdum.

In front of 12,698 spectators at the Shark Tank, BJJ ace Werdum needed only 69 seconds to defeat the #1 heavyweight and one of the top pound-for-pound fighters.  After sharing a brief exchange on the feet, the stoic Russian clipped Werdum and sent him to the canvas.  Emelianenko, who has brutal, fast ground-and-pound, fell into Werdum's guard -- and fell victim to one of the best BJJ practitioners in MMA.

It looked like Emelianenko hesitated while on the ground, even though he still had a few passing chances to get up.  It's a shame he wasn't more patient before trying to pounce on the fallen Brazilian, as Werdum admitted post-fight he doesn't remember getting dropped.

Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem could face Werdum next, although both Werdum and Emelianenko said they're prepared for a rematch.  I expect Strikeforce and M-1 to arrange a rematch sometime around the end of the year, but we'll have to wait and see what Scott Coker does.

If a rematch takes place, don't expect Emelianenko to make the same mistake twice.  If Werdum is dropped from a punch or kick, Emelianenko my hesitate before jumping to the ground.