After looking at the fight again a few more times, I don't think Fedor was never in trouble and it looks like he was won that first round. I mean, yes, Fedor looked bloodied up, but he was very active. He was going after submissions after submissions, going for takedowns, landing strikes. I think part of the reason why fans thinks Rogers won the first round is because of Fedor's fair complexion. His skins turn read just by getting brushed by Rogers.
Now, I think Rogers was on the right track as to how to beat Fedor. He was doing a lot of head movements which made Fedor miss a lot. He was also throwing jabs very effectively. He needed to throw more jabs. He has to work on his clinch game a little more-working the thigh area was good idea. If elbows were allowed at Strikeforce I think Rogers would have done more damage specially on the clinch. With a broken nose and 265lb mass pushing against the cage, Fedor would definately gotten tired.
Rogers was rushing once the fight was on the ground and he was on top. Fedor was setting up submissions and Rogers should've tried to control him a little more and push him towards the fence and have selective strikes. He could've controlled him better.
Lastly, Rogers started to get comfortable in the cage and he became predictable. He had his hands down and just got caught. I do think Big John stopped the fight prematurely. The punch was hard and solid but Fedor missed the next two. I guess the craddle position just looks really bad.