Cro Cop Retires, Ending Successful MMA Career

When Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic moved to the UFC from Pride Fighting Championships, he was considered one of the most lethally-endowed strikers the sport had ever witnessed. A fierce animal of a man, he snatched the Pride Open Weight Grand Prix, with a decisive victory over Josh Barnett. Upon his UFC debut, the Croatian was expected to become an instant title contender, and remain so, for some time.

Unfortunately, a horde of injuries plagued Cro Cop's UFC career. Coupled with his extending age, it was felt that, leading into his UFC 137 bout with Roy "Big Country" Nelson, his chance at redemption would be nearing its final push. Sadly, it was not to be.

Nelson completely dominated Filipovic, leveling an arsenal of strikes which, ultimately, led to his post-fight retirement announcement. Both men were needed the win. Neither, however, needed it more than Filipovic.

At the height of his career, Cro Cop was virtually unstoppable. He stood firm, said little and preferred to let his actions do the talking. His most notable, and most lethal, weapon was a formidable high kick, nearly indefensible and capable of decapitating his opponents.

From K-1 to Pride, Cro Cop made his mark as a formidable opponent, rising to the third most prolific heavyweight fighter in history, behind Antonio Nogueira and Fedor Emelianenko.

Though not a completely shocking event, it does come as a less-than-stellar footnote to a remarkable career in Mixed Martial Arts. As for his legacy, Cro Cop will remain a guiding light for those who look to topple the sport the right way. Through drive, hard work and dedication, he made the successful transition from kickboxing to MMA, improving with each successive contest.

He worked the cage as he did the media spotlight, quietly, stoically and always quick to deliver a poignant one-liner, when necessary. In the annals of Mixed Martial Arts, the feisty Croatian will always be remembered for the trail of bodies left at his feet. "Right foot hospital, left foot cemetery" will remain the moniker and warning of a man who evolved into one of the most feared athletes to grace the cage.

From sports.yahoo.com

Good bye Mirko and good luck in your life!

One more fight for Mirko Cro Cop?

The best Croatian MMA fighter of all time, Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic will still do a farewell performance before a definitive retirement. And as things stand 11th December before a home crowd in Zagreb's Arena. The whole spectacle will prepare Mirko's former manager Orsat Zovko , who organized and Cro Cop's last fight in Zagreb (09.01.2000. was knocked out Stuart Green). "I'll try to somehow patch together for this fight. One tries to prepare for me a worthy farewell. " - said Filipovic Vecernji List.