Three Potential Fights For Mirko Cro Cop’s Next Bout

Mirko Cro Cop returned to the UFC yesterday (April 11, 2015) after a four-year hiatus away from the Octagon, during which he competed in some other international events as well as kickboxing. Yesterday, however, he met Gabriel Gonzaga in the main event of UFC Fight Night 64 in a rematch of their historic first math at UFC 70 over seven years ago.

It looked as if Gonzaga was on his way to his second win over the Croatian, but Cro Cop battled back in the third round, viciously battering Gonzaga with elbows to score a TKO win in a bloody back-and-forth war.

Currently unranked at 40 years old, Cro Crop’s fighting future is unclear. However, his 21 stoppage victories in the UFC, WEC, Pride, and Strikeforce are the most finishes in the combined history of the four organizations, and the Croatian proved yesterday that he still has some gas in the tank, and is still a finisher.

He may not be able to jump into the deep waters with the heavyweight elite just yet, but here are three potential matchups for Cro Cop to take next:

Roy Nelson:

These two men have actually met before at UFC 137 in October 2011, where Roy Nelson scored a third-round TKO stoppage. Nelson has lost two-straight, but still currently sits at No. 11 in the heavyweight rankings, and it may make sense to make a rematch.

For “Big Country”, it would be a chance to get back on track, and for Cro Cop, it would be a chance to get revenge and also slowly work his way up the heavyweight rankings. The Croatian would definitely hold the pure striking advantage, but Nelson is extremely powerful and durable and would provide a reputable challenge.

Antonio Silva:

Just like with Nelson, Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva has hit some rough times as of late, being winless in his last four outings, yet he is still ranked at No. 12. Silva is extremely powerful and has an underrated ground game, but his chin has fallen weak, making him susceptible to the knockout as of late.

This would be another great chance for Cro Cop to string another win together and slowly move up the ladder.

Ben Rothwell:

This is probably the least likely option for Cro Cop, as Rothwell is currently ranked No. 9 in the division and is scheduled to meet Matt Mitrione in June. However, the bout could make sense if Rothwell was to lose to Mitirone.

For Cro Cop, Rothwell would be a jump up in competition and a huge test. However, for the aging competitor, this may be just what he’s looking for as a win over a top 10-ranked fighter would skyrocket him up the rankings.

Stay tuned to LowkickMMA as we find out what’s next for Cro Cop.