UFC 128: Mirko Cro Cop’s Last Chance

There is no doubt among hardcore fans and experts that Mirko Filipovic aka “Cro Cop” is a legend in the game and has left a huge imprint in the world of Mixed Martial Arts. He made his name as a fairly successful K-1 Kickboxer, but it wasn’t until he stepped into the PRIDE arena in MMA where he truly made his name.  “Right leg hospital; left leg cemetery” was Cro Cop’s motto, with many men becoming victims of his vicious strikes.

Names like Kazushi Sakuraba, Heath Herring, Aleksander Emelianenko, Josh Barnett, Mark Coleman, and Wanderlei Silva have fallen victim to Mirko’s power. Cro Cop was at his prime in 2005-2006 and it peaked when he beat Josh Barnett to win the PRIDE Open Weight Grand Prix. To date, that championship is the only major title he has won in a Combat Sports career that spans over 15 years.

When ZUFFA purchased PRIDE, fans were excited to see the best from the Japanese promotion step into the Octagon and showcase their skills. When it was Cro Cop’s time to step into the North American scene, he did have some moments but the Cro Cop that we knew in Japan seemed to be long gone. He beat journeyman Eddie Sanchez in his UFC debut, but lost against the likes of Gabriel Gonzaga and Cheick Congo.

He was then cut after losing two straight and made a short return to Japan in the DREAM promotion. After winning three fights he left Japan again with two wins and one no contest against Alistair Overeem, the Croatian was resigned by the UFC. Since returning Cro Cop is 3-2, with wins against Mostapha Al-Turl, Anthony Perosh, and Pat Barry. The two losses since returning are high profile against the likes of Junior Dos Santos and Frank Mir.

Mirko will be facing a much younger and motivated opponent in Brendan Schaub. The former NFL prospect may not have a resume as impressive as Cro Cop does, but he did beat Gabriel Gonzaga something Mirko failed to do. This could very well be the last time we see the legend in action. Against Frank Mir, Cro Cop looked like a shell of his former self. That fire, that focus, and those K-1 caliber strikes seem to have disappeared.

Will Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic be able to continue his legendary career and end it with a happy ending or will Brendan Schaub add another name to his record? This Saturday we’ll find out which Cro Cop shows up to New Jersey.

Photo taken by Daniel Herbertson for Sherdog.com