Mirko Filipović

Mirko Filipović
MirkoFilipovic.png
Statistics
Nickname Cro Cop
Height 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) [1]
Weight 105 kg (230 lb/16.5 st)
Nationality Croatian
Born September 10, 1974 (1974-09-10) (age 35)
Fighting out of Zagreb, Croatia
Town of birth Vinkovci, Croatia
Team/Association Cro Cop Squad Gym[2]
Fighting style Kickboxing
Mixed martial arts record
Wins 23
  By knockout 16
  By submission 4
Losses 6
Draws 2
No contests 1

Mirko Filipović (born on September 10, 1974), often billed as Mirko Cro Cop, is a Croatian law enforcement officer turned kickboxer and mixed martial artist (MMA). He is also a former member (2003 - 2007) of Croatian Parliament. His nickname, short for "Croatian Cop", comes from his membership in the Croatian police's Anti-Terrorist Group ATJ Lučko.

Filipović has been successful in both K-1 and PRIDE Fighting Championships. On September 10, 2006, he won the PRIDE 2006 Open Weight Grand Prix, and in 2007 began fighting in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Filipović is famous for his left high kicks, with which he has knocked out many of his opponents.

Contents

Professional career

Filipović started his professional career in 1996 as a kickboxer, following in the footsteps of his compatriot Branko Cikatić. Before turning pro Filipović was said to have accumulated an amateur boxing record of 40-5 (31 KO's).[3] At the time, Filipović was working as a commando in the Croatian police anti-terrorist unit Alpha (stationed in Lučko near Zagreb), which earned him his nickname "Cro Cop". He also fought several times early in his career under the nickname "Tigar" (Croatian for "tiger").

K-1

In 1996, at the age of 21, Filipović entered the K-1 World Grand Prix elimination tournament. After defeating the previous year's finalist, Jérôme Le Banner, Filipović was stopped in the next round by Ernesto Hoost. He returned to K-1 three years later in 1999, knocking out British fighter Ricky "Tank" Nicholson, but subsequently dropped a decision against Swiss fighter, Xhavit Bajrami. Despite this, Filipović was given a wildcard into the world tournament where he shocked the kickboxing world by defeating highly regarded K-1 fighter Mike Bernardo. Filipović went on to knock out Japanese star Musashi and Australian karate fighter Sam Greco on the same night before being stopped again by Hoost.

Filipović continued to have successes in K-1, winning a number of matches against such top ranked opponents as Peter Aerts, Mark Hunt and Remy Bonjasky. He was the first fighter to beat then-undefeated giant, "The Beast" Bob Sapp in 86 seconds, breaking Sapp's orbital bone with a left punch. In 2000 he beat karate fighter Glaube Feitosa and boxer Hiromi Amada to reach the finals of the Nagoya Grand Prix, losing by first-round TKO to Mike Bernardo in a rematch. Once again, previously acquired injuries were the major factors in this loss. Filipović actually entered the ring limping on one leg due to injuries sustained in previous bouts. Bernardo repeatedly attacked Filipović's damaged leg and rendered him unable to continue due to injuries. Mirko, however, gained tremendous respect among Japanese fight enthusiasts for his courage and heart. As a finalist he progressed to the final eight for the 2000 Grand Prix, but once again dropped a decision to his nemesis Hoost.

In 2001 he was unexpectedly defeated by Canadian fighter Michael McDonald in the first round. Shortly thereafter, he began a transition to PRIDE, a Japanese mixed martial arts organization. He fought four more K-1 matches, however, winning each.

PRIDE FC

In 2001, Filipović began his switch to fighting in PRIDE, citing personal challenge, as well as dissatisfaction with K-1 salaries. A year later, he also left his job at the anti-terrorist unit in order to focus fully on his martial arts career. Since then, Filipović maintained a comparably low kickboxing profile, but nevertheless scored some impressive K-1 victories, most notably against Mark Hunt in March 2002 (unanimous decision), Remy Bonjasky in July 2002 (second round TKO), and Bob Sapp in April 2003 (first round KO).

Following a TKO win over Kazuyuki Fujita in his MMA debut, "Cro Cop" then made his PRIDE debut at PRIDE 17 against Nobuhiko Takada. The bout featured a special rule stating if it went to a decision it would be ruled a draw. Neither fighter was able to stop the other.

Filipović's next PRIDE fight was against then-middleweight (205 lb) champion Wanderlei Silva. This bout featured the same rules as the Takada fight, and also ended in a draw. On August 28, 2002 "Cro Cop" faced Japanese superstar Kazushi Sakuraba at PRIDE Shockwave 2002. Filipović won after fracturing Sakuraba's orbital bone.

His next fight was a rematch with Fujita at the Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2002 event where he picked up his fourth victory, this time by decision.

"Cro Cop" returned to PRIDE to face heavyweight contender Heath Herring at PRIDE 26 (June 8, 2003). Filipović defeated Herring decisively, scoring a TKO victory only 3:17 into the fight. His next fight was against Ukrainian striker Igor Vovchanchyn at PRIDE Total Elimination 2003. Following powerful kicks in the Herring fight, this fight continued to showcase Filipović's kicking power as he knocked out Vovchanchyn with a head kick 1:29 into the fight. "Cro Cop" then defeated Mexican professional wrestler Dos Caras Jr. at PRIDE Bushido 1 with a head kick knockout in only 46 seconds.

Filipović's string of PRIDE wins secured him a chance to fight for the interim heavyweight championship against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira on November 9, 2003. Filipović's stand-up fighting proved effective in the first round, controlling the fight from his feet. However, Nogueira prevailed in the second round after a successful takedown, forcing Filipović to submit to an armbar after being mounted. Filipović admitted to Bas Rutten in a later interview that he was overconfident against Nogueira.

In 2004 Filipović put his K-1 career on hold and recruited Fabricio Werdum (a former world champion in Brazilian jiu-jitsu) as his coach, working on improving his ground fighting skills. He went on to win his next two bouts by KO and TKO at a combined time of only 3:49.

"Cro Cop" then participated in PRIDE's Heavyweight Grand Prix. In a shocking upset Filipović was knocked out in the first round by Kevin Randleman. Filipović later made up for this loss by submitting Randleman in a rematch at the end of 2004.

Filipović repeatedly requested PRIDE let him challenge the heavyweight champion, Fedor Emelianenko. After winning seven straight matches since his defeat by Randleman, including a knockout victory against Aleksander Emelianenko (the 6'6", 255 lb (116 kg) brother of the champion) and wins over Josh Barnett, Mark Coleman, and Ibragim Magomedov, Filipović received a chance to fight Emelianenko for the title on August 28, 2005 at PRIDE Final Conflict 2005. After three rounds, Emelianenko won by unanimous decision and retained his title. Filipović later stated on Croatian national television that he came exhausted to the match, mostly because he was not used to the time difference in Japan and he had sleeping problems. He also said many times after the match that he fought too defensively and cautiously. The champion, likewise, was not in his top form. According to Emelianenko he "could not take full advantage of right hand during the striking exchanges and had to try to close the distance," due to a previous hand injury.

On October 23, 2005, less than two months after the loss to Emelianenko, Filipović stepped back into the ring to rematch open-weight King of Pancrase Josh Barnett. After three rounds Filipović received a unanimous judges' decision victory.

On December 31, 2005, Filipović lost his match against Mark Hunt via split decision. Hunt was the more aggressive fighter, an important criterion in PRIDE judging. Quite unusually, "Cro Cop" was wearing shoes for this fight, something that had no precedent. This had led to speculation and statements from his camp about Filipović having sustained injuries to his feet before the fight. Filipović himself has never confirmed these speculations. Filipović also displayed considerable problems with his cardio during his fights with Emelianenko, Barnett, and Hunt leading to the speculation that he was much too active and a resting period from the ring would work to his advantage.

Becoming a champion

Filipović re-entered the PRIDE ring, competing in PRIDE's 2006 Open-Weight Grand Prix on May 5, 2006. His first match at the PRIDE Total Elimination Absolute event was against Ikuhisa Minowa, the lighter but highly acclaimed professional wrestler and mixed martial artist. "Cro Cop" won the fight by TKO in 1:10 of the fight. On July 1, 2006 at PRIDE Critical Countdown Absolute, Filipović defeated 1992 Olympic judo gold medalist Hidehiko Yoshida to move on to the semi-finals.

On September 10, 2006, Filipović won the Open-Weight Grand Prix at PRIDE Final Conflict Absolute. In the semi-finals, Filipović knocked out then-PRIDE middleweight champion Wanderlei Silva with his trademark left high kick. In the final match, "Cro Cop" won a third victory over Josh Barnett, who submitted after sustaining an eye injury. With these two victories, Filipović became PRIDE's Open-Weight Grand Prix champion, the first widely recognized championship belt he has ever won. In a post-fight interview Filipović stated if he had not won the tournament, it would have been his last night fighting. It was also his birthday.

UFC

After his victory at the Open-Weight Grand Prix, a rematch between Filipović and Fedor Emelianenko failed to materialize and on December 12, 2006 Filipović pulled out of the New Year's Eve event, citing both a foot injury and Emelianenko's commitment to meet Mark Hunt at the card in question. Through his official website, Filipović revealed "I still can't kick like I want to. It's the best that we give more time to this injury to heal. I want to be in perfect shape for my next fights."[4] Also in December 2006, rumors began to surface about Filipović entertaining offers from other mixed martial arts organizations; the Ultimate Fighting Championship was one of the promotions that Filipović confirmed came forward with an offer. [5] Rumors continued to circulate about Filipović's future with the PRIDE FC organization and soon media websites were reporting that Filipović had chosen the UFC for his future.[6]

UFC president Dana White and the UFC officially announced on December 30, 2006 during the post-UFC 66 press conference, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, that Filipović had signed a two-year, six-fight deal with the Las Vegas-based mixed martial arts promoter. It was also announced that Filipović would make his UFC debut on February 3, 2007 at UFC 67 in Las Vegas against Eddie Sanchez, promoting him under the name Mirko "Cro Cop" alternatively with and without quotation marks. Filipović defeated Sanchez in the first round via TKO.

On April 21, 2007, Filipović faced Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 70 in Manchester, England. At 4:51 of round one, Gonzaga won with a head kick knockout of his own. Crocop has stated since that the elbows on the ground confused and damaged him enough that he was disoriented after the stand up, contributing to the subsequent knock-out. During the fall to the canvas, Filipović suffered a minor injury to his ankle.[7]

Filipović's fought on September 8, 2007 at UFC 75 against French kickboxer Cheick Kongo where he lost via unanimous decision. In a post-fight interview upon his return home, Mirko stated that he cracked a rib during the fight and that the two illegal kicks in the groin[8] he received also cost him some strength. He trained with Remy Bonjasky and Gilbert Yvel, and 2003 Abu Dhabi Combat Club champion grappler Dean Lister for this fight. Lister joined Cro Cop at his home town for 1 month to train for this up coming bout.[9] Filipović's coach was Vos Gym's main trainer and muay thai practitioner Ivan "Hydro" Hippolyte. According to his home page [10]Marijan Žižanović is the new head coach again, since October 01, 2007. Žižanović was his K-1 trainer.

DREAM

On February 12, 2008, Filipović, announced a visit to Japan on his blog.[11] With the foundation of the new MMA event, 'DREAM', co-established by FEG running K-1 Hero's and the former Yarennoka! organizing committee members which had managed PRIDE FC, Filipović officiates ending his career in UFC and the participation into the new event.[12]

After much speculation and many possible rumored opponents, (including Yoshihiro Nakao and Dong Sik Yoon), Fight Entertainment Group confirmed on March 11, 2008 that Cro Cop would be facing Tatsuya Mizuno at DREAM.1 on March 15, 2008 at Satiama Arena, in Japan. [13]

When asked about the Croatian's current contract status with the UFC and whether it would interfere with his participation in 'DREAM' events, DREAM producer and front man Keiichi Sasahara said, "Though I can't share specific details about his contract, there will not be any foreseeable problems arising."[14]

The 2006 Pride Grand Prix champion was vague in answering the question himself, qualifying his response by mentioning his intent to return to the American MMA giant sometime in the future.

"Well, as you all know, I had a bad period in my last two fights, which I'd lost in the UFC," Filipovic said. "I don't want anyone to think that I'm running away from the UFC, but I was thinking a lot about how to continue with my career, and I think in this moment, I think Dream is the right place for me."[14]

"Another thing is that I never liked fighting in the cage. I always liked to fight in the ring. The second thing is that I liked fighting in Japan. Japan is like my second home -- I feel like I'm home in Japan. All those reasons [have brought me] here, and I'm very happy that I'm going to fight here in Japan. But of course, one day, I don't know when, but definitely I'll be back in the UFC to show that it was just a bad period for me. Now I'm fully recovered, physically and mentally, most important mentally."[14]

On March 15, 2008 he defeated Tatsuya Mizuno by TKO in the 1st round at DREAM.1.

His next fight was scheduled to be against Jerome Le Banner at DREAM.5, after being rescheduled once due to Mirko sustaining a minor leg injury. However it was later announced by Mirko himself on his webpage that he would be unable to fight due to his elbow injury worsening and needing surgery. Mirko underwent successful arthorscopic elbow repair in early July, and is now on the path to full recovery.

His next fight was against Alistair Overeem at DREAM.6 on September 23, 2008.[15]After almost half of the first round which saw Overeem taking down Filipovic 2 times and the two fighters exchanging stand-up and ground strikes (with Filopovic sustaining a cut) the bout was stopped and declared a no contest due to Alistair's landing multiple unintentional knees to the groin of Filipovic. Filipovic stated after the match that he had wanted to continue to fight, as evident in his remaining in the ring. But the ringside doctor would not allow him to continue. It was announced by the commentators that Filipovic's right testicle went inside. Crocop's manager however has stated that the injury is not serious and that a rematch as soon as possible is being sought. Filipovic said that he was planning for a long fight and a KO towards the end. He expressed frustration and quoted "I'm angry it ended this way, it seemed as if he was the dominant one, however I wasn't in trouble for a second and was waiting for my opportunities. I prepared very well because I thought the match could last a while. I thought I would knock him down in the end."[16][17]

Personal life

Mirko currently lives in Zagreb with his wife, Klaudija, and son, Ivan. In November 2003, Filipović ran as a non-party candidate on the Social Democratic Party list in parliamentary elections and attained a seat in the Croatian Parliament. He focused on questions regarding the funding of the police force. At that point he announced that when his term ended in November 2007, he intended to return to the Croatian Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATJ Lučko). Mirko also dabbled in movies, starring in a 2006 action film "Ultimate Force". Adding to his busy schedule, Mirko was also signed by the Croatian football team Cibalia.

Kickboxing record

As of June 2007, Filipović has compiled a professional kickboxing record within the K-1 promotion of 18 wins and 6 losses, with 12 wins and 4 losses by KO/TKO.[18]

Result Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time
Win 20-6 Flag of the United States Bob Sapp KO (Punch) Saitama Grand Prix 2003 April 30, 2003 1 1:26
Win 19-6 Flag of South Africa Mike Bernardo KO (Kick) Global grand prix 2002 February 17 2003 3 1:49
Win 18-6 Flag of Switzerland Bjorn Bregy KO (Kick) Global grand prix 2002 November 8 2002 2 1:36
Win 17-6 Flag of the Netherlands Remy Bonjasky TKO Fukuoka Grand Prix 2002 July 14, 2002 2 2:06
Win 16-6 Flag of New Zealand Mark Hunt Decision (Unanimous) Nagoya Grand Prix 2002 March 3, 2002 5 3:00
Win 15-6 Flag of Japan Ryushi Yanagisawa TKO (Doctor Stoppage) Rising 2002 January 27, 2002 1 2:44
Loss 14-6 Flag of Canada Michael McDonald TKO Melbourne Grand Prix 2001 June 16, 2001 1 1:24
Win 14-5 Flag of France Cyril Abidi KO Grand Prix 2001 May 10, 2001 4 2:12
Win 13-5 Flag of the Netherlands Peter Aerts Decision (Majority) Gladiators 2001 March 17, 2001 5 3:00
Win 12-5 Flag of Japan Tatsufumi Tomihara KO (Punch) Rising 2001 January 30, 2001 2 2:55
Loss 11-5 Flag of the Netherlands Ernesto Hoost Decision (Unanimous) World Grand Prix Final 2000 December 10, 2000 6 3:00
Loss 11-4 Flag of South Africa Mike Bernardo TKO Fukuoka Grand Prix 2000 October 9, 2000 1 1:07
Win 11-3 Flag of Brazil Glaube Feitosa Decision (Unanimous) Fukuoka Grand Prix 2000 October 9, 2000 3 3:00
Win 10-3 Flag of Japan Hiromi Amada Decision (Unanimous) Fukuoka Grand Prix 2000 October 9, 2000 3 3:00
Win 9-3 Flag of England Stuart Green KO (Kick) European Grand Prix 2000 September 1, 2000 2
Loss 8-3 Flag of Switzerland Andy Hug Decision (Unanimous) Fight Night 2000 June 3, 2000 5 3:00
Win 8-2 Flag of Japan Hiromi Amada TKO Burning 2000 March 19, 2000 4 2:51
Loss 7-2 Flag of the Netherlands Ernesto Hoost KO (Punch) World Grand Prix Final 1999 December 5, 1999 2 1:13
Win 7-1 Flag of Australia Sam Greco TKO World Grand Prix Final 1999 December 5, 1999 2 2:50
Win 6-1 Flag of Japan Musashi TKO World Grand Prix Final 1999 December 5, 1999 3 1:09
Win 5-1 Flag of South Africa Mike Bernardo TKO World Grand Prix 1999 Opening October 5, 1999 1 1:20
Win 4-1 Flag of Switzerland Xhavit Bajrami Decision (Unanimous) Braves 1999 June 20, 1999 6 3:00
Win 3-1 Flag of the United StatesRicky Nickolson KO (Kick) Braves 1999 June 20, 1999 1 1:20
Win 2-1 Flag of South Africa Jan Nortje KO (Punch) Revenge 4 April 25, 1999 4 1:58
Loss 1-1 Flag of the Netherlands Ernesto Hoost KO (Kick) World Grand Prix Final 1996 May 6, 1996 3 1:27
Win 1-0 Flag of France Jerome Le Banner Decision (Unanimous) World Grand Prix 1996 Opening March 10, 1996 5 3:00

Mixed martial arts record

As of March 15, 2008, Filipović has compiled a professional mixed martial arts record of 23 wins, 6 losses, 2 draws, and 1 no contest with 16 wins by knockout and 4 by submission.[19][20]

Result Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
zNC 23-6-2 Flag of the Netherlands Overeem Alistair Overeem No Contest (groin strikes) Dream 6 02008-09-23 September 23, 2008 1 6:09 Flag of Japan Saitama, Japan
Win 23-6-2 Flag of Japan Mizuno Tatsuya Mizuno TKO (punches) Dream 1 02008-03-15 March 15, 2008 1 0:56 Flag of Japan Saitama, Japan
Loss 22-6-2 Flag of France KongoCheick Kongo Decision (Unanimous) UFC 75: Champion vs. Champion 02007-09-08 September 08, 2007 3 5:00 Flag of the United Kingdom London, England
Loss 22-5-2 Flag of Brazil Gonzaga Gabriel Gonzaga KO (Head Kick) UFC 70: Nations Collide 02007-04-21 April 21, 2007 1 4:51 Flag of the United Kingdom Manchester, England For Number One contender-ship for UFC Heavyweight Championship
Win 22-4-2 Flag of the United States Sanchez Eddie Sanchez TKO (Punches) UFC 67: All or Nothing 02007-02-03 February 03, 2007 1 4:33 Flag of the United States Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 21-4-2 Flag of the United States Barnett Josh Barnett Submission (Strikes)[1] PRIDE Final Conflict Absolute 02006-09-10 September 10, 2006 1 7:32 Flag of Japan Saitama, Japan 2006 PRIDE Grand-Prix Final
Win 20-4-2 Flag of Brazil Silva Wanderlei Silva KO (Head Kick) PRIDE Final Conflict Absolute 02006-09-10 September 10, 2006 1 5:22 Flag of Japan Saitama, Japan 2006 PRIDE Grand-Prix Semi-Final
Win 19-4-2 Flag of Japan Yoshida Hidehiko Yoshida Verbal Submission (Leg Kicks) PRIDE Critical Countdown Absolute 02006-07-01 July 01, 2006 1 7:38 Flag of Japan Saitama, Japan 2006 PRIDE Grand-Prix Quarter-Final
Win 18-4-2 Flag of Japan Minowa Ikuhisa Minowa TKO (Strikes) PRIDE Total Elimination Absolute 02006-05-05 May 05, 2006 1 1:10 Flag of Japan Osaka, Japan 2006 PRIDE Grand-Prix Opening Round
Loss 17-4-2 Flag of New Zealand Hunt Mark Hunt Decision (Split) PRIDE Shockwave 2005 02005-12-31 December 31, 2005 3 5:00 Flag of Japan Saitama, Japan
Win 17-3-2 Flag of the United States Barnett Josh Barnett Decision (Unanimous) PRIDE 30: Fully Loaded 02005-10-23 October 23, 2005 3 5:00 Flag of Japan Saitama, Japan
Loss 16-3-2 Flag of Russia Emelianenko Fedor Emelianenko Decision (Unanimous) PRIDE Final Conflict 2005 02005-08-28 August 28, 2005 3 5:00 Flag of Japan Saitama, Japan For PRIDE Heavyweight Championship
Win 16-2-2 Flag of Russia Magomedov Ibragim Magomedov TKO (Body Kick) PRIDE Critical Countdown 2005 02005-06-26 June 26, 2005 1 3:53 Flag of Japan Saitama, Japan
Win 15-2-2 Flag of the United States Coleman Mark Coleman KO (Punches) PRIDE 29: Fists of Fire 02005-02-20 February 20, 2005 1 3:40 Flag of Japan Saitama, Japan
Win 14-2-2 Flag of the United States Randleman Kevin Randleman Submission (Guillotine Choke) PRIDE Shockwave 2004 02004-12-31 December 31, 2004 1 0:41 Flag of Japan Saitama, Japan
Win 13-2-2 Flag of the United States Barnett Josh Barnett Submission (Shoulder Injury) PRIDE 28: High Octane 02004-10-31 October 31, 2004 1 0:46 Flag of Japan Saitama, Japan
Win 12-2-2 Flag of Russia Emelianenko Aleksander Emelianenko KO (Head Kick) PRIDE Final Conflict 2004 02004-08-15 August 15, 2004 1 2:09 Flag of Japan Saitama, Japan
Win 11-2-2 Flag of Japan Oyama Shungo Oyama TKO (Strikes) PRIDE Bushido 4 02004-07-19 July 19, 2004 1 1:00 Flag of Japan Nagoya, Japan
Win 10-2-2 Flag of Japan Kanehara Hiromitsu Kanehara Decision (Unanimous) PRIDE Bushido 3 02004-05-23 May 23, 2004 2 5:00 Flag of Japan Yokohama, Japan
Loss 9-2-2 Flag of the United States Randleman Kevin Randleman KO (Punches) PRIDE Total Elimination 2004 02004-04-25 April 25, 2004 1 1:57 Flag of Japan Saitama, Japan 2004 PRIDE Grand-Prix Opening Round
Win 9-1-2 Flag of Japan Yamamoto Yoshihisa Yamamoto KO (Strikes) PRIDE Bushido 2 02004-02-15 February 15, 2004 1 2:12 Flag of Japan Saitama, Japan
Win 8-1-2 Flag of the United States Waterman Ron Waterman TKO (Strikes) PRIDE 27: Inferno 02004-02-01 February 01, 2004 1 4:37 Flag of Japan Osaka, Japan
Loss 7-1-2 Flag of Brazil Nogueira Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira Submission (Armbar) PRIDE Final Conflict 2003 02003-11-09 November 09, 2003 2 1:45 Flag of Japan Tokyo, Japan For Interim PRIDE Heavyweight Championship
Win 7-0-2 Flag of Mexico Caras Dos Caras Jr. KO (Head Kick) PRIDE Bushido 1 02003-10-05 October 05, 2003 1 0:46 Flag of Japan Saitama, Japan
Win 6-0-2 Flag of Ukraine Vovchanchyn Igor Vovchanchyn KO (Head Kick) PRIDE Total Elimination 2003 02003-08-10 August 10, 2003 1 1:29 Flag of Japan Saitama, Japan
Win 5-0-2 Flag of the United States Herring Heath Herring TKO (Strikes) PRIDE 26: Bad to the Bone 02003-06-08 June 08, 2003 1 3:17 Flag of Japan Yokohama, Japan
Win 4-0-2 Flag of Japan Fujita Kazuyuki Fujita Decision (Unanimous) Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2002 02002-12-31 December 31, 2002 3 5:00 Flag of Japan Saitama, Japan
Win 3-0-2 Flag of Japan Sakuraba Kazushi Sakuraba TKO (Broken Orbital Bone) PRIDE Shockwave 2002 02002-08-28 August 28, 2002 2 5:00 Flag of Japan Tokyo, Japan
Draw 2-0-2 Flag of Brazil Silva Wanderlei Silva Special rules[21] PRIDE 20: Armed and Ready 02002-04-28 April 28, 2002 5 3:00 Flag of Japan Yokohama, Japan
Win 2-0-1 Flag of Japan Nagata Yuji Nagata TKO (Punches) Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2001 02001-12-31 December 31, 2001 1 0:21 Flag of Japan Japan
Draw 1-0-1 Flag of Japan Takada Nobuhiko Takada Special rules[21] PRIDE 17: Championship Chaos 02001-11-03 November 03, 2001 5 3:00 Flag of Japan Tokyo, Japan
Win 1-0 Flag of Japan Fujita Kazuyuki Fujita TKO (Cut) K-1: Andy Hug Memorial 02001-08-19 August 19, 2001 1 0:39 Flag of Japan Saitama, Japan

Championships and accomplishments

See also

References

  1. "Sherdog.com Mirco Filipović chat session". Retrieved on 2008-04-10.
  2. "Fight Finder: Mirko Filipović". Sherdog (2007). Retrieved on 2007-08-15.
  3. Hirth, James (August 26, 2005). "Sherdog.com Preview: PRIDE "Final Conflict" Part III - Fedor vs. "Cro Cop"". Sherdog. Retrieved on 2007-06-20.
  4. "Mirko off the NYE card". Retrieved on 2007-06-20.
  5. Yu, Al; Trembow, Ivan (December 8, 2006). "Cro Cop Talks About Offers From UFC & PRIDE". MMA Weekly. Retrieved on 2007-06-20.
  6. Sherwood; Jeff, Gross, Josh (December 13, 2006). "Source: Mirko "Cro Cop" Chooses UFC". Sherdog. Retrieved on 2007-06-20.
  7. "Crocop: I was lost" (April 24, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-06-20.
  8. "Kongo's groin strikes against Cro Cop!".
  9. "Mirko Cro Cop Training with Bonjasky, Yvel". Nokaut (August 10, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-08-10]].
  10. "Marijan Zizanovic is the new head coach again".
  11. CROCOP
  12. http:http://sports.media.daum.net/nms/general/news/mma/view.do?cate=23791&type=&newsid=291103&cp=mfight
  13. 'Cro Cop' to Fight Mizuno
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 'Dream' Come True? New Promotion Announced
  15. DREAM.6 official card
  16. http://www.index.hr/sport/clanak/zbog-niskog-u-genitalije-ponistena-borba-cro-copa-i-overeema/403154.aspx
  17. http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2008/9/23/620406/crocop-wanted-to-continue
  18. "Fight Record: Mirko Cro Cop". K-1. Retrieved on 2007-06-20.
  19. "Fight Finder: Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipović". Sherdog (2007). Retrieved on 2007-06-20.
  20. "Mirko Filipović: Professional Fight Record". Full Contact Fighter (2007). Retrieved on 2007-06-20.
  21. 21.0 21.1 The special rules for these matches stated an automatic draw if all the alloted time was used.

External links