Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic Retires following loss to Roy Nelson
Posted on October 29, 2011, 09:44 PM by Joey Santosus
After more than a decade in the game, Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic has officially retired from mixed martial arts.
Known primarily for his dominant run in the Japanese promotion PRIDE Fighting Championships, "Cro Cop" went on a 17-4-1 run with the organization before making the transition to the UFC octagon in 2007.
The man once famous for his quote, "Right-leg hospital, left-leg cemetary," would post a 5-5 mark under the UFC banner, taking wins over such Heavyweight as Pat Barry, Anthony Perosh, and Mostapha Al-Turk.
In his final outing tonight, Filipovic displayed a valiant effort in his TKO loss to Roy Nelson, nearly getting a stoppage victory in the second-round before being pinned down by his heavier opponent in the final 5-minutes of the match-up.
During his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, the Croatian Sensation confirmed what many had already expected, the fight was indeed his last. Though "Cro Cop" apologized for his less than stellar record with the UFC, the man who gave us so many exciting fights over the years, has nothing at all to be apologetic for.
Photo: Scott Hirano
Comments
I wish Mirko could have won this fight, but I am glad he didn't get hurt too bad. I was really impressed by the way he kept firing back each time he was rocked on the feet. Mirko, even in his late 30's still has the heart of a warrior.
From me and every true fighting fan in the world today, thank you for all the entertaining fights and for the memories you gave us.
You will always be remembered as a legend Cro Cop
Nice to hear he retires, he deserves to relax now. Hope everything is ok in his life and I hope he will heal up as much as possible.
Loved to watch Cro Cop fight. I actually thought the punches that ultimately stopped the fight were clearly illegal and to the back of his head. However withNelson having his back, he would not have won anyways.
A true Warrior andsome of the best highlight KO's ever. Right leg hospital, Left leg cemetary. He perfected the art of the high kick Knockout.
Enjoy the time with your family Mirko, you didn;t have to prove anymore a long time ago.
I'm not going to lie, I thought he had Nelson when he was hurt against the cage, and Cro Cop was smashing him with those punches.
He truly is one of the best heavyweights ever. It was a great fight to go out on.
props for CroCop he kept firing back and went out on his shield.
Awesome fighter. Legend. we wont forget his accomplishments in combat sports.
im surprised he didn't tap out at the end of the 2nd with all the fat and beard hair in his face :)
Great fight by Cro Cop too bad he is not a young fighter anymore
the guy even at his age still has his fighting spirit , but things change and age is any athlete enemy , he is just not as fast as he was or as strong as he was, still he put a great fight tonight best luck to Cro Cop
Nothing to be a shame , i wish he would stay he can still fight younger fighter just not Top 10 guys but is his decision.
Thank you Cro Cop for all the amazing moments you deliver to the fans !!