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Source: Cro Cop Chooses UFC

2K views 34 replies 29 participants last post by  SuzukS 
#1 · (Edited)
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
by Jeff Sherwood and Josh Gross

Reigning PRIDE Open-Weight Grand Prix champion Mirko Filipovic (Pictures) has apparently decided to bolster the ranks of the UFC heavyweight division, a source inside the Croatian's camp informed Sherdog.com Wednesday.

Rumors have buzzed of Filipovic's departure from PRIDE since his official Web site reported in recent days that he would not fight on the Japanese promoter's year-end card.

Filipovic, the No. 2 heavyweight in the world behind PRIDE champion Fedor Emelianenko (Pictures), would make an immediate impact on a division that has long been considered among the weakest in the UFC. Terms are not known, but it's expected Fillipovic, 32, could sign one of the most lucrative multi-fight deals in UFC history.

A former K-1 star, "Cro Cop" moved from kickboxing to mixed martial arts in 2001, and has since amassed in impressive 21-4-2 record. His biggest accomplishment in MMA occurred just last September, when the Fighter of the Year candidate stopped Wanderlei Silva (Pictures) and Josh Barnett (Pictures) on the same night to capture PRIDE's Grand Prix crown.

It was believed tournament victory would secure Filipovic a second crack at Emelianenko, whom the Croatian lost to by decision in epic August 2005 clash.

Filipovic's four losses have come against Emelianenko, former K-1 World Grand Prix champion Mark Hunt (Pictures), a shocking knockout against former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman (Pictures) and by submission in a classic battle against former PRIDE heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (Pictures).

"Cro Cop" is renowned for his striking skills, which features a devastating left high kick that is responsible for highlight-reel victories against the likes of Silva, Igor Vovchanchyn (Pictures) and Aleksander Emelianenko.

The super-striker would immediately vault to the top of the contender list for Tim Sylvia (Pictures)'s UFC heavyweight belt, should the "Maine-iac," who is currently renegotiating his contract with the Las Vegas-based promoter, remain with the organization.

There has been some discussion inside the UFC that "Cro Cop," who was not under contract to PRIDE, would make his cage-fighting debut versus Jake O'Brien (Pictures), a young, undefeated fighter whose strength is on the mat.

Source: Mirko "Cro Cop" Chooses UFC

edited: added the link
 
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#10 ·
wow

i cant wait till i actually see him in the Ufc octagon it will be an awesome feeling knowing that UFC has Cro Cop fighting for them and he will dominate all the competition Good Job
 
#17 ·
speedythief said:
I don't want Sylvia to leave before Cro Cop has a chance to kick the Boston accent out of his mouth.
lol. If Syliva leaves and we don't get to see him fight CC - the world should riot. Like a combo Euro soccer riot and an LA race riot. :laugh: I don't care if Tim loses to Vera, Cro Cop and he have to face off. :thumbsup:
 
#18 ·
What I hope this does is start an exodus of quality Pride heavyweights to come ovet to the UFC. Guys like Sergei Kharitonov, Edson Drago, Hidekeo Yoshida, Big Nog (after another rematch with Barnett his only next fight is either Fedor or a WWE can) and Aleksander can come to the UFC to get the proper heavyweight spotlight. The Pride HW class is so deep that really good guys get drowned out in the crowd.

The UFC could only do itself favors by classifying a Super HW Superfight class. Even if there weren't a standing champ, it would really exciting to see REALLY BIG guys go at it.
 
#19 ·
zilla said:
What I hope this does is start an exodus of quality Pride heavyweights to come ovet to the UFC. Guys like Sergei Kharitonov, Edson Drago, Hidekeo Yoshida, Big Nog (after another rematch with Barnett his only next fight is either Fedor or a WWE can) and Aleksander can come to the UFC to get the proper heavyweight spotlight. The Pride HW class is so deep that really good guys get drowned out in the crowd.

The UFC could only do itself favors by classifying a Super HW Superfight class. Even if there weren't a standing champ, it would really exciting to see REALLY BIG guys go at it.
Aleksander vs Cro Cop Rematch In A Octagon... *pisses himself*
 
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