We’ve Likely Seen the Last of Cro Cop Inside the Octagon

UFC 128 hosted a night of historic moments for the fighters on the card with Brendan Schaub being no exception. In the opening bout of the pay-per-view, Schaub earned his biggest win to date when he knocked out former Pride Grand Prix Champion and lethal striker Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic. The setback likely marks the end of Cro Cop’s UFC days according to UFC president Dana White.

Cro Cop has now lost two straight, both by vicious knockout. His current record inside the UFC stands at 4-5. In his bout with Schaub, Cro Cop looked no different last night than he has in any of his bouts over the past few years. Standing in front of his opponent, feet planted, awaiting his opportunity to strike with his deadly leg kicks. Unfortunately for the Croatian, his one-dimensional style seems to be his demise. The new breed of fighters are shaping themselves into complete fighters, well versed in all aspects of the game.

In his glory days, Cro Cop was one of the most feared heavyweights on the planet because of his highlight reel finishes over his opponents in Pride. He made a career out of knocking people out with his signature left head kick. That is the Cro Cop we all know and love, however, those days are over. Pride is gone and the majority of the fighter’s that made a name for themselves there are no longer the brutal fighters they became famous for.

For Cro Cop, hanging up the gloves for good is nothing to be ashamed of. He has built a legacy over the past decade and his successes will be the inspiration to many young fighters in the sport. He has defeated many of the sports greats and would leave fans with countless memories of what “the good ol’ days” of MMA were like.

Tags: Brendan Schaub, Mirko Cro Cop, MMA, Pride, UFC, UFC 128

Category: MMA, UFC