Report: Mirko Cro Cop vs Ben Rothwell being considered for UFC 110

Famed heavyweight striker Mirko Filipovic (25-7-2) is reportedly considering a return to the Octagon to face fellow MMA transplant Ben Rothwell (30-7) at UFC 110, tentatively scheduled for the Acer Arena in Sydney, Australia, on Feb. 21 according to Sherdog.com.
"Cro Cop" threw in the towel in his submission (verbal) loss to Junior dos Santos at UFC 103: "Franklin vs. Belfort" from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on Sept. 19. He was beaten to the punch, and pretty much beat up, in what essentially turned out to be a striking match for two-plus rounds.
The Croatian waved off the Brazilian in the third after eating a brutal knee to the face that wiped out his vision. It marked his third loss inside the Octagon in five attempts — a far cry from the world beater who was scalping his opponents just three years ago under the Pride banner. In fact, he has not defeated a top-level fighter since he made Josh Barnett quit at "Final Conflict Absolute," which earned him the Pride FC 2006 Open Weight Grand Prix Championship.
According to Filipovic, he's battled depression and other psychiatric issues since the September loss and spoke of his inability to break a "mental block" that's prevented him from returning to his old self.
It's not unreasonable to think a knockout win over Rothwell could do more in one night than two years of ongoing therapy.
Like the Croat, "Big" Ben would like to erase the memories of his last fight. The former International Fight League (IFL) standout contested the timing of his TKO stoppage loss against Cain Velasquez in the co-main event at UFC 104: "Machida vs. Shogun" back on Oct. 24.
The Miletich Fighting Systems (MFS) product was on the receiving end of a one-sided beatdown that consisted of Velasquez taking him down, controlling him on the ground and punching him in the face en route to a second round loss. Rothwell contends that he was finally back to his feet and ready to turn things around until referee Steve Mazzagatti robbed him of his chance to pull off what would have been nothing short of a miraculous comeback.
He could conceivably get right back into the thick of things if he's able to retire Cro Cop -- or he may be updating his resume if Filipovic prevails.
UFC 110 is expected to feature International superstars Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva and Yoshihiro "Sexyama" Akiyama in a hard-hitting 185-pound brawl that pits sexy vs. psycho.
Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more on this still-developing fight card.
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96 comments
Comments
…In an epic clash of “who gives a f…”
by just some dong on Nov 5, 2009 2:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I do. I’m glad that Mirko put the retirement on ice for now. There still a bunch of fight that could be interesting for him like Mir, Barry, Hardonk, Buentello, Duffman even a rematch with Nog would be great.
Do someone know what the f happen with Yvel? Where he’s fighting now?
by Alpha Male on Nov 5, 2009 2:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Like above, I also give a f…. Even a shell of a shell of the former Final Conflict Crocop is more entertaining than the TUF jobbers that usually fill the main card.
by stevo on Nov 5, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I mean no disrespect, but Cro Cop will never again be in the frame of mind a fighter needs to be in. For this reason, I feel strongly he should not fight. Taking the totality of his erratic behavior, quotables, and performances, it is crystal clear there is a serious issue going on. Cro Cop should put complete energy and focus into resolving his issues before he thinks about fighting again.
by CL on Nov 5, 2009 5:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
As much that I would like to disagree with that CL, I think you’re right. Though if the fight is really at UFC 111 and not UFC 110, well he could’ve the time necessary to focus on his problems, doing a full camp and be ready for March.
by Alpha Male on Nov 5, 2009 5:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Cro cop’s problem isn’t a mental one. I mean there could be one but within the framework of the fight, it’s all in the technical details. He lost the fight because guys who know what they’re doing standing aka Junior, Overeem could see his setups(looking for the left, his exits to the right to set up his kicks, his inability to function in close range,…) so they countered him on a true striking level. Up until that point only fedor, and guys in K1 did that to him. Here though Rothwell isn’t equiped to deal with him standing so it will look like his AL-Turk fight where he’ll eat him alive and inspire everyone(including myself) that he’s not done.
by NameNotRequired on Nov 5, 2009 6:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I like crocop. He should be able to do whatever he wants. I will enjoy this fight.
by JeremyJackscan on Nov 5, 2009 7:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I like Cro Cop also. He a top notch person and was an exciting fighter. The problem is that “whatever he wants” changes on a weekly basis. A couple weeks ago, he spoke of retirement, depression, the heavy toll his fighting career has taken on his body, and of how badly he wanted to walk away.
by CL on Nov 5, 2009 9:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
alpha he got licensed for one fight in the ufc. probably announce his fight soon so aslong as he doesnt knockout no refs or gouge someones eyes he’ll get another few fights. i can’t wait i wanna see a kongo rematch really bad
by Jared on Nov 5, 2009 10:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yvel is another experienced HW with talent I don’t think he will ever get the belt but there are some exciting fights for him I would like to see him and Santos go it!
by Beaver on Nov 6, 2009 12:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice Jared, yep Kongo would be cool but I wouldn’t mind to see him go against Cro Cop either.
by Alpha Male on Nov 6, 2009 11:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Admit it, you just like watching the sad man lose.
by just some dong on Nov 5, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yvel got licensed for one fight in the UFC, no idea who he’s facing though.
by David W-S on Nov 5, 2009 3:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If Yvel really did get licenced he definitely needs to rematch Kongo i wanna see him whoop Kongos ass!
As for Crocop if he comes in like he did vs Jr….hes gonna get KO’d Rothwell may have had a HORRIBLE showing this last fight but he is not going to be scared to go for the KO like Santos.
by Khaos_Warrior on Nov 5, 2009 3:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yvel-Kongo was brilliant, I never get bored of watching that idiot get smashed.
by David W-S on Nov 5, 2009 6:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yvel against Santos would be a great fight.
by Beaver on Nov 6, 2009 12:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So they’re feeding Mirko a tomato can just to keep him in the game… :/
by BigRedOne on Nov 5, 2009 7:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
rothwell isn’t that bad he’s a step up from gatekeeper but about 2 steps below title contender. cro cop on the other hand is starting to look like a can as painful as it is to say.
by Jared on Nov 5, 2009 10:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If Cro Cop loses this one I think he done. He needs to start low and gain confidence before he starts fighting five guys in the UFC again.
by Beaver on Nov 6, 2009 12:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, neither one of these guys are relevant as contenders, but the matchup is a good one.
by LJ on Nov 5, 2009 4:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yep. Just lettin’ 2 old rabid dogs fight is better than nothin’, with all the injuries and fight scrappages happenin’ lately.
by The Negation on Nov 5, 2009 6:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I like this fight it will be fun. I don’t mind watching two monsters going at it. Big goofy bastards.
by Pha Q on Nov 5, 2009 2:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I really liked the old Cro Cop and have been waiting for the comeback for quite a while now. I now understand it’s never going to happen. I will still watch his fights in hopes of one more epic KO, but also realize it will probably never comes.
I hope Cro Cop wins this one because he may top himself if he loses again. He sounded really…really depressed after the last loss.
by Shadyone33 on Nov 5, 2009 2:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Ya i was just gonna say if Cro cop does lose i think that’ll be the end of him no way he will return, and if he does he won’t be fighting any top fighters, he already isn’t- he should get the W- but i dont’ think Big Ben is gonna be no push over he can take a punch and im sure kick too.
War Cro Cop for the love of god give us one last left high kick to the head.
by Ricky on Nov 5, 2009 2:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Here’s an idea, let’s get the cards for 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110 and whatever the hell else is trying to be filled because of injuries, “mono (yeah right)” and in grown toenails.
From someone who still enjoys MMA and UFC, but getting a bit worn out on 2-3 events a month, Dana is giving this the Who wants to be a millionaire syndrome, it was great once a week, but every damn night, cripes, it got old, FAST.
Once a month or every 45 days, give us something to build up to, look forward to. Put together some great cards, charge us a bit more, we’re not going anywhere unless we keep getting these Bud Light style fights, pours like crap, looks like crap, and starting to taste like crap.
by the Slovak on Nov 5, 2009 2:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I agree. The cards were a lot more better. As much as I like having a lot of fights to watch, when the UFC moved from once every other month to once a month I was happy but cautiously so. I’d rather see a PPV every 45 days that is stacked instead of a lot of last minute throw ins. I know that spreading things out probably won’t help with injuries, but it gives the UFC more time hopefully to fill in for injuries and doesn’t change too many cards. Lately it seems like if there’s an injury they break up another fight to fix up the most current event.
I know that nobody cares what I think let alone the UFC, but what I think they need to do is go back to the once every 45 days for a PPV and throw a couple more Fight Night cards in.
by Shadyone33 on Nov 5, 2009 3:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
NO, I need a damn beach towel for all of my b*tching. :)
Buying the ppv always was an event, a plan, now, cripes, what is there 3 this month??? I used to buy religiously, now, ehhhhhhhh, maybe if they get a great card at the end of the year or if Wand is fighting.
So, now, instead of 8-10 buys a year, Dana gets me for two, maybe three
I think we are all smart enough to put the economics to that one, and also realize i am not the only one.
by the Slovak on Nov 6, 2009 8:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Every good HW the UFC could put in against Buentello at 107 is bein booked for other fights.
I dont care to see Stefan Struve or Mike Russow fight Buentello.
Dont do this to me UFC. Gabriel Gonzaga and Heath Herring are perfectly acceptable options.
by Craig on Nov 5, 2009 2:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Gonzaga is tied up fighting Dos Santos (possibly for #2 contender) and Herring is… anyone know where Herring is? Honestly they don’t have alot of choices. Struve makes for some interesting fights though. His fights against Stojnic and Gormley were pretty good to me. Awesome subs in both. Russow might be a good option though on this one. Either way, I doubt Buentello was going to be on the main card.
by n4tacon on Nov 5, 2009 2:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The UFC scouts are workin’ overtime just to scour those small road circuit shows to look for a heavyweight with potential to add up to their roster. Man their heavyweight div is on thin ice!
by The Negation on Nov 5, 2009 7:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
cro cop need to go out with a bang one more good fight
by Wickted on Nov 5, 2009 2:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Mirko went out with a bang the second Gonzaga’s shin connected with his temple.
by just some dong on Nov 5, 2009 2:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Lmao crocop vs.rogan loser leaves ufc forever
by PagingLiddell on Nov 5, 2009 5:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
God, please make that fight happen!!
by just some dong on Nov 5, 2009 6:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I still can’t believe the UFC doesn’t re-sign Arlovksi. Arlovski vs. Cro Cop would be sick! Arlovksi can’t demand more money since his stock is at an all time low. The UFC can get the Pitbull on the cheap. Can anyone tell me why Arlovski isn’t being signed by the UFC? Dana signed Cro Cop…why not Arlovski?!
by Red on Nov 5, 2009 2:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
He’s pursuing boxing the last time I read anything. No clue if he’s still up for it though.
by n4tacon on Nov 5, 2009 2:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
From what I hear, the whole boxing adventure seems to be over. Andrei is in the works of setting up his next fight. Wont say whether it’s with Strikeforce or UFC, but all signs point to Strikeforce. Either way, he’ll be back in the cage sometime in early 2010. Should have an announcement soon on who he’s fighting and in which organization. He spent some time with Greg Jackson, but I think he needs to go to Jacksons camp full time. There are great gyms all over, but for Andrei, Jackson would be the perfect fit. We’ll see how it all plays out soon.
by Craig on Nov 5, 2009 3:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for that. I kept wondering where Andrei was off to. Jackson’s would be a good place for him especially for him to work his ground game and game planning overall. I remember that his training was sort of all over before he fought Fedor. Hopefully this helps him a bit.
by n4tacon on Nov 5, 2009 4:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I have been asking for cro cop/Arlovski for years now.
If he signs with SF, I will happily settle for Arlovski/Overeem after alistar loses his title to the king!
Cro Cop/Rothwell is a very entertaining match up!
by john G on Nov 5, 2009 4:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nah my boy Overeem will put a beating on your boy Fedor, like he did to Badr. :)
by Alpha Male on Nov 5, 2009 5:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Not a chance Alpha. But I know you’re just kiddin’…
by The Negation on Nov 5, 2009 7:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
alpha, that statement isnt even worthy of a serious response…your my boy, so I will let you get away with it…Your heads not in the game Alpha! Get it together man, yoou are better then that! lol
by john G on Nov 5, 2009 7:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
lol, of course I was kidding Syd. I was expecting a raw answer from john so we can joke around a little bit but that was futil.
by Alpha Male on Nov 6, 2009 11:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They could even bill it as a war between two legends who haven’t added anything to their game despite repeated losses. You’ve gotta hand it to ’em, folks. They stick to their guns.
by just some dong on Nov 5, 2009 2:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
cro cop feels obligated to fullfil his deal with the ufc but he needs to retire it reminds me of a washed up tyson fighting in 2006 he looked exactly the same and everyone would hope that the same expolsive mike would show up but it never happened
by dia mette on Nov 5, 2009 2:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
this is hardly even noteworthy. especially this far ahead. way bigger things happening in a few days. could’nt care less about this crap.
by PipRock on Nov 5, 2009 2:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
its a gimmee for rothwell “thanks dana”
by joe daddy on Nov 5, 2009 2:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
This is a mistake. Cro Cop should be made to fight at 205 or give him his walking papers. Cro Cop was awesome, Zombie Cro Cop makes me want to throw up.
by DolFan on Nov 5, 2009 3:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Payback is a bith Rothwell hahahahha
This is for putting on a boring match against Kimbo and then opening your stupid mouth after and pissing Dana off hahahha
Cro Cop via KO Rd 1
by Al on Nov 5, 2009 3:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Al, you really don’t have a clue do you???? Roy Nelson eliminated Kimbo, not Rothwell.
by Cody on Nov 5, 2009 3:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Al, do you even watch mma?
by TheLastProdigiousRushingAxeMurderingEmperor on Nov 5, 2009 3:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That comment made my day, how can you get Rothwell and Nelson mixed up?
by David W-S on Nov 5, 2009 6:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I Guess Shane Carwin needs a fight how about Stefan Sturve. And don’t tell me it wouldn’t be intresting.
Curious to see how Cro Crop rebounds after his loss.
by Oops! on Nov 5, 2009 3:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
they should put dos santos vs. carwin then we will hear how carwin would have beat Brock if Junior hadn’t knocked him out.
by PagingLiddell on Nov 5, 2009 4:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
thats a real good idea actually even though dana would never do it and risk his brock vs. shane grudge match
by magicmike on Nov 5, 2009 4:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah your right I’m sure Carwin Vs. Dos Santos will come along some time just got to suck to keep training and in camp and have it put off. I don’t want to see Carwin Idle too long.
by PagingLiddell on Nov 5, 2009 5:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Not a bad match up imo… neither is getting a tittle shot either way, so let them bang it out. Ya know, I like the sound of that. Bang it out! Two big sweaty men BANGing it out. All sweaty and hot putting there hands on eachother. Hell I’ll oil myself up and bang it out with them. Let the big boyz swing and bang.
by John G on Nov 5, 2009 3:52 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I don’t like this because I am scared for Cro Cop. Now I don’t say that because I think he will get destroyed. I think he can beat Ben Rothwell….. BUT IF for some reason he loses… He might friggin kill himself. He mentioned thinking about hanging himself after this last loss and stuff. I dont know if he is mentally strong enough anymore to deal with the fact that he is past his prime… I pray he wins and I pray he can control his emotions.
by Irishmikey on Nov 5, 2009 4:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Comment by Cody
2009-11-05 15:39:15
Al, you really don’t have a clue do you???? Roy Nelson eliminated Kimbo, not Rothwell.
Reply to this comment
Comment by TheLastProdigiousRushingAxeMurderingEmperor
2009-11-05 15:47:48
Al, do you even watch mma?
My mistake I dont watch the ultimate fighter its very stupid with mostly crap fighters. My mistake I thought he faught Rothwell on the show I watch real MMA (10 years now) and train BJJ.
Next time you 2 little keyboard warriors should consider being more polite in real life you wouldn’t say that to my face so don’t say it on here.
by Al on Nov 5, 2009 4:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
dude it;s an open forum when you make an incorrect comment someone will correct you. The I’d kick your ace in real life routine really comes off kind of queer when your saying someone else is a keyboard warrior.
by PagingLiddell on Nov 5, 2009 4:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They were just pointing out your newb error, you’re the one acting like a internet badass and being threatening, you made a mistake, take your flaming like man. And if you don’t watch the show why are you commenting on how boring the fight was and ticking off Dana. A true fan watches all MMA.
by Tiller on Nov 5, 2009 4:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
alright relax tough guy…i didnt say anything before but this needs to be responded to…idk what you mean by watching “real” mma…whats real? pancrase? bellator? just stfu u messed up u know it and now your trying to cover yourself by sounding hard, which is most likely not true cuz somebody who is would just keep his mouth shut and KNOW that hes tough, not try to prove it over the computer
by magicmike on Nov 5, 2009 4:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I love how he’s the one threatening other people but the others are the keyboard warriors. You made a newb error, take your flaming like a man, little boy. If you don’t watch the show what are you doing commenting on how boring the fight was and how bad Dana was pissed, you don’t watch it my ass. Be a man, admit fault. A REAL MMA fan watches ALL MMA.
by Tiller on Nov 5, 2009 4:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Shit man, 10 years? And u type that u train bjj? U r tough ….. Lol
by eagzy on Nov 5, 2009 5:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow Al you really showed who the real man is huh? I suggest that you watch NFL.
by JRE on Nov 5, 2009 5:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks al, your daft comments are just what I need today. First you bash a fight that never happened then you admit that you made the mistake because you don’t watch TUF, yet you still criticise the fight. How do you know it was boring? Don’t bash fighters because Dana White doesn’t like them it’s childish and makes it look like you can’t form your own opinion.
by David W-S on Nov 5, 2009 8:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
this is a clear case of which over paid non drawing heavyweight can we clear from our roster. Any thoughts Dana?
Dana White: We want to give the fans what they want and two monsters like CroCop Vs. Former IFL Big Ben is exactly what we all waited for. This is one of those dream matches for the fans. What do you think Chuck?
ICEMAN: You know Dana if you want to pay me to go get knocked out I will Dana I’m a Fighter you know and if I got to fight CroCop you could sell a lot more PPVS dana I’m dance all around the octagon. But what about Rich what’s he got to say?
Ace Franklin: I don’t like this matchup one bit Dana I’m your main eventer other than Vitor I’m number 2 in the world right now at 195 Dana. I’ve headlined more in 2009 than anyone people love me! What Dana? There’s no 195 division??? This means I’ve taken 3 fights in a row just for a paycheck? Oh well still number two at 195 can’t deny me there. Rampage any thoughts??
Rampage: I pity the titties!! I’m coming back to fight Rashad at UFC 119 It’s gonna be me Quinton “Ba Barracus” Jackson vs. Rashad “Carlton” Evans From the MGM studios where I’m filming A-Team and Rashad is filming the straight to DVD Fresh Prince of Bel Air movie. Ain’t that right Forrest.
Forrest Griffin: Runs from the interview crying..
The END
by PagingLiddell on Nov 5, 2009 4:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
dead on , then the cameras cut to Rogan and Goldie, Goldie is trying to lean in for a kiss.
by James S on Nov 5, 2009 7:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
UFC 110 is likely for AUS, not UFC 111.
good fight for mirko!
by battery on Nov 5, 2009 4:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
i wonder if cro cop loses this one hes finally gonna get smart and drop down to 205…i know that weight class is stacked in the UFC but it really is the best class for him at this point in his career
by magicmike on Nov 5, 2009 4:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
i wonder if cro cop loses this one hes finally gonna get smart and drop to 205…i know that class is stacked in the UFC but it really is the best move for him at this point in his career
by magicmike on Nov 5, 2009 4:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think they need to realize that Cro Cop should go down to LHW..
by xxBAxx816 on Nov 5, 2009 4:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
exactly there are so many good fights for him there. I’d Love to see a cro cop vs franklin
by PagingLiddell on Nov 5, 2009 5:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Rumor I repeat Rumor but the word here in Orlando at TNA wrestling is that in talks for a Bobby Lashley Vs. Gilbert Yvel in the ufc.
by PagingLiddell on Nov 5, 2009 5:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Rumor I repeat Rumor but the word here in Orlando at TNA wrestling is that in talks for a Bobby Lashley Vs. Gilbert Yvel in the ufc.
by PagingLiddell on Nov 5, 2009 5:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
That will only happen if Lashley leaves TNA, I’ll be amazed if the UFC actually let a contracted pro wrestler fight.
by David W-S on Nov 5, 2009 8:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
he just needs to go out there and fight……….instead of going out there to loose…..which is what every fight in the octogon has looked like.
Gonzaga will always be remember as the guy that ended Cro Cops career.
by tallimeca on Nov 5, 2009 7:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Hope its on the prelims, I’m not paying to watch another shitty Cro Cop fight.
by Oil Pimp on Nov 6, 2009 1:32 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I hope this comes through, would love to see Cro Cop fight in the flesh before he retires (again).
Cro Cop + Wandy on the same card = complete and total win
by thecolourofsleep on Nov 6, 2009 3:36 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
did any1 notice in the crocop dos santos fight they didnt show any highlights from the 1st round? crocop had an awesome round 1 rocked dos santos twice real bad! then wen the round ended instead of showing highlights they said lets listen in to dos santos corner! & it wasn’t even in ingles!! dos santos beat the shit out of him w/body shots for the 1st 2 rounds.I think crocop put up a gud fight but not enough head kicks. Cant w8 to see him KO big ben!!
by d*locc on Nov 6, 2009 11:45 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
This would be nice as a “who’s still worthy of being in the UFC” fight hahaha.
by Vic De Zen on Nov 13, 2009 10:58 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

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