Assuming the Indiana State Athletic Commission allows him to compete in his Sept. 25 main event against Frank Mir...

"What can I say? I had bad luck in preparations. At the last training, in the last minute, I got a pretty bad eye injury. But I think it will be alright. I have to suck it up. I didn't want to cancel the fight under any circumstances. I took this fight to do a favor to UFC. I wouldn't do that fight for anybody else than UFC. I am ready to take the risk but I can say you this, all the money in the world is not worth getting my eye injured but at this point there is no chance in hell to back up. Frank Mir is gonna be my toughest fight in my UFC career. It won't be easy. It would be easier for me if I had time to do a full preparation cycle but at the end of the day that's my problem. I accepted the fight under these conditions. I was on vacation when they called me and I just couldn't say no to them. Not because of the money but because of respect to the guys at UFC. They provided me with everything and I secured my life existence fighting for them. To be completely honest, the money was pretty decent and I can assure you that no one would decline that offer. I will try to do my best, more as a routine fight, and if the fight goes to the third round it will be a handicap for me. But you know, that's life and nothing is ideal. Again I have to be honest, when you have 70 fights under your belt your priorities change. There is a fear of injuries but I assure I will give my best. I will most certainly go for a win but I think I did a lot just by accepting this fight. That's my opinion."

Heading into UFC 119 from Indianapolis, the Croat states his case (via Yahoo! Sports) and it sounds like he may have already resigned himself to losing despite promising his best effort. That's assuming Filipovic can pass his pre-fight medical exam. If he's cleared to compete, will he be at a serious disadvantage against Frank Mir? Was he already? Let's hear your take on these developments. How does it change your prediction for the fight -- if at all?