Mirko Cro Cop's exploding bicep won't hinder March 2012 return to K-1 (Video)

by Jesse Holland on Dec 9, 2011 11:34 AM EST in UFC Videos

If three straight knockout losses inside the Octagon isn't enough to persuade Mirko Filipovic to call it quits, a silly little thing like a ruptured bicep won't either.

That's what "Cro Cop" told the Fight Channel, who caught up with the former PRIDE star after having surgery to repair an injury suffered 10 days prior to his fight against Roy Nelson at UFC 137 back on October 29 in Las Vegas.

"I am very thankful to the UFC. I am sorry I did not achieve my goals within that organization and I didn't fulfill their expectations. They paid me very well. I'm really sorry about that. I tried my best, I was a professional and did my best to prepare for every fight, but after the PRIDE Grand Prix, to be honest, I didn't have the motivation to go on. I have some [new] offers, but first I want to get healthy. Unfortunately, I can't remove [my cast] until Dec. 20. My plan is to fight on March 10 in Zagreb Arena against a top K-1 fighter. This will be the best treat for every fight fan in Croatia. I want to give my fans in Zagreb a great spectacle."

Spectacle indeed.

Anyone think we'll actually Filipovic make a return to K-1 in March? Or is this just wishful thinking from a fighter who can't let go? Who wants to see more of Cro Cop in 2012?

Sound off!

Tweet Comment 23 comments | Add comment | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Around SB Nation

UFC 146: Roy Nelson Offers To Pay For WADA Level Drug Testing Against Next Opponent

May 2012 from Bloody Elbow - 75 comments

UFC 146: Roy Nelson Vs. Dave Herman Dissection

May 2012 from Bloody Elbow - 52 comments

UFC 146 Fight Card Primer: Roy Nelson Vs. Dave Herman

May 2012 from Bloody Elbow - 1 comment

UFC heavyweight Roy Nelson continues talking about WWE run and calling out Brock Lesnar

May 2012 from Cageside Seats - 10 comments

Video: UFC President Dana White On His Health, Media Sparring, Possible Retirement

May 2012 from Bloody Elbow - 97 comments

Comments

He deserve one riterment fight in Croatia, sort of like tito!

I have no problem with him having 1 last k-1 fight!

guess im in a sentimental mood today! loll

by John G. on Dec 9, 2011 11:39 AM EST reply actions

I agree

His chin is still suspect k 1 or mma

Fav fighters - Machida, Faber, Koch, Hominick, Pettis, Hardy, Stout, Cerrone and killer Cain

"I'm so fast that, last night, I turned off the light switch in my hotel room and was in bed before the room was dark." - Ali

by Kalejohncox on Dec 9, 2011 11:51 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Ah why not, if he wants it, let him have it, who are we to say otherwise.

Thanks for the memories Mirko, you will always be one of the greatest.

by Chorongota on Dec 9, 2011 1:09 PM EST up reply actions

True revolutionary

In the department of being a striking specialist and going and doing MMA. Thanks for helping the sport evolve in a BIG way.

IF YOU THINK REEM SHOULD BE RATED ANY HIGHER THAN AROUND THE #5 HEAVYWEIGHT (AND THAT IS STRETCHING IT) THEN YOU ARE A FLIPPIN MORON, PLAIN AND SIMPLE.

by Edgecrusher71 on Dec 9, 2011 1:27 PM EST up reply actions

Eloading bicep?

Jesus.

"It is himself that a coward abandons first, after that all other betrayals come easily."

by doonerthesooner on Dec 9, 2011 11:51 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

Since when is K-1 putting on any fights?

"It’s Mark Pavelich calling from the Maximum Fighting Championship,

I’ve just received notice that Drew Fickett or you, I don’t care which one of you fuckers did it, has signed a contract to fight in Strikeforce this fucking weekend. I’m going to get on a fucking plane soon and go where you’re at and choke you the fuck out. I’m telling you right now, I’ve had enough of your fucking shit. First of all, I’ve sent you the fucking pictures and secondly, I placed Drew Fickett in a fight fucking months ago and five weeks prior to my main event of my fucking fight card. You’re going to give me a fucking call tomorrow or I swear I’ll get on a fucking plane and go right where you’re at right now. You’re pissing me off, I’ve been nothing but professional to you motherfuckers and you’re doing this kind of bullshit, alright? Call me back, I’m fucking pissed."

by Swedish Chef smerdy herdy verdy on Dec 9, 2011 11:57 AM EST reply actions

They aren’t, per se. But there are still other organizations in Europe that use the K-1 kickboxing rules, like It’s Showtime and Superkombat. So maybe it’s one of those promotions, or something like that.

by Horselover Fat on Dec 9, 2011 1:54 PM EST up reply actions

After teh 06 Grand Prix

We all knew he didn’t have the motivation in him anymore. His lackluster KO over Eddie Sanchez proved that. Sanchez could have made it competitive if he wasnt so afraid.

I’m just glad that I got to see the Grand Prix and his domination over Barnett and Silva. It was beautiful and even though it was my first and only Pride events I saw live (via ppv) its one of my top 5 MMA events, period. And it made me a fan for life.

Good luck, Cro Cop!

by Jon Estrada Sr. on Dec 9, 2011 12:01 PM EST reply actions

So much for retirement

Dude, stop getting hit in the head, go spend your money.

The artful muppet formerly known as KrmtDfrog.
Please read my sardonic wit and over-blown sense of self over at headkicklegend.com

by Cory Braiterman on Dec 9, 2011 12:17 PM EST reply actions

I am very thankful to the UFC. I am sorry I did not achieve my goals within that organization and I didn’t fulfill their expectations. They paid me very well. I’m really sorry about that.

I picture this

(Cro Cop scratches head) Yeah sorry about that dude, like i was going to wina nd all but like i dunno..thanks for the dough but yeah i fucked up"

"with a good physique and explosiveness anybody can perform a takedown"
-RoBerto

by Lesnar's striking coach on Dec 9, 2011 12:22 PM EST reply actions

Wish..

Crocop would of cut weight and fought some fights in the LHW division. I think he might of shined there more fighting guys his own size.

by ArmChairMMA on Dec 9, 2011 12:51 PM EST reply actions

I feel him

I once competed after major kidney surgery. I was still recovering, but couldn’t bear to stay on the sidelines. I covered the surgery site with a shin pad, bandaged it on, put on my gi and went into battle. My doctor- and parents- would have killed me if they know. But a real fighter has to fight. As Apollo Creed said in Rocky 4, “Without some sort of war to fight, we might as well be dead.” And he soon was, of course. I hope Cro Cop’s fate is better.

http://www.blackflycomic.com

by Motmaitre on Dec 9, 2011 1:01 PM EST reply actions

Do I smell a future storyline in Blackfly?

It is not enough to succeed. Others must fail.

by Jesse Holland on Dec 9, 2011 2:42 PM EST up reply actions

You put a shinpad over your kidney surgery scar?

fuckin hardcore.

"It is hard to free fools from the chains they revere."
"Train by day... Joe Rogan Podcast By Night... All Day!"

by Shotokanman on Dec 9, 2011 7:25 PM EST up reply actions

I'm pretty sure he means zagreb. don't know anything about zangreb.

good for Mirko.

Tito Ortiz = God !

by RoBerto. on Dec 9, 2011 1:05 PM EST reply actions

I need to work on my geography

It is not enough to succeed. Others must fail.

by Jesse Holland on Dec 9, 2011 2:44 PM EST up reply actions

Do what ever you want Mirko...

You won’t hear a bad word come out my mouth about this dude. Smart, respectful, well spoken but still an absolute killer back in the day. Enjoy a fair well K1 fight, you’ve earned it

Sakuraba beats Silva, Aoki would beat Miller and Vitor Belfort didn't deserve his title shot - In my opinion, the craziest points I've read on this site...

by Honkleton7 on Dec 9, 2011 1:11 PM EST reply actions

my hats off to him

amazing that he fought with such a crazy injury, especially with it being his last fight in the UFC. and he didn’t do too bad in the fight, had Nelson hurt even. IMO he deserves all the respect in the world. i think he could still compete in the UFC against fringe heavyweights if he can hang with Nelson with an exploded bicep.

by lordrubbish on Dec 9, 2011 1:26 PM EST reply actions

I wish Cro Cop was a LHW his whole career. He could have cut 15 pounds and been one that shit still pisses me off.

by p123 on Dec 9, 2011 1:48 PM EST via mobile reply actions

He might die in a k1 match

-deeleesh and nutreesh-

by wooly shambler on Dec 9, 2011 2:32 PM EST via mobile reply actions

This is from nelson fight.

Look at his right bicep:

another:

Look the fight again and count how many punches he did with that arm/hand… like zero.
My hats off to him for fighting with that injury but is was stupid too. He should have cancel the fight.

by CerBB on Dec 9, 2011 2:41 PM EST reply actions

and this was him after the Nelson fight. He needs to retire.

UFC 140 picks
Attonito - UD, Patrick - UD, Hamman - UD, Watson - Sub Rnd 2, Soszynski - KO/TKO Rnd 2, Jung - Sub Rnd 1, Lentz - UD, Cholish - Sub Rnd 2, Makdessi - KO/TKO Rnd 1, Ortiz - UD, Mir - KO/TKO Rnd 2, Jones - KO/TKO Rnd 4(sig/pic bet with JamPark)

sig record 0 - 3

by ShivanTiger on Dec 9, 2011 3:00 PM EST up reply actions

If you think your so tough...and can stand and bang with the best, then i got the perfect oponent

I have issued my statement. If Chael wins against Silva, im officially the coolest guy on Mania and have the coolest dvd collection. If he loses.....then I shall leave Mania for good....

by PrivateBox on Dec 9, 2011 5:03 PM EST reply actions