Mirko Filipovic finished up his mixed martial arts (MMA) career on a low note by getting knocked out in three consecutive fights, the last of which came at the hands of Roy Nelson at UFC 137 on Oct. 29, 2011, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
But instead of calling it quits for good on combat sports, the former PRIDE king returned to his kickboxing roots and in March of this year, defeating Ray Sefo via unanimous decision in his first kickboxing match since 2003. He looked rusty, though, plodding around the ring with so little urgency it seemed the fire had finally burned out on a once great career.
Key word being "seemed."
That's because "Cro Cop" made his return at K-1 Rising 2012 earlier today (Sun., May 27, 2012) in Madrid, Spain, in a heavyweight superfight showcase against Loren Javier Jorge. And this time, the Croatian legend showcased many of the old traits that made him such a star.
Filipovic fired off kicks with power and precision, unloaded punches with uncanny accuracy, and stalked his prey like it was 2006 all over again. The result was a second round knockout victory after he trapped Jorge in the corner and put him down with a hard left uppercut.
At 37-years-old, no one is holding any illusions at a return to greatness for the veteran butt kicker but fans of nostalgia should enjoy this one. After all, you never know how many we have left.
For complete results from K-1 Rising 2012 click here.