“Cro Cop calls it quits” is just one of the many headlines today on multiple MMA “news” sites that claim the Croatian has retired from the UFC and MMA. It seems, however, that these reports are a bit hasty, and that Mirko is not hanging it up just yet.
The 35-year-old Croatian fighter had this to say, to Index.hr,
“Although it would be for the best to stay out, I would like to do two more contracted fights with the UFC and then end my career. Simply, fights and training are in my blood, I still haven’t made my final decision, it can happen that I finish everything day after tomorrow, but I would like to in fact still do it. After the Dos Santos defeat I was hot and the statements were not founded. Things are not all that black.”
The retirement reports may have been fueled by the reports of Team Cro Cop being disbanded, which did, in fact, happen. Team manager, Zvonimir Lucic, has released all of the team members per instructions from Mirko himself.
Many may agree that Filipovic should retire, but that decision will be made when Cro Cop decides it is time. When he does, only time will tell.
Disbanding team Cro Cop is a good first step.
Now do the following:
1. Move to the US and train with Extreme Couture. Randy Couture is a master of the cage and cutting weight.
2. Campaign at 205
3. Get your head into it
Cro Cop should be just fine if he stops putting time limits and pressure on himself. Physically he has a lot in the tank. Now that no one expects anything from him, he should go on a tear. At 205 he will be no smaller than he is today.
I like it goodvitas! Good plan. 205 would be perfect for him, although for him to muster the desire to learn to cut weight this late in his career may be next to impossible.