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[Texasboyballin]

Although the recent news that Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic had been released from his UFC contract at first appeared to be a case of the UFC cutting its losses, the Croatian heavyweight vows that he’ll return to the organization.

Last week the upstart DREAM promotion, which was created by former PRIDE staffers and the MMA division of FEG’s K-1, announced that Filipovic had been released from the remaining three fights of his UFC contract and had signed with them. The UFC reportedly wanted Filipovic to restructure his lucrative deal (he was paid $350,000 for his debut at UFC 67) but ultimately allowed him to walk. Both sides maintain that the split was amicable.

After a successful career in PRIDE, Filipovic signed with the UFC and defeated Eddie Sanchez but then suffered upsets to Gabriel Gonzaga and Cheick Kongo. He stated that his decision to leave before a fourth fight took place in the UFC was partially because he was ready to fight now — but the UFC couldn’t schedule him for a bout anytime before May.

“I have already mentioned that I will take part in three fights for DREAM and that then I will return to the UFC,” Filipovic told the website javno.com. “And to all Internet know-it-alls, I say to put gloves on and to enter the ring or the cage themselves before insulting (any) fighter. I repeat, I am not avoiding the UFC, and will come back by the end of the year.“

Although Filipovic expects to go 3-0 before returning to the UFC, at least one opponent could present a problem: Fedor Emelianenko. Filipovic says he wants to fight the highly ranked Russian before returning to the UFC.

The two fighters met once before — at PRIDE Final Conflict 2005 — and Emelianenlo scored a unanimous-decision victory to snap Filipovic’s seven-fight win streak.

Although there’s been no official announcement about the fight, Emelianenko is signed to a non-exclusive deal with M-1 Global, and the organization at least initially seems open to the idea of allowing him to compete in DREAM — possibly in a co-promoted show.

Regardless, Filipovic says he just wants to get back on the winning track and redeem himself in the UFC.

“For the last two years I’ve been in some kind of mental blockade,” Filipovic said. “I was empty before fights, depressed, I hated myself.

“I’m sorry to have disappointed my English fans who welcomed me like a king. That’s why I want to come out in front of them again. I can’t turn back time, but my time will come again.“

Cro-Cop

[paintstik]

I am glad to hear this. Hopefully he has a successful run with DREAMS and comes back to the UFC more focused and more well rounded.

[Texasboyballin]

I thank he needs 2 fight his 3 fights in Dream but not against Fedor then come back 2 the UFC then mayb beat Big Nog & get the belt so he can then Fight Fedor for the Huge Match-Up if Dana would allow it.

[iverbure]

Originally Posted by Texasboyballin

I thank he needs 2 fight his 3 fights in Dream but not against Fedor then come back 2 the UFC then mayb beat Big Nog & get the belt so he can then Fight Fedor for the Huge Match-Up if Dana would allow it.

Stop dreaming, Dana is never going to co promote a fight with Fedor ever now. Not because he doesn't want to but because he runs his mouth and it gets him into trouble. Why he can't just shut the fuck up, is beyond me. He said Fedor wasn't even in the top 10, Fedor isn't going to forget that. On another point if somehow they did try to unify the titles, i'd love for Dana to answer reporters asking him if Fedor isn't in the top 10, than why is he getting this fight and what not.

I wish Dana would realize something. A lot of the fights from over seas, aren't as money driven as Americans. They can what you say about them and care about respect and what not. I can't argue with how the UFC has grown and the good things he does for the ufc, but saying so and so is shit when he nows damn well, he is one of the best in the world, than just shut up and still try and get him in the ufc, because its going to make the ufc better.

[Warchief]

Mirko is more likely to return in the UFC, after he fought Fedor on NYE. I hope he won this time.

[POINDEXTER]

Originally Posted by Texasboyballin

“And to all Internet know-it-alls, I say to put gloves on and to enter the ring or the cage themselves before insulting (any) fighter. I repeat, I am not avoiding the UFC, and will come back by the end of the year.“Cro-Cop

This is the best part.

[Dr. MMA]

I love CC and I hope he does go 3-0 and comes back to the UFC to rip it apart in the cage, but I don't see him beating Fedor. I don't see anyone beating Fedor especially in the ring... he's too fucking good whereever the fight goes!

[Bigshanks666]

Man I really hope the Crocop of old returns to the octogon ASAP.

[Ramma]

“And to all Internet know-it-alls, I say to put gloves on and to enter the ring or the cage themselves before insulting (any) fighter. I repeat, I am not avoiding the UFC, and will come back by the end of the year.“

Psst.. he is talking to you Scottsec.. lol, I am just busting your chops.


Mirko definitely seems motivated.. I hope he is really focused this time and doesn't let the fans down. I am glad he is making it perfectly clear that he is coming back to the UFC. Whether or not he will come back after 3 fights, I question.. For example, lets say he wins 3.. and then Fedor accept his challenge.. know what I mean?

If Mirko can be back in the UFC by the end of the year/beginning of 2009.. that will be great.

[ninjastix]

Originally Posted by iverbure

Stop dreaming, Dana is never going to co promote a fight with Fedor ever now. Not because he doesn't want to but because he runs his mouth and it gets him into trouble. Why he can't just shut the fuck up, is beyond me. He said Fedor wasn't even in the top 10, Fedor isn't going to forget that.

I wish Dana would realize something. A lot of the fights from over seas, aren't as money driven as Americans. They can what you say about them and care about respect and what not. I can't argue with how the UFC has grown and the good things he does for the ufc, but saying so and so is shit when he nows damn well, he is one of the best in the world, than just shut up and still try and get him in the ufc, because its going to make the ufc better.

1. If the money and promotion are just right I'm sure Fedor will suddenly have a memory issue. To say Dana will never cross-promote isn't accurate, the UFC has done it in the past, the issue is a matter of doing things on their terms as much as possible.

2. It's not a matter of being money driven or not, to go to a foreign Country without your family to train and fight where people have no idea who you are or how to say your name (even though you may be very successful) has to be an extremely difficult feat. It's an issue of already having an established base of fans and fighting in an environment that's is comfortable to you. To discount money as a factor is silly, there are huge opportunities state side to make good money and to be sponsored or promoted or broad-casted nation-wide and internationally...


If you disagree with Dana's strategy or brash nature I understand that, I don't think he's in any position to insult fighters directly so things like "Fedor sucks" are out of line... but to argue that Fedor is not the greatest fighter ever or to dispute the rankings is something that Dana has a right to do, and can use to possibly egg Fedor into wanting to prove himself state side....

It's not the avenue I would pursue, but I still think Fedor would fight in the UFC in a heartbeat if he was managing himself...