Mirko Filipovic wrote history at 42 years of age with two knockouts and one technical knockout to win the Rizin World Grand Prix in Japan.
On New Year's Eve, Mirko Cro Cop knocked out a former sumo fighter which advanced him into the finals of the Rizin Grand Prix. Just a few hours later, the Croat then then claimed victory against Iranian Aliakbari to be named champion of the tournament. Both fights were called in the first round, reports Slobodna Dalmacija on December 31, 2016.
After victory in the ring Mirko let down a tear, and in an emotional speech he said:
"Thank you for the great support during all three fights. I can not describe how happy I am. I came with a lot of injuries, but at the end of the day there is a belt. Preparations have been difficult, perhaps the most difficult in my career. Thank you to my friends without whom this would not be possible,” said Mirko after the victory.
"This is a special night for me, 10 years after I won PRIDE's Grand Prix here, there is a lot of emotion, a lot going through my head. Thank you," Mirko added.
Mirko then took the microphone and sent another message but this time in the Croatian language.
"Thanks to everyone who gave me support in Croatia. Greetings to my Ivan, who I want to dedicate this belt to. He will now be 14 years old and he is my happiness and my pride. I have not forgotten my second son, but Filip is still too small to understand what his dad does, Ivan understands this and therefore I dedicate this belt to him.”
Congrats to Mirko on a job well done!
