Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic has returned from Japan. The famous MMA fighter landed in Croatia at Plešo airport where he was greeted by about 50 supporters, including his wife and two sons, Ivan and Filip.
After a great run in Japan proudly wearing the new title of Rizin World Grand Prix champion, Cro Cop has said that his career will most likely come to an end, and although he would like to have a farewell fight, his knee is in very poor condition, reports Vecernji List on January 2, 2017.
“I feel great, I'm a little tired, I have not slept properly,” said Mirko after his arrival, who added that he was satisfied and happy with his overall performance.
“I went as an outsider,” he explained, but said that he was physically very ready.
With Mirko arrived some very precious cargo - the Rizin trophy, which was kept safe in a supersized box.
“My plan is to go home, take a shower, and go to Privlaka. I have to go take care of my knee, the fluid is accumulating, but it should not be dramatized,” said Mirko.
Mirko's future then took the driver's seat, what did he have in store?
“It could very well be that this is it, I think it was good. I'm not sure if my medical condition can endure much more. The cartilage in my knee is in very poor condition.”
Mirko looked more than satisfied with the outcome from Japan, and it was easy to see where his motivations came from.
“I did not want my family watching me come out of the ring if I lost,” explained Mirko.
Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic, the 42 year old powerhouse that proved to be extremely dangerous in the ring, overcame King Mo in the opening round of the Rizin World Grand Prix. He then went on to knock out sumo fighter Baruta, a man of 180kg, and in the final defeated former world champion in wrestling, a fighter 14 kg heavier and 13 years younger, Amir Aliakbari.
