View source for Mirko Cro Cop

{{short description|Croatian mixed martial artist (born 1974)}}
{{Infobox martial artist
| name            = Mirko Cro Cop
| image           = Mirko Cro Cop.png
| image_size      = 270px
| caption         = Mirko Cro Cop in April 2015
| birth_name      = Mirko Filipović
| nationality     = Croatian
| birth_date      = {{birth date and age|1974|09|10|df=yes}}
| birth_place     = [[Vinkovci]], [[Socialist Republic of Croatia|SR Croatia]], [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|SFR Yugoslavia]]
| other_names     = Cro Cop
| height          = 6 ft 2 in 
| weight          = 234 lb
| weight_class    = [[Heavyweight (MMA)|Heavyweight]]
| reach           = 73 in<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/athlete/mirko-cro-cop|title=Mirko Cro Cop|website=UFC|language=en|access-date=2017-03-07}}</ref> 
| style           = [[Kickboxing]]
| stance          = Southpaw
| fighting_out_of = [[Zagreb]], Croatia
| team            = Cro Cop Squad Gym<ref name="she">{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?fighterID=2326|title=Fight Finder: Mirko Filipović|year=2007|access-date=15 August 2007|publisher=[[Sherdog]]}}</ref><br/>Tigar Gym<br/>Vos Gym
| teacher         =
| trainer         = [[Ivan Hippolyte]], [[Stipe Drviš]], Mario Mlinarić
| rank            = Black belt in [[Taekwondo]]
| years_active    = 1996–2003, 2012–2014 ([[Kickboxing]])<br />2001–2019 ([[MMA]])
| kickbox_win     = 26
| kickbox_kowin   = 13
| kickbox_loss    = 8
| kickbox_koloss  = 4
| kickbox_draw    = 
| kickbox_nc      = 
| mma_kowin       = 30
| mma_subwin      = 4
| mma_decwin      = 4
| mma_koloss      = 6
| mma_subloss     = 2
| mma_decloss     = 3
| mma_draw        = 2
| mma_nc          = 1
| am_label        = [[Amateur boxing|Amateur boxing record]]<ref name="mixedmartialarts.com">[http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/forums/UnderGround/RARE-Mirko-CroCops-amateur-boxing-video-1999:2233357 Rare Mirko Cro Cop amateur boxing video]</ref>
| am_win          = 48
| am_kowin        = 31
| am_subwin       = 
| am_loss         = 8
| am_koloss       = 
| am_subloss      = 
| am_draw         = 
| am_nc           = 
| occupation      = [[Special forces]] officer, [[politician]]
| spouse          = {{marriage|Klaudija Filipović|2002}}
| children        = 2
| sherdog         = 2326
| footnotes       = 
| updated         = 3 November 2016
| url             = {{URL|http://www.mirkofilipovic.com}}
| module          = 
  {{Infobox officeholder | embed = yes
   | office        = Member of the [[Croatian Parliament]]
   | term_start    = 23 December 2003 
   | term_end      = 11 January 2008
   | constituency  = District 1
   | president     = [[Stjepan Mesić]]
   | primeminister = [[Ivo Sanader]]
   | party         = [[Independent (politician)|Independent]] 
   | otherparty    = [[Social Democratic Party of Croatia|Social Democratic Party]] (SDP)
   | religion      = 
 }}
}}
'''Mirko Filipović''' ({{IPA|hr|mirko fiːlipɔːʋitɕ}}; born 10 September 1974), better known by his [[ring name]] '''Mirko Cro Cop''', is a Croatian former professional [[mixed martial arts|mixed martial artist]], [[kickboxing|kickboxer]] and amateur [[Boxer (boxing)|boxer]]. He is mostly known for his time in [[Pride Fighting Championships]]. Cro Cop fought in the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]], [[K-1]], [[Rizin Fighting Federation|RIZIN]] and [[Bellator MMA|Bellator]]. He is widely considered one of the greatest Heavyweight Kickboxers and MMA fighters of all time.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Top 10 Heavyweights of All Time .He is considered the best KO martial artist ever existed.|url=https://mmasucka.com/2020/05/24/the-top-10-heavyweights-of-all-time/ |website=mmasucka.com |date=24 May 2020 |access-date=6 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Left leg; cemetery: Revisiting the legendary career of Mirko Cro Cop |url=https://thebodylockmma.com/mma/revisiting-the-legendary-career-of-mirko-cro-cop/ |website=thebodylockmma.com |date=8 March 2019 |access-date=6 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Frank Mir, Mirko Cro Cop, and MMA's 15 Greatest Heavyweights of All Time |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/470779-frank-mir-mirko-cro-cop-and-the-15-greatest-heavyweights-of-all-time |website=bleacherreport.com |access-date=6 January 2021}}</ref>

Cro Cop is the [[List of Pride Fighting Championships champions#Tournament Winners|2006 Pride Open-Weight Grand Prix Champion]], the [[2013 in K-1#K-1 World Grand Prix FINAL in Zagreb|K-1 World Grand Prix FINAL in Zagreb]] Champion and the [[2016 in Rizin Fighting Federation#Rizin 4 World Grand-Prix 2016: Final Round|2016 Rizin Openweight Grand Prix Champion]] becoming the second fighter in the world to win mixed martial arts and kickboxing championships and tournaments. He is also a former [[Inoki Genome Federation#IGF Championship|IGF Champion]]. His nickname, Cro Cop, short for "Croatian Cop", comes from his employment in the [[Lučko Anti-Terrorist Unit]], Croatia's elite Police [[Special Forces]] tactical unit.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Darren |title=WATCH: Rare Footage of Mirko Cro Cop's Special Forces Training |url=https://www.scrapdigest.com/watch-rare-footage-of-mirko-cro-cops-special-forces-training/46568/ |website=scrapdigest.com |date=9 March 2019 |access-date=20 April 2021}}</ref>

Cro Cop's signature move was his lightning-quick left high [[roundhouse kick]], once famously described as "right leg, hospital; left leg, cemetery."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.Detail&gid=20391|title=Mirko Cro Cop – UFC Take Two|publisher=[[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]]|access-date=9 July 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090614040208/http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=20391|archive-date=14 June 2009}}</ref> He was a successful amateur boxer and medalled numerous times in international competition, and was also a member of Croatia's world team when he competed at the 1997 Amateur Boxing World Championships.

From 23 December 2003 until 11 January 2008, he served as a [[Croatian Parliament|Member of the Croatian Parliament]] for the 1st electoral district. He was elected as an [[independent (politician)|independent]] candidate on the list of the [[Social Democratic Party of Croatia|Social Democratic Party]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=F.Ć. |title=Mirko Filipović sjetio se epizode u Saboru: Nikad više, zastupnici su najniža razina političara |url=https://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/mirko-filipovic-sjetio-se-epizode-u-saboru-nikad-vise-zastupnici-su-najniza-razina-politicara/954087.aspx |website=index.hr |access-date=20 April 2021}}</ref>

On 1 March 2019, he announced his retirement for health reasons, specifically a [[stroke]] he suffered.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Youngs |first1=Jose |title=Mirko Cro Cop suffers stroke, announces retirement |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/3/1/18246655/mirko-cro-cop-suffers-stroke-announces-retirement |website=MMA Fighting.com |date=March 2019 |access-date=1 March 2019}}</ref>

==Background==
Filipović was born on 10 September 1974 in [[Vinkovci]] in eastern Croatia, then part of the [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]]. He was raised in a working-class family with his sister, who is three years his senior. Mirko grew up training in track and field, namely the shorter distance events (100m, 200m, and 400m dashes). After seeing [[Jean-Claude Van Damme]]'s performance in the film ''[[Bloodsport (film)|Bloodsport]]'', he began training in his parents' garage with his father's boxing equipment and weights. His father, who worked as an electrician for a railway company, fashioned his son a crude but effective [[punching bag]] filled with sand and cotton, and would bring home [[Track (rail transport)|track]] scraps for Mirko to use for [[weight training]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Zbog Van Dammeove špage Mirko je potrgao prepone |url=http://www.glas-slavonije.hr/284947/6/Zbog-Van-Dammeove-spage-Mirko-je-potrgao-prepone |website=glas-slavonije.hr |access-date=6 January 2021}}</ref> Filipović began formal training in [[taekwondo]] at the age of 7 and later studied [[karate]].<ref>{{cite web |title='Ajde Mirko, dosta je bilo, 11 je sati. Do kad ti misliš udarati?' |url=https://www.24sata.hr/sport/ajde-mirko-dosta-je-bilo-11-je-sati-dokad-ti-mislis-udarati-617243 |website=24sata. |date=4 March 2019 |access-date=6 January 2021}}</ref>

Filipović's father died in 1994 when Mirko was 19 years old and after Filipović had joined the [[Croatian Army]] as a radio telegraphist the year before. After writing a request to the commander of his military base to train with the Croatian national kickboxing team, his request was approved. The colonel told Filipović: <blockquote>I don't think you will be a special soldier, but I believe you will be a good fighter one day.  So you don't have to learn [with the radio telegraphists]. I release you and I want you to train twice a day. And I want you to make your country and your homeland proud one day.</blockquote> Filipović described this as one of the best days of his life. After this, he embarked on a career in professional [[kickboxing]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Upao sam na akademiju preko veze, mama mi je dala zadnjih 400 maraka za put u Zagreb... |url=https://www.24sata.hr/sport/upao-sam-na-akademiju-preko-veze-mama-mi-je-dala-zadnjih-400-maraka-za-put-u-zagreb-709499 |website=24sata.hr |date=5 August 2020 |access-date=6 January 2021}}</ref>

==Boxing and kickboxing career==
Filipović started his professional career in 1996 as a kickboxer, following in the footsteps of his compatriot [[Branko Cikatić]]. Before turning pro, he had accumulated an [[amateur boxing]] record of 48–8 (31 KO's).<ref name="mixedmartialarts.com" /> He defeated [[Jérôme Le Banner]] in his debut, but after losing to [[Ernesto Hoost]] in his next match, he turned his attention back to boxing and his law enforcement career. He had success in both areas as a three-time national amateur boxing champion and later joined the [[Lučko Anti-Terrorist Unit]] where he served for six years until he was elected to the [[Croatian Parliament]].<ref>[https://www.si.com/mma/2014/03/06/mirko-filipovic-cro-cop "Normally reclusive, content 'Cro Cop' Filipovic finally opens up"], sportsillustrated.cnn.com; accessed 16 May 2015.</ref> Filipović took part in the [[1997 World Amateur Boxing Championships]], losing his first round match-up against Olympic medalist [[Alexei Lezin]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/Championships/WorldChamps1997.html|title=World Championships 1997}}</ref> At the time, he was working as a [[Commando (military)|commando]] in the Croatian [[police]] anti-terrorist unit ''Alpha'' (stationed in Lučko near [[Zagreb]]), which earned him his nickname "Cro Cop". He fought several times early in his career under the nickname "Tigar" (Croatian for "tiger").<ref>{{cite web |title=Prije nego što je 'postao' Cro-Cop, Filipovićev je nadimak bio... |url=https://www.tportal.hr/sport/clanak/prije-nego-sto-je-postao-cro-cop-filipovicev-je-nadimak-bio-20150812 |website=tportal.hr |access-date=6 January 2021}}</ref>

Cro Cop was a runner up for the K-1 Grand Prix 1999 title and the K-1 World Grand Prix 2000 in Fukuoka title. Cro Cop captured the K-1 World Grand Prix FINAL in Zagreb title in 2014. Cro Cop had a 21-7 record with the promotion K-1, made two appearances in Glory. He is considered to be one of the greatest Kickboxers of all time.

==Mixed martial arts career==
===Pride FC===
In 2001, Filipović began his switch to fighting in [[mixed martial arts]] promotion [[Pride Fighting Championships]], citing personal challenge as well as dissatisfaction with K-1 salaries. A year later, he also left his job at the anti-terrorist unit in order to focus fully on his martial arts career.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vecernji.hr/sport/ostalo/mirko-dovoljno-sam-lomio-tude-svoje-kosti-clanak-155149|title=Mirko: Dovoljno sam lomio, tuđe i svoje kosti|work=[[Večernji list]]|language=hr|access-date=11 June 2012}}</ref>

Cro Cop's first 6 professional MMA fights were in [[K-1 Andy Memorial 2001 Japan GP Final|K-1 2001 GP Final]], [[Pride Fighting Championships|PRIDE FC]] and the New Year's events [[Antonio Inoki#Mixed martial arts involvement|Inoki-Bom-Ba-Ye]]. He defeated veterans [[Kazuyuki Fujita]] (twice) and Japanese legend [[Kazushi Sakuraba]], while drawing with [[Nobuhiko Takada]] and reigning [[List of Pride Fighting Championships champions#World Middleweight Championship|PRIDE Middleweight Champion]] [[Wanderlei Silva]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/1/Cro-Cop-10-Defining-Moments-36621|title=Cro Cop 10 Defining Moments|publisher=Sherdog.com|access-date=22 January 2016}}</ref>

====Early PRIDE career====
Now fighting exclusively in PRIDE, Cro Cop's 7th MMA fight was against former title challenger [[Heath Herring]], who sported a 20–8 record and had gone the distance with current champion [[Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira]] in addition to fighting soon-to-be champion [[Fedor Emelianenko]], against whom he lost when the doctor had to stop the fight after the 1st round. Cro Cop defeated Herring via body kick and punches 3 minutes into the fight.<ref>{{cite web |last1=fightsite.hr / D. S. |title=Cro Cop ga je u prošlosti razbio; danas taj čovjek priča gluposti! |url=https://www.tportal.hr/sport/clanak/cro-cop-ga-je-u-proslosti-razbio-danas-taj-covjek-prica-gluposti-20150603/print |website=tportal.hr |access-date=19 February 2022}}</ref>

In his 8th fight, he became the first fighter to defeat legendary striker [[Igor Vovchanchyn]] by [[KO]] (with his trademark head kick).<ref>{{cite web |title=Fight of the Day: Igor Vovchanchyn vs. Mirko Cro Cop |url=https://thesportsdaily.com/2019/12/19/fight-of-the-day-igor-vovchanchyn-vs-mirko-cro-cop/ |website=thesportsdaily.com |date=19 December 2019 |access-date=6 January 2021}}</ref> This was witnessed as a passing of the torch in the heavyweight division, as Vovchanchyn went on a decline and Cro Cop continued his run at the heavyweight title. Cro Cop then defeated [[Alberto Del Rio|Dos Caras Jr.]] via head kick KO in 46 seconds, and then told the fans that he would see them in his next fight for the title against Fedor Emelianenko.<ref>{{cite web |title=Povratak maskiranog borca; prisjetili smo se kako ga je Cro Cop strahovito naokautirao prije 15 godina |url=https://www.tportal.hr/sport/clanak/povratak-maskiranog-borca-prisjetili-smo-se-kako-ga-je-cro-cop-strahovito-naokautirao-prije-15-godina-foto-20181002 |website=tportal.hr |access-date=6 January 2021}}</ref>

====PRIDE Interim Heavyweight Championship====
After a contractual dispute between PRIDE and Fedor Emelianenko, PRIDE matched up Cro Cop against former champion [[Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira]] for the [[List of Pride Fighting Championships champions#World Heavyweight Championship|PRIDE Interim Heavyweight Championship]]. Cro Cop dominated early in the stand up; even knocking Nogueira down at the end of the round which prompted [[Yuji Shimada]] to wave the fight off, but the bell had already rung. At the start of the second round, Cro Cop was taken down, mounted and eventually submitted via [[armbar]] in the second round, suffering the first loss of his career.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/pressreleases/Cro-Cop-to-Minotauro-I-will-be-looking-forward-to-our-rematch-but-this-time-I-will-celebrate-the-victory-85809|title=Cro Cop to Minotauro I will be looking forward to our rematch, but this time I will celebrate the victory|publisher=Sherdog.com|access-date=22 January 2016}}</ref>

====PRIDE 2004 Heavyweight Grand Prix and comeback====
After the loss to Nogueira, Cro Cop scored back to back first-round [[Technical knockout|TKO]]'s of [[Ron Waterman]] and [[Yoshihisa Yamamoto (wrestler)|Yoshihisa Yamamoto]]. It was after these performances that he was drawn into the bracket of the [[Pride Total Elimination 2004|2004 Heavyweight Grand Prix]]. In what was seen as the biggest upset in recent history at the time, Cro Cop was KO'd by former [[List of UFC champions#Heavyweight Championship|UFC Heavyweight Champion]] [[Kevin Randleman]] at 1:57 of the very first round, being eliminated in the opening round of the tournament where he was favored to be a finalist or even win it all.<ref name="Cro Cop 10 Defining Moments">{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/2/Cro-Cop-10-Defining-Moments-36621|title=Cro Cop 10 Defining Moments|publisher=Sherdog.com|access-date=22 January 2016}}</ref>

It was after this tournament that Cro Cop went on a seven fight win streak from 23 May 2004 until 26 June 2005. He began by fighting 1 month after the loss to Randleman, against [[Hiromitsu Kanehara]], a seasoned [[Fighting Network Rings|RINGS]] veteran. Cro Cop won by a [[unanimous decision]] (the second decision victory of his career). He then knocked out Shungo Oyama 2 months later in 1 minute. A month after that, Cro Cop scored a head kick knockout 2 minutes into his fight with [[Alexander Emelianenko]] (brother of the champion). Staying busy, Cro Cop defeated former [[List of UFC Champions#Heavyweight Championship|UFC Heavyweight Champion]] and reigning [[List of Pancrase champions#Openweight Championship|King of Pancrase]] [[Josh Barnett]] 2 months later at PRIDE 28, when Barnett injured his shoulder only 46 seconds into the fight.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cro Cop uzvraća udarac |url=https://sportnet.rtl.hr/vijesti/262753/ostali-sportovi/cro-cop-uzvraca-udarac/ |website=sportnet.rtl.hr |access-date=6 January 2021}}</ref> 2 months after that, Cro Cop avenged his loss to Randleman by [[guillotine choke]] at PRIDE's new year show.

After defeating Randleman, Cro Cop stated that he wished to fight former [[List of UFC Champions#Heavyweight Championship|UFC Heavyweight Champion]] and [[PRIDE Fighting Championships#Tournaments|PRIDE 2000 Grand Prix Champion]] Mark Coleman. In the pre-fight interviews, Coleman repeatedly stated that he was going to take Cro Cop down and pound him out, while Cro Cop said there's no way he would be taken down and that he would defeat Coleman. At PRIDE 29, Cro Cop stuffed every single one of Coleman's take down attempts, staggered Coleman with straight lefts before knocking him out at 3:40 of the first round.<ref>{{cite web |last1=D. S. / fightsite.hr |title=Borilačka legenda bez dlake na jeziku o trijumfu Cro Copa! |url=https://www.tportal.hr/sport/clanak/borilacka-legenda-bez-dlake-na-jeziku-o-trijumfu-cro-copa-20150414 |website=tportal.hr |access-date=19 February 2022}}</ref>

Cro Cop had defeated 3 former UFC Heavyweight champions back to back, and said in the ring after defeating Coleman:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports.ru/tribuna/blogs/ohmyblog/825173.html|title="Федор 20 минут дрался с переломом руки". 10 лет супербою Федор Емельяненко – Мирко Крокоп|date=29 August 2015 |publisher=sports.ru/|access-date=22 January 2016}}</ref>

<blockquote>I'm still standing, and I'm still waiting for a title fight. [[Fedor Emelianenko|Emelianenko Fedor]], you are next.</blockquote>

Cro Cop faced Emelianenko's teammate, Ibragim Magomedov at [[PRIDE Critical Countdown 2005]], winning by a body kick TKO in the 1st round (his 6th first round finish in a row). Emelianenko cornered Magomedov for this fight, and after the fight, stepped into the ring and shook hands with Cro Cop as the two posed with the championship belt. Cro Cop finally received a chance to fight Fedor for the [[Pride Heavyweight Championship]].<ref name="Cro Cop 10 Defining Moments"/> The highly anticipated match between Emelianenko and Cro Cop finally took place at [[PRIDE Final Conflict 2005]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/events/PRIDE-Final-Conflict-2005-3184|title=PRIDE Final Conflict 2005 Results, Fight Card, News, Videos, Pictures, and more|publisher=Sherdog.com|access-date=23 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Fedor-Emelianenko-1500|title=Fedor "The Last Emperor" Emelianenko MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography, and More|publisher=Sherdog.com|access-date=23 May 2011}}</ref>

====PRIDE title fight with Emelianenko====
In the first round, Cro Cop stunned and broke Emelianenko's nose with two quick straight left hands. He discolored Fedor's midsection with powerful body kicks. Emelianenko was then able to get the fight to the ground and land several body shots and, as the fight progressed, Emelianenko became more and more dominant, winning most of the stand up exchanges and scoring several takedowns. After 20 minutes, Emelianenko was awarded a unanimous decision victory. The fight was awarded fight of the year by mmafighting.com and fight of the decade by ''[[Sports Illustrated]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gambling911.com/Fedor-Emelianenko-040707.html |title=Fedor Emelianenko the Best Fighter in the World? |last=Lewis |first=Destiny |date=7 April 2007 |publisher=Gambling 911 |access-date=7 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080306115103/http://www.gambling911.com/Fedor-Emelianenko-040707.html |archive-date=6 March 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ivansblog.com/2005/05/mixed-martial-arts-its-saturday-and.html|title=Ivan's Blog: Saturday, 28 May 2005|publisher=IvansBlog.com|last=Trembow|first=Ivan|date=28 May 2005|access-date=29 June 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/videos/recent/Fedor-Emelianenko-Post-PRIDE-Final-Conflict-Video-Interview-423|title=Fedor Emelianenko Post Pride Final Conflict Video Interview|publisher=Sherdog.com|date=28 August 2005|access-date=7 June 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2007/01/01/mmafightingcom-2006-year-end-awards|title=mmafighting.com awards}}</ref>

====Post-title shot and PRIDE 2006 Openweight Grand Prix====
After the loss to Emelianenko, Cro Cop defeated Josh Barnett at [[PRIDE 30]] by a unanimous decision, and then dropped a [[split decision]] loss to hard hitting K-1 veteran [[Mark Hunt]] at [[PRIDE Shockwave 2005]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Kako je to Hunt preživio? Kad te Cro Cop pukne high kickom |url=https://www.24sata.hr/sport/kako-je-to-hunt-prezivio-kad-te-cro-cop-pukne-high-kickom-694718 |website=24sata.hr |date=22 May 2020 |access-date=6 January 2021}}</ref>

Coming into the 2006 Openweight Grand Prix, Cro Cop TKO'd two Japanese legends, Pancrase veteran [[Ikuhisa Minowa]] in the opening round, and [[Judo at the 1992 Summer Olympics#Medal summary|1992 Olympic Judo Gold Medalist]] [[Hidehiko Yoshida]] in the quarterfinal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/1/Cro-Cops-Biggest-Wins-and-Toughest-Losses-17878|title=Cro Cops Biggest Wins and Toughest Losses|publisher=Sherdog.com|access-date=22 January 2016}}</ref> On his 32nd birthday, he met Wanderlei Silva at [[Pride Final Conflict Absolute]] in the semi-finals, where he put on one of his best performances, defeating the Middleweight champion with his trademark head kick knockout.<ref>{{cite web |title=MIRKO GA SPREMIO U BOLNICU, A ON PROGOVORIO O POSLJEDICAMA: 'Imam osam od 10 simptoma oštećenja na mozgu' |url=https://net.hr/sport/klub-boraca/mirko-ga-spremio-u-bolnicu-a-on-progovorio-o-posljedicama-imam-osam-od-10-simptoma-ostecenja-na-mozgu/ |website=net.hr |date=9 February 2019 |access-date=6 January 2021}}</ref>

This put him in the final against Josh Barnett, a fighter whom he would face for the third time in his career. After exchanging in the stand up, Cro Cop was able to posture in Barnett's guard - landing many punches. At 7:32 of the first round, Barnett tapped to strikes, earning Cro Cop his first belt in his MMA career - the [[List of Pride Fighting Championships champions#Tournament Winners|PRIDE 2006 Openweight Grand Prix championship]].<ref name="Cro Cop 10 Defining Moments"/> When PRIDE president [[Nobuyuki Sakakibara]] placed the belt around Cro Cop's waist, Cro Cop broke down in tears and addressed the crowd in attendance, saying "This is the happiest day in my life. It's my 32nd birthday, and I want to thank all my fans in the arena, and all around the world for supporting me during my career. I love you, thank you."

Many have cited the performances that night as Cro Cop's finest - leading Wanderlei Silva's trainer, Rudimar Federigo to say, "That was Mirko's day. He fought two perfect fights and I believe even Fedor could lose to him on that night."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fcfighter.com/post/rudimar-fedrigowanderlei-is-talking-about-his-next-fight|title=Rudimar Fedrigo: "Wanderlei is talking about his next fight"|publisher=fcf.com|access-date=1 December 2016}}</ref> Josh Barnett would later say - despite facing top fighters like Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Randy Couture, Frank Mir and Andrei Arlovski - that Cro Cop was the best fighter he ever faced in his career.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Stories-From-The-Road-Josh-Barnett-104231|title=STORIES FROM THE ROAD: JOSH BARNETT|publisher=sherdog.com|access-date=8 January 2017}}</ref>

After winning the belt, Cro Cop revealed some more of his emotions behind the victory in the backstage interview with [[Frank Trigg]],

<blockquote>All I can say is this is the happiest day of my life. Definitely. I was waiting for this for 10 long years and finally - I knew that I'm the best, but some circumstances just didn't let me do that. To go to the end, and I proved to all the people who were talking that I'm finished, that I'm done after Fedor's fight, that I am number one. Believe it or not, and I swear with everything I got, I told myself, "If I don't take this belt, it will be my last MMA fight in my life." I would quit fighting, I swear. And that's why I said, "now or never". And plus I was training like never before, and I was motivated, and I knew this is it.

There is no [bad] blood between us [myself and Silva.] I would like to know how he is, and I would like to shake hands with him. That's all. I have nothing against him, really. But I told you before, he is just acting weird and he refused any kind of contact, but I'm not mad at Wanderlei, I don't hate him. I respect him as a fighter, and I would like to see him if he's still here.

I'm very happy, this is the day of my life, and I'm only sorry for one thing - that my father couldn't live long enough to see my success. He died 12 years ago and I dedicate this belt for my father.</blockquote>

After his victory at the 2006 Openweight Grand Prix, a rematch between Cro Cop and Fedor Emelianenko failed to materialize and on 12 December 2006 Cro Cop pulled out of the New Year's Eve event, citing both a foot injury and Emelianenko's commitment to meet Mark Hunt at the card in question. Through his official website, Cro Cop revealed "I still can't kick like I want to. It's the best that we give more time to this injury to heal. I want to be in perfect shape for my next fights."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mirko-crocop.com/?id=4&solo=57|title=Mirko off the NYE card|access-date=20 June 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928201556/http://www.mirko-crocop.com/?id=4&solo=57|archive-date=28 September 2007}}</ref>

Cro Cop has often been cited as being one member of the "Holy Trinity of PRIDE" (alongside Rodrigo Nogueira and Emelianenko.) These 3 heavyweights were considered anywhere between number 1–3 at any point in time between 2003 and 2007, and are often looked at as the "golden age" of MMA.<ref>{{cite web |title=Trinity: Can Frank Mir Conquer the Last of PRIDE's Great Heavyweights? |url=https://www.mmaoddsbreaker.com/news/13029-trinity-can-frank-mir-conquer-the-last-of-pride-s-great-heavyweights/ |website=mmaoddsbreaker.com |date=28 April 2018 |access-date=6 January 2021}}</ref>

===Ultimate Fighting Championship===
In December 2006, rumors began to surface about Cro Cop entertaining offers from other mixed martial arts organizations; the Ultimate Fighting Championship was one of the promotions that Cro Cop confirmed came forward with an offer.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mmaweekly.com/cro-cop-talks-about-offers-from-ufc-pride-2|title=Cro Cop Talks About Offers From UFC & Pride|author1=Yu, Al |author2=Trembow, Ivan |newspaper=Mmaweekly.com &#124; Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=8 December 2006|access-date=20 June 2007}}</ref> Rumors continued to circulate about Cro Cop's future with the Pride FC organization and media websites were reporting that Cro Cop had chosen the UFC for his future.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news.asp?n_id=6352|title=Mirko "Cro Cop" Chooses UFC|author1=Sherwood |author2=Jeff, Gross, Josh |publisher=[[Sherdog]]|date=13 December 2006|access-date=20 June 2007}}</ref> It was announced during the pay-per-view of [[UFC 66]] that Cro Cop indeed signed with the UFC.<ref>{{cite web |last1=MMA Junkie Staff |title=Mirko ";Cro Cop"; Filipovic Signs Two-Year, Six-Fight Deal With UFC |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2006/12/mirko-cro-cop-filipovic-signs-two-year-six-fight-deal-with-ufc |website=mmajunkie.usatoday.com |access-date=19 February 2022 |date=31 December 2006}}</ref>

====UFC debut====
Mirko made his UFC debut at [[UFC 67]] on Saturday, 3 February - which featured fellow debutants and future UFC champions [[Quinton Jackson]], [[Lyoto Machida]] and [[Frankie Edgar]] - stopping the undefeated prospect [[Eddie Sanchez]] by TKO at 4:33 of the very 1st round. Average betting for this fight was around -1200 for "Cro Cop" and +800 for Eddie Sanchez, the biggest gap for underdog/favorite in UFC history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2007/02/01/performifys-picks-ufc-67 |title=Performify's Picks: UFC 67 |access-date=2007-05-10 |work=MMAjunkie.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080209002548/http://mmajunkie.com/2007/02/01/performifys-picks-ufc-67/ |archive-date=9 February 2008}}</ref>

It has been speculated that the reason Cro Cop did not receive an immediate title shot - despite being ranked #2 across many media outlets - was due to his lack of popularity with the UFC audience.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/ufc-confirms-cro-cops-signing-a-look-at-title-pictures-2|title=UFC CONFIRMS CRO COP'S SIGNING; A LOOK AT TITLE PICTURES|newspaper=Mmaweekly.com &#124; Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |publisher=Mmaweekly.com|access-date=22 July 2016}}</ref>

====UFC title eliminator====
On 21 April 2007, Cro Cop faced [[Gabriel Gonzaga]] at ''[[UFC 70]]'' in [[Manchester]], United Kingdom to determine who would challenge reigning champion [[Randy Couture]] for the heavyweight title. In what was seen as an upset by many in the MMA world, Gonzaga won with a head kick knockout at 4:51 of the 1st round.<ref>{{cite web |title=Objavljen video koji Cro Cop ne želi gledati: To je podlo i nisko |url=https://www.vecernji.hr/sport/objavljen-video-koji-cro-cop-ne-zeli-gledati-to-je-podlo-i-nisko-1396296 |website=vecernji.hr |access-date=6 January 2021}}</ref>
Cro Cop later said about the fight, <blockquote>He hit me at least 10 or 15 times, clean shots to the head. It was a miracle that I didn't start bleeding. Maybe it would have been better for me if he had cut me, as the referee would stop the fight. But when we stood up I saw 3 opponents. I was finished already. I took too many shots to the head. I was totally out of control. He threw a high kick, it landed on my head and that was it. But I'm a fighter and there's no shame in falling down, only not to rise again. But that's my life, you cannot win all the time. But of course the goal is that you must try [to always win]. It was my mistake. He did what he had to do. He had his plan and he threw too many elbows and I lost the fight and that's it.</blockquote>

====End of first UFC stint====
Cro Cop's next fight was on 8 September 2007 at ''[[UFC 75]]'' against [[French people|French]] kickboxer [[Cheick Kongo]], which he lost by unanimous decision with 29–28 on all three scorecards. There was some controversy, as Kongo landed 3 illegal groin strikes but was not even deducted a point. Cro Cop trained with [[Remy Bonjasky]] and [[Gilbert Yvel]], and 2003 Abu Dhabi Combat Club champion grappler [[Dean Lister]] for this fight. Lister joined Cro Cop at his home town for a month to train for this upcoming bout.<ref name="nok">{{cite web|url=http://www.nokaut.com/?id=12&solo_news=985&lang=e&cur=eur|title=Mirko Cro Cop Training with Bonjasky, Yvel|date=10 August 2007|access-date=10 August 2007|publisher=nokaut.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927222647/http://www.nokaut.com/?id=12&solo_news=985&lang=e&cur=eur|archive-date=27 September 2007}}</ref> Cro Cop's coach was Vos Gym's main trainer and [[muay thai]] practitioner Ivan "Hydro" Hippolyte.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mirko-crocop.com|title=Marijan Zizanovic is the new head coach again|access-date=16 May 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516064706/http://www.mirko-crocop.com/|archive-date=16 May 2015}}</ref>

===Dream===
On 12 February 2008, Cro Cop announced a visit to Japan on his blog.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mirko-crocop.com/?id=4&solo=86|title=Mirko: I'm Off to Japan|publisher=Mirko-crocop.com|date=19 September 2008|access-date=21 March 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090422200957/http://www.mirko-crocop.com/?id=4&solo=86|archive-date=22 April 2009}}</ref> With the foundation of the new MMA event, '[[Dream (Mixed Martial Arts)|Dream]]', co-established by [[Fighting and Entertainment Group|FEG]] running [[K-1 Hero's]] and the former [[Yarennoka!]] organizing committee members which had managed [[Pride FC]], Cro Cop officiates ending his career in UFC and the participation into the new event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.media.daum.net/nms/general/news/mma/view.do?cate=23791&type=&newsid=291103&cp=mfight|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081224225109/http://sports.media.daum.net/nms/general/news/mma/view.do?cate=23791&type=&newsid=291103&cp=mfight|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 December 2008|title=Daum 스포츠|language=ko|publisher=Sports.media.daum.net|date=13 February 2008|access-date=21 March 2009}}</ref>

Fight Entertainment Group confirmed on 11 March 2008 that Cro Cop would face [[Tatsuya Mizuno]] at [[Dream 1]] on 15 March at [[Saitama Super Arena]], [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], [[Japan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news.asp?n_id=11745|title='Cro Cop' to Fight Mizuno|publisher=Sherdog.com|date=11 March 2008|access-date=21 March 2009}}</ref>

When asked about Cro Cop's current contract status with the UFC and whether it would interfere with his participation in '[[Dream (Mixed Martial Arts)|Dream]]' events, Dream producer and front man Keiichi Sasahara said, "Though I can't share specific details about his contract, there will not be any foreseeable problems arising."<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|first=Tony|last=Loiseleur|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/pictures.asp?n_id=11302|title='Dream' Come True? New Promotion Announced|publisher=Sherdog.com|date=13 February 2008|access-date=21 March 2009}}</ref>

Cro Cop was vague in answering the question himself, qualifying his response by mentioning his intent to return to the UFC sometime in the future.<blockquote>Well, as you all know, I had a bad period in my last two fights, which I'd lost in the UFC, I don't want anyone to think that I'm running away from the UFC, but I was thinking a lot about how to continue with my career, and I think in this moment, I think Dream is the right place for me.</blockquote>

<blockquote>Another thing is that I never liked fighting in the cage. I always liked to fight in the ring. The second thing is that I liked fighting in Japan. Japan is like my second home—I feel like I'm home in Japan. All those reasons [have brought me] here, and I'm very happy that I'm going to fight here in Japan. But of course, one day, I don't know when, but definitely I'll be back in the UFC to show that it was just a bad period for me. Now I'm fully recovered, physically and mentally, most important mentally.<ref name="autogenerated1"/></blockquote>

On 23 September 2008, Cro Cop fought against [[Alistair Overeem]] at [[Dream 6]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dreamofficial.com/fightcard/dream6|title=Dream 6 official card|publisher=Dreamofficial.com|date=23 September 2008|access-date=21 March 2009}}</ref> After almost half of the first round saw Overeem takedown Cro Cop twice and the two fighters exchanging stand-up and ground strikes (with Cro Cop sustaining a cut) the bout was stopped and declared a no contest due to Overeem landing multiple knees to the groin of Cro Cop, who stated after the match that he had wanted to continue to fight, as evident by his remaining in the ring, but the ringside doctor would not allow him to continue. His manager stated that the injury was not serious and that a rematch as soon as possible was sought. Cro Cop said that he was planning for a long fight and a KO towards the end. He expressed frustration and quoted "I'm angry it ended this way, it seemed as if he was the dominant one, however, I wasn't in trouble for a second and was waiting for my opportunities. I prepared very well because I thought the match could last a while. I thought I would knock him down in the end."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.index.hr/sport/clanak/zbog-niskog-u-genitalije-ponistena-borba-cro-copa-i-overeema/403154.aspx|title=Zbog "niskog" u genitalije poništena borba Cro Copa i Overeema|publisher=Index.hr|access-date=21 March 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Thomas|first=Luke|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2008/9/23/620406/crocop-wanted-to-continue|title=CroCop Wanted to Continue; DREAM to Korea?|publisher=Bloody Elbow|date=23 September 2008|access-date=21 March 2009}}</ref> In recording the fight, Cro Cop's corner relayed to the announcers that his right testicle had been lodged inside of his body and that he could not continue. He later limped out of the arena.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cro Cop 'Will Have to Undergo a Testicle Exam ... Mirko's Genitals Still Hurt a Lot' |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2008/09/26/mirko-cro-cop-will-have-to-undergo-a-testicle-exam-mirkos |website=mmafighting.com |date=26 September 2008 |access-date=6 January 2021}}</ref>

===Return to the UFC===
[[Image:Mirko Cro Cop vs Pat Barry UFC 115.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Mirko Cro Cop defeated Pat Barry by submission due to a rear-naked choke at ''[[UFC 115]]'' in [[Vancouver, British Columbia]], Canada.]]
On 18 May 2009, Cro Cop issued a press release on his official website and his MMAid account stating his scheduled return to the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]]. His first match upon returning was at [[UFC 99]] in [[Germany]] against [[Mostapha al-Turk]]. During the bout, Cro Cop knocked down al-Turk with punches within the first round, then allowed him to stand. The fight ended when Cro Cop finished al-Turk with a flurry of punches that left al-Turk unable to defend himself. After the one-fight agreement with the UFC, it was announced Cro Cop was scheduled to return to [[Dream (mixed martial arts)|Dream]] to face [[Mighty Mo (kickboxer)|Siala "Mighty Mo" Siliga]] on 20 July at ''[[Dream.10]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/15242/report-ufc-snubber-mirko-cro-cop-filipovic-meets-mighty-mo-at-dream-10-in-july.mma|title=Report: UFC snubber Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic meets "Mighty Mo" at DREAM.10 in July|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|date=18 June 2009|access-date=13 July 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620231431/http://mmajunkie.com/news/15242/report-ufc-snubber-mirko-cro-cop-filipovic-meets-mighty-mo-at-dream-10-in-july.mma|archive-date=20 June 2009}}</ref> On 3 July 2009, it was reported that he might have re-signed with the UFC after getting an offer "he couldn't refuse" by UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta, who personally flew to Cro Cop's residence in [[Zagreb]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fightersonlymagazine.co.uk/news/viewarticle.php?id=2700|title=Report: CroCop signing for UFC after getting "offer he cannot refuse"|date=3 July 2009|publisher=Fighters Only Magazine|access-date=16 May 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004221010/http://www.fightersonlymagazine.co.uk/news/viewarticle.php?id=2700|archive-date=4 October 2011}}</ref> It was later confirmed at the UFC Fan Expo by Fertitta that Cro Cop had indeed signed a three-fight contract with the UFC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmafrenzy.com/10945/mirko-cro-cop-filipovic-signs-three-fight-deal-with-ufc|title=Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic Signs Three-Fight Deal With UFC|publisher=MMAFrenzy.com|date=2 January 2009|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref>

Cro Cop fought up and coming striker [[Junior dos Santos]] at [[UFC 103]]. During the third round, Cro Cop sustained an uppercut to his left eye that caused him to submit by waving his hand at the referee and motioning that there was a problem with his eye. The fight was officially stopped due to submission, giving Dos Santos the win. After the fight, Cro Cop showed signs of frustration, stating, "I don't feel the hunger anymore. I started playing it safe, I'm not ready to take risks."<ref>{{cite web|last=Release|first=Press|url=http://mmamania.com/2009/09/20/mirko-cro-cop-maybe-i-shouldve-quit-after-i-won-pride-fc-open-weight-grand-prix-in-2006|title=Mirko Cro Cop: 'Maybe I should've quit after I won' Pride FC Open Weight Grand Prix in 2006|publisher=MMA Mania|date=20 September 2009|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref>

He hired legendary former Muay Thai champion [[Ivan Hippolyte]] and revamped his whole training team. Cro Cop was scheduled to face [[Ben Rothwell]] on 21 February 2010 at [[UFC 110]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/16742/ben-rothwell-and-mirko-cro-cop-filipovic-likely-to-meet-at-ufc-110.mma |title=Ben Rothwell and Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic likely to meet at UFC 110 |publisher=mmajunkie.com |access-date=16 May 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091108012100/http://mmajunkie.com/news/16742/ben-rothwell-and-mirko-cro-cop-filipovic-likely-to-meet-at-ufc-110.mma |archive-date=8 November 2009 }}</ref> Just days before the fight, Rothwell was forced to withdraw from the event because of an illness.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=78621 |title=Changes to UFC 110 Card |publisher=[[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] |access-date=9 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100222195720/http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=78621 |archive-date=22 February 2010 }}</ref> Australian fighter [[Anthony Perosh]] stepped in to replace Rothwell.<ref>{{cite web|author=Sherdog.com|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Rothwell-Out-of-Cro-Cop-Bout-Perosh-In-22751|title=Rothwell Out of 'Cro Cop' Bout; Perosh In|publisher=Sherdog.com|access-date=9 July 2010}}</ref>

During the fight, Cro Cop dominated for two rounds before opening a cut on Perosh's forehead which forced a doctor stoppage before the third round and awarded the TKO win to Cro Cop, who fought despite receiving a cut in training that required stitches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fightersonlymagazine.co.uk/news/viewarticle.php?id=3973|title=The World's Greatest MMA Magazine: CroCop cut in sparring, required stitches, still fighting UFC 110|publisher=Fighters Only Magazine|access-date=9 July 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100329175805/http://www.fightersonlymagazine.co.uk/news/viewarticle.php?id=3973|archive-date=29 March 2010}}</ref>

Cro Cop next fought against fellow former Kickboxer [[Pat Barry (fighter)|Pat Barry]] at [[UFC 115]] in [[Vancouver]], British Columbia, Canada. After being knocked down twice to the canvas in the first round by Barry's strikes, he won the second round after utilizing his ground game. The third round saw Cro Cop open up with a head kick followed by an [[axe kick]] to Barry's head. He ended the fight with a strong flurry, dropping Barry against the cage where he continued his assault with numerous punches to the face. He then took his back and defeated Barry by [[rear-naked choke]], earning him ''Submission of the Night'' honors which Cro Cop had joked to Dana White and the crowd earlier that he deserved it. Prior to the Barry fight, Cro Cop was detained by Canadian officials, who threatened to deport him. He revealed that the Canadian officials had asked for details of his activities in the Lučko ATJ in which he had served, his service starting several years after the [[Croatian War of Independence]]. He was held for six hours.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2010/6/15/1519154/canada-detains-mirko-war-cop-in|title=Canada detains Mirko "War Cop" in hopes of extracting dirt on Yugoslavia|publisher=mmamania.com|date=15 June 2010}}</ref>

Cro Cop faced former UFC heavyweight champion [[Frank Mir]] on 25 September 2010 at [[UFC 119]], replacing an injured [[Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fightersonlymagazine.co.uk/news/viewarticle.php?id=5077|title=Cro Cop steps in for injured Nog against Mir, UFC 119|publisher=fightersonly.com|date=15 August 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111115134821/http://www.fightersonlymagazine.co.uk/news/viewarticle.php?id=5077|archive-date=15 November 2011}}</ref> There was a brief scare the weekend before the fight when Cro Cop suffered an eye injury in Croatia during his final day of training, but upon arrival in the U.S., was medically cleared to compete.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/09/21/mirko-cro-cop-medically-cleared-for-ufc-119|title=Mirko Cro Cop Medically Cleared for UFC 119|author=Ray Hui|publisher=MMA Fighting|date=21 September 2010}}</ref>

Neither fighter managed to deliver any significant damage to the other until Cro Cop was defeated by Mir at 4:02 of the third round by KO due to a knee strike to the head. In a later interview for a Croatian television station, Cro Cop stated that he suffered a disc herniation three weeks before the fight with Mir. He decided not to inform the UFC about this injury because he believed it would seem as if he was trying to pull out of the fight.<ref name="dnevnik1">[http://gol.dnevnik.hr/clanak/rubrika/mma/cro-cop-na-video-chatu-gol-hr-a-u-petak-tocno-u-podne.html Cro Cop otvorio dušu: Stari Mirko 'umro' je s PRIDE-om!], Gol.dnevnik.hr; retrieved 5 May 2012.</ref>

Cro Cop was defeated by Ultimate Fighter alumnus [[Brendan Schaub]] on 19 March 2011, at [[UFC 128|UFC 128: Shogun vs. Jones]] by way of KO at 3:44 of the third round. Shortly after the knockout loss to Schaub, [[Dana White]] stated that Cro Cop is most likely retiring. Since this time, Dana White has appeared to have had a change of heart. In a recent interview, White said: "This guy wants to fight again, and I owe him another fight." White also added "Do I think he should have retired? Yeah," White said. "But I don't think he's in one of these situations like Chuck Liddell, who needed to retire right then. He's a man, a grown man, and if he wants to continue to fight, that's his right."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2011/05/25/ufc-to-offer-mirko-cro-cop-one-more-fight|title=Mirko Cro Cop Decides Against Retirement, Will Fight One More Time for UFC. At this moment UFC plan fight Mirko Cro Cop vs. John Olav Einemo at UFC 137, which losing Dave Herman at UFC 131|publisher=mmafighting.com|date=25 May 2011}}</ref>

In his last fight with the UFC, Cro Cop was defeated by [[Roy Nelson (fighter)|Roy Nelson]] at [[UFC 137]] by TKO due to punches in round 3. Even though he looked to be in a good physical condition for the fight, he still didn't look like the same fighter from his days in PRIDE FC. In an interview to a Croatian television station, Cro Cop revealed that he suffered an arm injury in training 10 days before the fight. Cro Cop said the injury came as a result of him sparring with Pat Barry and that the doctors told him he had to go into surgery because a tendon had separated from a bone, but he refused. He decided to go through with the fight without informing the UFC officials about his injury.<ref name="dnevnik1"/>

===Retirement from MMA and return to kickboxing===
Although he had not completely retired, Cro Cop considered that his days with the UFC, and possibly MMA, were finished. He announced that he would return to [[kickboxing]] to fight at ''Cro Cop [[Final Fight Championship|Final Fight]] 2012'' at the [[Zagreb Arena]] on 10 March 2012.<ref>[http://gol.dnevnik.hr/clanak/rubrika/mma/mirko-u-gipsu-najavio-spektakularni-oprostaj-sljedece-godine.html Mirko u gipsu najavio spektakularni oproštaj u Areni]. Gol.dnevnik.hr; retrieved 16 May 2015.</ref> Mirko defeated Ray Sefo by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/news/2012/3/10/2861171/mirko-cro-cop-def-ray-sefo-k-1-final-fight-mma?xid=si_mma|title=Mirko Cro Cop Defeats Ray Sefo at 'Final Fight'|date=10 March 2012|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref>

Cro Cop fought on 27 May 2012 at [[K-1 World MAX 2012 World Championship Tournament Final 16]] in [[Madrid, Spain]] against [[Loren Javier Jorge]], winning by knockout in the second round with a left uppercut.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bjpenn.com/mmanews/2012/05/28/333-cro-cop-finds-his-groove-kos-jorge-last-weekend-26767.html|title=Cro Cop Finds His Groove, Ko's Jorge Last Weekend|publisher=bjpenn.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120701042147/http://www.bjpenn.com/mmanews/2012/05/28/333-cro-cop-finds-his-groove-kos-jorge-last-weekend-26767.html|archive-date=2012-07-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2012/5/27/3047143/k-1-rising-2012-results-mirko-cro-cop-wins-by-knock-out-badr-hari|title=K-1 Rising 2012 results: Mirko Cro Cop wins by knock out, Badr Hari victorious|date=27 May 2012|access-date=16 May 2015|publisher=MMAmania.com|last=Mrosko|first=Geno}}</ref>

He faced [[Randy Blake]] at the ''[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2012 in Tokyo final 16]]'' on 14 October 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.liverkick.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1873:k-1-final-16-matches-unveiled&catid=36:k-1|title=K-1 Final 16 Matches Unveiled|author=Dave Walsh|date=15 November 2019|publisher=LiverKick.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://liverkick.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1928:k-1-wgp-final-16-finalized-fight-card-for-this-sunday-october-14&catid=36:k-1|title=K-1 WGP Final 16, Finalized Fight Card For This Sunday, October 14|author=Rian Scalia|date=25 November 2019|publisher=LiverKick.com}}</ref> In the third round, after a break and restart, Cro Cop attempted to apologize for a late uppercut, failing to put his hands up to defend and leading to a straight punch by Blake that resulted in a knockdown. Despite this incident, Cro Cop was able to outfight the American en route to a majority decision win.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.liverkick.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1948:k-1-world-grand-prix-final-16-live-results&catid=38:asia&Itemid=59|title=K-1 World Grand Prix Final 16 Live Results|author=Dave Walsh|date=10 January 2020|publisher=LiverKick.com}}</ref>

He was scheduled to fight at ''Cro Cop [[Final Fight Championship|Final Fight]] 2013'' on 15 March 2013 in Zagreb,<ref>[http://liverkick.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2124:another-cro-cop-final-fight-on-march-15-plans-for-2013&catid=37:kickboxing Another Cro Cop Final Fight On 15 March, Plans For 2013], liverkick.com; accessed 16 May 2015.</ref> and expressed his desire to face [[Gökhan Saki]].<ref>[http://liverkick.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2158:mirko-cro-cop-wants-to-fight-gokhan-saki-in-2013&catid=37:kickboxing Mirko Cro Cop wants to fight Gokhan Saki in 2013], liverkick.com; accessed 16 May 2015.</ref> The event was then merged with the ''[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2012 Final]]'', and was the first [[K-1 World Grand Prix]] held outside of Japan. He faced American boxer [[Jarrell Miller]] in the quarter-finals where the panel of judges awarded Cro Cop a unanimous decision due to Cro Cop landing more significant strikes. He advanced to the semi-finals where he outpointed [[Pavel Zhuravlev (kickboxer)|Pavel Zhuravlev]] to another unanimous decision. In the final, he fought [[Ismael Londt]] and floored the Suriname fighter with his patented left high kick in round two en route to yet another unanimous decision victory to win the tournament, thirteen years after he had finished as runner-up in 1999.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://liverkick.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2370:k-1-world-grand-prix-2013-live-results&catid=39:europe&Itemid=59|title=K-1 World Grand Prix 2013 Live Results|author=Dave Walsh|date=10 January 2020|publisher=LiverKick.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/15/4100478/k-1-grand-prix-results-stream-live-fight-coverage-cro-cop-badr-hari-zagreb|title=K-1 World Grand Prix Final 8 results and LIVE kickboxing coverage from Zagreb, Croatia TODAY (March 15)|author=Patrick L. Stumberg|date=15 March 2013|work=MMAmania.com}}</ref><ref>[http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/15/4110360/k-1-world-grand-prix-final-8-winner-cro-cop-ismael-londt-zagreb-croatia-results-2013 2012 K-1 World Grand Prix winner: Mirko 'Cro Cop' turns back the clock in Croatia, tops Ismael Londt in final], mmamania.com, 15 March 2013; accessed 16 May 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.cagepotato.com/video-mirko-cro-cop-gets-his-cro-cop-on-wins-2013-k-1-grand-prix/ Mirko Cro Cop Gets His Cro Cop On, Wins 2013 K-1 Grand Prix (21 March)], cagepotato.com; accessed 16 May 2015.</ref>

He lost to [[Remy Bonjasky]] by a widely disputed [[majority decision]] in a rematch at ''[[Glory 14: Zagreb]]'' in Zagreb on 8 March 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://liverkick.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2867:remy-bonjasky-victorious-in-his-retirement-fight-against-cro-cop&catid=45:news|title=LiverKick - LiverKick|author=Dave Walsh|access-date=2014-03-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309210640/http://www.liverkick.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2867:remy-bonjasky-victorious-in-his-retirement-fight-against-cro-cop&catid=45:news|archive-date=2014-03-09|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Remy-Bonjasky-Walks-Away-With-Controversial-Decision-Over-Cro-Cop-at-Glory-14-64837|title=Remy Bonjasky Walks Away With Controversial Decision Over 'Cro Cop' at Glory 14|work=Sherdog}}</ref><ref>[http://www.muaythaiauthority.com/2014/03/glory-14-results-and-recap.html Glory 14 Results and Recap] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320222722/http://www.muaythaiauthority.com/2014/03/glory-14-results-and-recap.html |date=2015-03-20 }}</ref> He was set to rematch Pat Barry at ''[[Glory 17: Los Angeles]]'' in [[Inglewood, California]] on 21 June 2014<ref>[http://cagepages.com/2014/05/04/ufc-veterans-cro-cop-barry-rematch-glory-17-june-21/ UFC veterans Cro Cop, Barry to rematch at Glory 17 on 21 June], cagepages.com; accessed 16 May 2015.</ref> but Barry withdrew from the fight for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by [[Sergei Kharitonov]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://liverkick.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2970:miguel-torres-added-to-glory-17-tournament-cro-cop-vs-kharitonov&catid=50:glory&Itemid=75|title=Miguel Torres Added to GLORY 17 Tournament, Cro Cop vs. Kharitonov|author=Dave Walsh|date=23 June 2019|publisher=LiverKick.com}}</ref> Kharitonov then also withdrew, however,<ref>[http://liverkick.com/index.php/item/2935-sergei-kharitonov-out-of-cro-cop-bout-at-glory-17 Sergei Kharitonov Out of Cro Cop Bout at GLORY 17] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810131648/http://liverkick.com/index.php/item/2935-sergei-kharitonov-out-of-cro-cop-bout-at-glory-17 |date=2016-08-10 }}, liverkick.com; accessed 16 May 2015.</ref> and was replaced by Jarrell Miller.<ref>[http://liverkick.com/index.php/item/2954-jarrell-miller-vs-mirko-cro-cop-ii-set-for-glory-17 Jarrell Miller vs. Mirko Cro Cop II Set for GLORY 17] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810103644/http://liverkick.com/index.php/item/2954-jarrell-miller-vs-mirko-cro-cop-ii-set-for-glory-17 |date=2016-08-10 }}, liverkick.com; accessed 16 May 2015.</ref> Cro Cop won the rematch, against Jarrell Miller, by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/mirko-cro-cop-filipovic-wins-decision-at-glory-17-022258883.html|title=Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic wins decision at Glory 17|publisher=sports.yahoo.com|date=21 June 2014|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref>

===Return to MMA===
On 8 August 2012 news came that Cro Cop had said that he would like to return to MMA,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2012/08/cro-cop-filipovic-looks-to-return-to-mma|title=Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic looks to return to MMA|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=8 August 2012|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref> and on 31 December 2012, he made his comeback against former [[sumo]] wrestler and MMA newcomer [[Wakakirin Shinichi|Shinichi Suzukawa]] at Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2012 in [[Tokyo]], Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://adcombat.com/inoki-bom-ba-ye-features-four-mma-fights-cro-cop-vs-suzukawa-headlines|title=Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye features four MMA fights, Cro Cop vs Suzukawa headlines|publisher=adcombat.com|date=30 December 2012|access-date=16 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626162617/http://adcombat.com/inoki-bom-ba-ye-features-four-mma-fights-cro-cop-vs-suzukawa-headlines|archive-date=2015-06-26|url-status=dead}}</ref> He won the fight by 
[[Submission (combat sports)|submission]] due to an [[armbar]] at 1:18 of the first round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/31/3820942/mirko-cro-cop-earns-quick-submission-win-in-return-to-mma|title=Mirko Cro Cop earns quick submission win in return to MMA|publisher=mmafighting.com|date=31 December 2012}}</ref>

Cro Cop was expected to rematch with [[Alexander Emelianenko]] in October or November 2013 in Russia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fightersonlymag.com/content/news/19208-crocop-and-aleks-emelianenko-to-rematch-in-moscow|title=Cro Cop and Aleksander Emelianenko to rematch in Moscow|publisher=fightersonlymag.com|date=24 June 2013|access-date=16 May 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102095829/http://www.fightersonlymag.com/content/news/19208-crocop-and-aleks-emelianenko-to-rematch-in-moscow|archive-date=2 November 2013}}</ref> On 25 October 2013, it was reported that Emelianenko had been accused of assaulting a 63-year-old man in a bar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmabay.co.uk/2013/10/24/aleksander-emelianenko-arrested-by-police-after-allegedly-beating-up-a-man-at-a-cafe|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230231730/http://www.mmabay.co.uk/2013/10/24/aleksander-emelianenko-arrested-by-police-after-allegedly-beating-up-a-man-at-a-cafe/|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 December 2013|title=Aleksander Emelianenko arrested by police after allegedly beating up a man at a Russian cafe|publisher=mmabay.co.uk|date=24 October 2013|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref> The fight organizer terminated the contract with Emelianenko and announced that Cro Cop would face a different opponent from Russia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fightersonlymag.com/content/news/20065-aleks-pulled-from-crocop-rematch-dropped-by-legend-organization|title=Aleks pulled from CroCop rematch, dropped by LEGEND organization|publisher=fightersonlymag.com|date=25 October 2012|access-date=16 May 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626134636/http://www.fightersonlymag.com/content/news/20065-aleks-pulled-from-crocop-rematch-dropped-by-legend-organization|archive-date=26 June 2015}}</ref> Cro Cop eventually faced [[Oleksiy Oliynyk]], who replaced Emelianenko, on 8 November 2013 at Legends 2 in [[Moscow]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fightersonlymag.com/content/news/20081-crocop-gets-new-opponent-to-replace-aleks-emelianenko|title=Cro Cop get new opponent, Alexey Oleinik, to replace Alexander Emelianenko|publisher=fightersonlymag.com|date=28 October 2013|access-date=16 May 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626134649/http://www.fightersonlymag.com/content/news/20081-crocop-gets-new-opponent-to-replace-aleks-emelianenko|archive-date=26 June 2015}}</ref> He lost the fight by submission in the first round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1842930-legend-2-results-mirko-cro-cop-taps-to-alexey-oleinik-neck-crank-in-first-round|title=Legend 2 results: Mirko Cro Cop taps to Alexey Oleinik's neck crank|publisher=bleacherreport.com|date=8 November 2013|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref>

On 23 August 2014, Cro Cop defeated former 2008 Olympic judo gold medalist [[Satoshi Ishii]] via TKO (doctor stoppage) at an [[Inoki Genome Federation]] (IGF) event in Japan to win the [[Inoki Genome Federation#IGF Championship|IGF Championship]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/mirko-cro-cop-to-fight-satoshi-ishii-in-mma-bout-at-igf-in-japan|title=Mirko Cro Cop to Fight Satoshi Ishii in MMA Bout at IGF in Japan|newspaper=Mmaweekly.com &#124; Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |publisher=mmaweekly.com|date=17 July 2014|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/304651|script-title=ja:【ＩＧＦ両国大会】石井流血で王座陥落 ミルコに額割られドクターストップ|date=23 August 2014|access-date=16 May 2015|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305085413/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/304651/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2014/8/23/6061171/video-elbow-mirko-cro-cop-stops-satoshi-ishii-igf-2-japan-mma|title=Video: Elbow from Mirko 'Cro Cop' stops Satoshi Ishii at IGF 2 in Japan|publisher=mmamania.com|date=23 August 2014|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref>

Cro Cop was expected to fight [[Satoshi Ishii]] in a rematch on 31 December 2014 for the IGF Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fansided.com/2014/09/13/satoshi-ishii-given-immediate-rematch-mirko-cro-cop/|title=Satoshi Ishii given immediate rematch against Mirko Cro Cop|work=FanSided|date=13 September 2014}}</ref> However, the rematch was canceled due to a rib injury sustained by Ishii. Cro Cop stayed on the card and a new match up was being sought for a brief period.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Mirko-Cro-Cop-to-Compete-on-New-Years-Eve-in-Japan-at-Inoki-BomBaYe-2014-76649|title=Mirko 'Cro Cop' to compete on new year's eve in Japan at 'Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2014|publisher=sherdog.com|date=4 November 2014}}</ref> On 1 December, it was reported that Ishii would be able to heal up in time to take the fight, and the rematch was official once again.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/satoshi-ishii-vs-cro-cop-rematch-at-igfs-new-years-eve-show-plus-josh-barnett|title=Satoshi Ishii vs Cro Cop rematch at IGF's New Year's Eve show|newspaper=Mmaweekly.com &#124; Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |publisher=mmaweekly.com|date=2014-12-01}}</ref> Cro Cop defeated Ishii via TKO, landing a head kick and follow up punches just as the second round was coming to a close. Ishii was unable to make it to his corner under his own power, forcing the referee to call an end to the fight.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Cro-Cop-Crushes-Ishii-with-Head-Kick-Aoki-Lands-Twister-at-Inoki-BomBaYe-2014-79541|title='Cro Cop' Crushes Ishii with Head Kick, Aoki Lands Twister at 'Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2014'|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Chris Nelson|date=31 December 2014|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.liverkick.com/index.php/item/3345-mirko-cro-cop-finishes-satoshi-ishii-in-japan/3345-mirko-cro-cop-finishes-satoshi-ishii-in-japan|title=Mirko Cro Cop finishes Satoshi Ishii in Japan|publisher=liverkick.com|date=31 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324152926/http://liverkick.com/index.php/item/3345-mirko-cro-cop-finishes-satoshi-ishii-in-japan/3345-mirko-cro-cop-finishes-satoshi-ishii-in-japan|archive-date=24 March 2015}}</ref> Following his return to UFC, Cro Cop was stripped of the IGF Championship on 23 January 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/359747|script-title=ja:ＵＦＣ移籍のミルコ ＩＧＦ王座剥奪|date=24 January 2015|access-date=16 May 2015|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja|archive-date=13 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313022300/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/359747/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Retirement from kickboxing and third stint in the UFC===
On 20 January 2015, Bloody Elbow reported that Cro Cop had re-signed with the UFC. Days earlier, Bellator MMA CEO Scott Coker had expressed interest in signing the IGF champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2015/1/20/7861521/source-crocop-returning-to-ufc-heavyweight-division-exclusive|title=Source: CroCop returning to UFC heavyweight division|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=John Joe O'Reagan|date=20 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mma-in-asia.com/breaking-news/mirko-cro-cop-ufc-return|title=IGF Heavyweight champ Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic re-signed by UFC, expects April return|publisher=mma-in-asia.com|date=21 January 2015|access-date=16 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314123513/http://mma-in-asia.com/breaking-news/mirko-cro-cop-ufc-return/|archive-date=14 March 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> This would mark the fighter's third stint with the promotion.

A rematch with [[Gabriel Gonzaga]] took place on 11 April 2015 at [[UFC Fight Night 64]].<ref name="Krakow">{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/01/ufc-fight-night-64-heads-to-poland-with-cro-cop-gonzaga-ii-blachowicz-manuwa|title=UFC Fight Night 64 heads to Poland with Cro Cop-Gonzaga II, Blachowicz-Manuwa|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=23 January 2015|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref> After losing the first two rounds, Cro Cop landed an elbow in the clinch which rocked Gonzaga and finished the fight via TKO after landing multiple elbows and punches on the ground.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/04/ufc-fight-night-64-results-mirko-filipovic-shocks-with-tko-win-over-gabriel-gonzaga|title=UFC Fight Night 64 results: Mirko Filipovic shocks with TKO win over Gabriel Gonzaga|date=11 April 2015|publisher=mmajunkie.com|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/4/11/8390677/ufc-krakow-results-mirko-cro-cop-gets-revenge-on-gabriel-gonzaga-with|title=UFC Krakow results: Mirko Cro Cop gets revenge on Gabriel Gonzaga with third-round TKO|publisher=mmafighting.com|date=11 April 2015|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref> The bout earned both men ''Fight of the Night'' bonus honors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/04/ufc-fight-night-64-bonuses-cro-cop-and-gonzaga-among-four-scoring-50000|title=UFC Fight Night 64 bonuses: Cro Cop and Gonzaga among four scoring $50,000|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=11 April 2015|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref>

===Second retirement from MMA and anti-doping violation===
Cro Cop was expected to face [[Anthony Hamilton (fighter)|Anthony Hamilton]] on 28 November 2015 at [[UFC Fight Night 79]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/8/24/9196401/jorge-masvidal-dong-hyun-kim-mirko-cro-cop-anthony-hamilton-added-to|title=Mirko Cro Cop vs. Anthony Hamilton added to UFC South Korea|publisher=mmafighting.com |author=Marc Raimondi|access-date=2015-08-24|date=2015-08-24}}</ref> However, on 10 November, it was announced that Cro Cop had pulled out of the fight and abruptly announced his retirement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/11/cro-cop-pulls-out-of-ufc-fight-night-79-co-headliner-announces-mma-retirement|title='Cro Cop' pulls out of UFC Fight Night 79 co-headliner, announces MMA retirement|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2015-11-10|access-date=2015-11-10}}</ref> Subsequently, on 11 November 2015, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) notified both Mirko Cro Cop and the UFC that he has been provisionally suspended due to a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation. The following day in a statement Cro Cop confirmed that he had used [[human growth hormone]] for his shoulder injury and had admitted this to the UFC.<ref>{{cite news |last=Mckeever |first=Lewis |url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2015/11/12/9725438/ufc-news-interview-mirko-cro-cop-admits-to-using-growth-hormone-as-last-resort-peds |title=Cro Cop admits to using growth hormone |work=Blood Elbow |date=2015-11-12 |access-date=2015-11-12 }}</ref> On 25 November, Cro Cop was suspended for two years by [[USADA]] retroactive to 9 November 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ufc.usada.org/mirko-filipovic-receives-doping-violations/|title=Mirko Filipovic Receives Doping Sanction - USADA|work=UFC Anti-Doping Program|date=25 November 2015 }}</ref> On 20 July 2016 UFC announced that it has terminated the remaining bouts of Cro Cop's contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/7/20/12232652/ufc-terminated-remainder-of-mirko-cro-cop-s-contract-allowing-him-to|title=UFC terminated remainder of Mirko Cro Cop's contract, allowing him to fight for Rizin|date=2016-07-20|publisher=mmafighting.com}}</ref> Despite admitting to the use of hGH and plasma, it was later reported that Mirko Cro Cop's USADA tests were negative. However, the 2-year suspension was not lifted, because he admitted to taking a prohibited substance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2016/1/9/10743272/usada-mirko-cro-cop-still-suspended-despite-report-stating-he-didnt|title=USADA: Mirko Cro Cop still suspended despite report stating he didn't fail drug test|date=2016-01-09|publisher=mmafighting.com}}</ref>

===Second MMA return===
In July 2016, Cro Cop announced that he was ending his retirement and would return to mixed martial arts competition in Japan. He made his return with the [[Rizin Fighting Federation]] as part of a 16-man openweight tournament beginning 25 September 2016 in Tokyo.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Abrams |first1=Mark |title=RIZIN FF: Mirko Cro Cop Returns For 16-Man, Open Weight Tourney |url=https://www.15rounds.com/rizin-ff-mirko-cro-cop-returns-for-16-man-open-weight-tourney/ |website=15rounds.com |access-date=19 February 2022 |date=16 July 2016}}</ref>

====RIZIN====
Cro Cop defeated Korean Hyun Man Myung in the first round via an [[arm-triangle choke]] in the opening round of the tournament.<ref>{{cite web |title=(VIDEO) Cro Cop vs. Hyun Man Myung |url=http://www.fight.hr/news/video-cro-cop-vs-hyun-man-myung/17430.aspx |website=fight.hr |access-date=6 January 2021}}</ref>

Cro Cop was scheduled to face [[Wanderlei Silva]] in a trilogy bout on 29 December in the Rizin Open Weight quarter finals.<ref>{{cite news |last=Okamoto |first=Brett |url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/17086570/mirko-cro-cop-filipovic-wanderlei-silva-fight-rizin-ff-openweight-tournament-september |title=Mirko Filipovic, Wanderlei Silva to fight in 16-man RIZIN tournament |work=ESPN.com |date=2016-07-16 |access-date=2016-07-16}}</ref> However, on 2 December, Silva withdrew from the bout.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmamania.com/2016/12/2/13817064/wanderlei-silva-just-withdrew-from-rizin-event-made-mirko-cro-cop-very-very-angry|title=Wanderlei Silva just withdrew from RIZIN event and that made Mirko Cro Cop very, very angry|date=2 December 2016|publisher=MMA Mania|access-date=2016-12-02}}</ref>

Rizin announced that Cro Cop would then face [[Muhammed Lawal]], who had just fought [[Satoshi Ishii]] on December 16 at [[Bellator MMA in 2016#Bellator 169|Bellator 169]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Cro Cop i King Mo odradili vaganje i sučeljavanje: Mirko hladan kao led! |url=https://gol.dnevnik.hr/clanak/mma/mirko-cro-cop-filipovic-muhammed-king-mo-lawal-vaganje-uoci-velikog-spektakla---461906.html |website=gol.dnevnik.hr |access-date=6 January 2021}}</ref> On 29 December, Cro Cop won the bout via TKO in the second round. Cro Cop handed Lawal his first loss at heavyweight, with Lawal being 9–0 as a heavyweight prior to this fight.<ref>{{cite web |title='Ne žalim što sam prihvatio borbu s Cro Copom. On je bio pametan, poslužio se lukavstvom da pobijedi' |url=https://www.vecernji.hr/sport/muhammed-lawal-cro-cop-je-bio-pametan-posluzio-se-lukavstvom-da-me-pobijedi-1159216 |website=vecernji.hr |access-date=6 January 2021}}</ref>

Cro Cop faced [[Baruto Kaito]] on 31 December 2016 in the Rizin Openweight Grand Prix Semifinals. He won the fight via knee to the body at 0:49 of the first round. Cro Cop then faced [[Amir Aliakbari]] in the final that same night. He won the fight via knockout to become the inaugural Rizin Openweight Grand Prix champion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sherdog.com/events/Rizin-4-Rizin-Fighting-World-Grand-Prix-2016-Final-Round-53685|title=Rizin 4 Rizin Fighting World Grand Prix 2016: Final Round|publisher=Sherdog|access-date=2016-12-31}}</ref>

After winning the [[2016 in Rizin Fighting Federation#Rizin Openweight Grand Prix 2016 bracket|Grand Prix]], he left the door open to a farewell fight, saying, "It would be nice if I will be able to recover enough that I can have a farewell fight, maybe in Japan. It would be nice, but to tell you the truth I don't know how the surgery will do."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2017/1/10/14220060/mirko-cro-cop-wants-farewell-fight-in-japan-mma-news|title=Mirko Cro Cop wants 'farewell fight' in Japan|date=10 January 2017|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|access-date=2017-10-20}}</ref>

Cro Cop mentioned in an interview on 20 October 2017 that he would like to rematch Fedor Emelianenko, and that he has several promotions contacting him for fights. He also addressed his injury situation, saying, "I managed to repair my knee, I was among the first in Croatia to have the transplanted stem cells in my knee. My new cartilage has come in, it's amazing! The future of medicine."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sportarena.hr/borilacki-sportovi/mirko-cro-cop-najavio-povratak-imam-nekoliko-ponuda-iz-japana/|title=Mirko Cro Cop najavio povratak: Imam nekoliko ponuda iz Japana|publisher=sportarena.hr|access-date=2017-10-20}}</ref>

It was later announced on Sakakibara's Instagram account that Cro Cop would return to fight in the RIZIN ring several more times. He faced [[Tsuyoshi Kohsaka]] on 31 December 2017 at [[2017 in Rizin Fighting Federation#Rizin World Grand Prix 2017: Final Round|Rizin World Grand Prix 2017: Final Round]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/11/mirko-cro-cop-returns-meets-tsuyoshi-kohsaka-at-dec-31-rizin-ff-event|title=Mirko Cro Cop returns, meets Tsuyoshi Kohsaka at Dec. 31 Rizin FF event|date=12 November 2017|publisher=mmajunkie.com|access-date=2017-11-12}}</ref> Cro Cop won the fight via TKO early into the first round.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cro Cop razbio Kohsaku nokautiravši ga u prvoj minuti borbe! |url=https://www.vecernji.hr/sport/mirko-filipovic-saitama-arena-cro-cop-tsuyoshi-kohsaka-borba-1217182 |website=vecernji.hr |access-date=6 January 2021}}</ref>

====Bellator MMA====
On 5 March 2018 it was announced that Cro Cop has signed with [[Bellator MMA]]. He was expected to debut on 25 May 2018 against [[Roy Nelson (fighter)|Roy Nelson]] in a rematch at [[Bellator MMA in 2018#Bellator 200|Bellator 200]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/bellator-200-adds-heavyweight-showdown-between-mirko-cro-cop-and-roy-nelson/|website=[[CBS Sports]]|title=Bellator 200 adds heavyweight showdown between Mirko Cro Cop and Roy Nelson|first=Brandon|last=Wise|date=5 March 2018}}</ref> However, the bout was scrapped during the week leading up to the event as Cro Cop pulled out of the fight citing an injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/05/mirko-cro-cop-injured-roy-nelson-bellator-200-headliner|title=Mirko Cro Cop injured and out of Friday's Bellator 200 headliner|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=21 May 2018}}</ref>

The rematch against Nelson eventually took place on 16 February 2019 at [[Bellator MMA in 2019#Bellator 216|Bellator 216]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com.au/mma/story/_/id/25465601/roy-nelson-face-mirko-cro-cop-bellator-217-february|title=Roy Nelson to face Mirko Cro Cop at Bellator 217|work=espn.com|author=Ariel Helwani|date=6 December 2018}}</ref> Cro Cop was able to avenge his loss to Nelson, winning the fight by unanimous decision (30–27, 29–28, and 29–28). This was his tenth consecutive win and the eighth time in his career that he won a rematch.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Fight-Facts-Retrospective-Mirko-Cro-Cop-Filipovic-150789|title=Fight Facts Retrospective: Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Jay Pettry|date=7 March 2019}}</ref>

On 1 March 2019, Filipovic announced his immediate retirement following a stroke he had after the fight with Nelson. Filipovic revealed he had previous neck issues which hindered his movement and balance and that physicians strictly forbade him to fight, fearing that a blow to the head might even render him paralyzed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2019/3/1/18246847/bellator-mirko-cro-cop-filipovic-suffered-stroke-has-been-forced-retire-mma-news|title=Mirko Cro Cop says he suffered a stroke, has been forced to retire|last=Burke|first=Tim|date=2019-03-01|website=Bloody Elbow|access-date=2019-03-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gol.dnevnik.hr/clanak/mma/ekskluzivno-cro-cop-otkrio-da-je-pretrpio-mozdani-udar-imao-sam-krvarenje-u-mozgu-nikad-se-vise-necu-boriti---551424.html|title=EKSKLUZIVNO Cro Cop otkrio da je pretrpio moždani udar: "Imao sam krvarenje u mozgu, nikad se više neću boriti!"|website=Gol.hr|language=hr|access-date=2019-03-02}}</ref>

==Professional wrestling career==
===Hustle (2007)===
Aside from his kickboxing and mixed martial arts career, Cro Cop had a special appearance for [[professional wrestling]] promotion [[Hustle (professional wrestling)|Hustle]], which was owned by [[Dream Stage Entertainment]] along with Pride. During the New Year Hustle event on 31 December 2007, the [[Babyface (professional wrestling)|babyface]] team of [[Ryoji Sai]] and [[Aja Kong|Erica]] faced [[Kintaro Kanemura|Kintaman]] and [[Tetsuhiro Kuroda|Kurodaman]] in a special "Dynamite Hardcore Hustle Match", where the wrestlers could access to weapons by playing a [[slot machine]]. When Sai and Erica scored the maximum prize, Cro Cop came to the ring to help them as a "living weapon." He executed a [[Suplex#Bell-to-belly suplex|belly to belly suplex]] on Kurodaman and then hit Kintaman with his right high kick,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/embed/cGWGXlx4qr8?start=52&end=55&version=3|title = YouTube|website = [[YouTube]]}}</ref> knocking him out and allowing Erica to pin him, after which Cro Cop cut a promo with the winners.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hustlehustle.com/free/fightcard/?id=1195978614|title=2007年12月31日 大みそかハッスル祭り2007
|publisher=Hustle|access-date=15 December 2018|language=ja}}</ref> Despite the predetermined nature of the event, Cro Cop accidentally kicked Kintaman full force and caused him to be hospitalized.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://superluchas.com/mirko-crocop-lastima-a-kintaro-kanemura-en-hustle/|title=Mirko CroCop lastima a Kintaro Kanemura en Hustle|date=3 March 2008|publisher=SuperLuchas|access-date=15 December 2018|language=es}}</ref>

==Fighting style==
A pure [[Mixed martial arts#Sprawl-and-Brawl|sprawl and brawl]] fighter, Cro Cop focused his game on his kickboxing acumen and skill to avoid being taken to the ground.<ref name=Sher>{{cite news|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/4/Pride-GP-Total-Elimination-2004-Preview-1606|title=PRIDE GP Total Elimination 2004 Preview|work=Sherdog|date=2004-05-24 |access-date=2015-12-29 }}</ref> He made use of powerful yet technical striking, epitomized by his famous left [[roundhouse kick]] to the head, sometimes combined with a fast left straight punch in order to open position.<ref name=Case>{{cite news |last=Slack|first=Jack |url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/7/27/3192110/judo-chop-the-curious-case-of-mirko-cro-cop-filipovic|title=Judo Chop: The Curious Case of Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic |work=Blood Elbow |date=2012-07-27 |access-date=2015-12-29 }}</ref> Despite the relative predictability of his technique, Cro Cop was able to hit it consistently by speed and timing,<ref>{{cite news |last=Slack|first=Jack |url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/11/6/3608540/ufc-macao-judo-chop-cung-le-mma-best-kickers-china-rich-franklin|title=UFC Macao Judo Chop: Cung Le and MMA's Best Kickers|work=Blood Elbow |date=2012-11-06 |access-date=2015-12-29 }}</ref> gaining 28 KO/TKO wins in his career, of which four were by head kick alone. Towards the end of his career, his signature left high kick became more and more anticipated by his opponents, with Cro Cop even saying once, "Everybody is studying my fights. It's harder and harder to land the high kick. Everybody is expecting the high kick. It's much easier to do it at the beginning of your career."

In the defensive field, he often utilized a signature left [[Footwork (martial arts)|sidestep]] to avoid his adversary's lunges and demonstrated a solid ability to [[Sprawl (grappling)|sprawl]].<ref name=Sher/> He stopped takedowns from Olympian caliber wrestlers such as [[Mark Coleman]], Olympic judoka champions like [[Hidehiko Yoshida]], wrestling champions like [[Kazuyuki Fujita]] or veteran wrestlers like [[Heath Herring]] and judoka and sambist [[Aleksander Emelianenko]]. Though always focused on striking, Cro Cop developed ground fighting skills over time, being adept in fighting from his back and recovering the standing position.<ref name=Sher/>

His persona has inspired many newer generation fighters, notably [[Demetrious Johnson (fighter)|Demetrious Johnson]], who once referred to Cro Cop after his record-breaking title defense, saying, "There was a long time ago in PRIDE: (Mirko) 'Cro-Cop' (Filipovic), it was his birthday, and he had that look on his face like nobody was going to take that championship away from him... That's how I felt (Saturday). I felt like no one was going to take this away from me."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/10/demetrious-johnson-historic-ufc-216-title-defense-record-ray-borg|title=Demetrious Johnson on historic UFC 216 title defense: 'No one was going to take this away from me'|work=mmajunkie.com|date=8 October 2017}}</ref>

==Failed drug test==
On 25 November 2015, [[USADA]] announced that Filipović received a 2-year sanction for his anti-doping policy violations of the [[UFC]] Anti-Doping Policy. Filipović admitted to the use, attempted use, and possession of [[Growth hormone|human growth hormone]] (hGH) following an out-of-competition test conducted on 4 November 2015, in [[Zagreb, Croatia]].<ref>[https://ufc.usada.org/mirko-filipovic-receives-doping-violations/ UFC Athlete, Mirko Filipovic Receives Sanction for Anti-Doping Policy Violations]</ref> Though, the test results came back negative. However, his admission of guilt to UFC staff led to his USADA suspension. Filipović claimed he took HGH on a doctor's advice to heal a shoulder injury.

==Personal life==
Cro Cop and his wife have two sons, Ivan and Filip.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zadar.net/dom/volarevic/frames/news_old3.htm|title=NEWS|publisher=ZADAR.net|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2010/11/24/1833872/mirko-cro-cop-filipovics-wife-klaudija-gave-birth-to-their-second|title=Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic's wife Klaudija gave birth to their second son|access-date=20 December 2010|publisher=Mmamania.com|date=24 November 2010}}</ref>
In the [[2004–05 Croatian Second Football League|2004–05]] season of the Croatian Second Football League, Cro Cop played for his hometown football club, [[HNK Cibalia]], participating in the final 8 minutes of a match against [[HNK Vukovar '91|HNK Vukovar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hrsport.net/vijesti/246440/nogomet/2-hnl-mirko-filipovic-zaigrao-za-cibaliju/?print=1|title=2. HNL: Mirko Filipović zaigrao za Cibaliju|work=Sportnet}}</ref>

Cro Cop is fluent in English.<ref>{{cite AV media| url-status = live| archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/iQzZFpsTAyc| archive-date = 2021-12-11| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQzZFpsTAyc| title = Mirko Cro Cop Talks Bellator Future, Fedor's GP Effort and Pet Squirrel - MMA Fighting | website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===Film career===
Cro Cop starred in the 2005 action film ''[[Ultimate Force (film)|Ultimate Force]]'' as Axon Rey.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mirko Filipović filmski nokautiran |url=https://www.tportal.hr/magazin/clanak/mirko-filipovic-filmski-nokautiran-20090417 |website=tportal.hr |access-date=6 January 2021}}</ref>

===Political career===
Cro Cop was elected to the [[Croatian Parliament]], where he served one term from 23 December 2003 to 11 January 2008. He was elected on a list for [[Social Democratic Party of Croatia]] from I electoral district.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sabor.hr/Default.aspx?sec=54|title=Hrvatski sabor - Mirko Filipović|access-date=2015-06-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723221235/http://www.sabor.hr/Default.aspx?sec=54|archive-date=2015-07-23|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Championships and accomplishments==

* Only person to win '''[[K-1]]''', '''[[Pride Fighting Championships|Pride]]''', and '''[[Rizin Fighting Federation|RIZIN]]''' Grand Prix championships

===Kickboxing===
* '''[[K-1]]'''
** K-1 World Grand Prix FINAL in Zagreb Champion
** [[K-1 World Grand Prix 2000 in Fukuoka]] Runner-up
** [[K-1 Braves '99]] 3rd Place
** [[K-1 World Grand Prix 1999]] Runner-up
** Prague Kickboxing 8-man tournament 1997 Champion<ref name="youtube.com" /><ref name="vecernji.hr">{{cite web |url=https://www.vecernji.hr/premium/cro-cop-volio-bih-se-opet-potuci-s-fjodorom-i-minotaurom-901619 |title=Cro Cop: Volio bih se opet potući s Fjodorom i Minotaurom}}</ref>
* '''International Kick-Boxing Federation'''
** I.K.B.F. World Heavyweight Full Contact Champion

===Mixed martial arts===
* '''[[Rizin Fighting Federation]]'''
** [[2016 in Rizin Fighting Federation#Rizin 4 World Grand-Prix 2016: Final Round|2016 Rizin World Openweight Grand Prix Champion]]
** Undefeated in '[[Rizin Fighting Federation]]' competition (6–0)
* '''[[Inoki Genome Federation]]'''
** [[Inoki Genome Federation#IGF Championship|IGF Championship]] (One time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Mirko-Cro-Cop-Slices-Satoshi-Ishii-Minowaman-Falls-at-Inoki-Genome-Fight-2-72349|title=Mirko 'Cro Cop' slices Satoshi Ishii, 'Minowaman' falls at Inoki Genome Fight 2|publisher=sherdog.com|date=23 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adcombat.com/cro-cop-retains-igf-title-aoki-picks-up-another-submission-at-inoki-bom-ba-ye-2014|title=Cro Cop retains IGF title, Aoki picks up another submission at Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2014|publisher=adcombat.com|date=31 December 2014|access-date=2018-11-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017102009/http://adcombat.com/cro-cop-retains-igf-title-aoki-picks-up-another-submission-at-inoki-bom-ba-ye-2014/|archive-date=2017-10-17|url-status=dead}}</ref>
** One successful title defense
** Undefeated in '[[Inoki Genome Federation|IGF]]' competition (5–0)
* '''[[Pride Fighting Championships]]'''
** [[List of Pride Fighting Championships champions#Tournament Winners|2006 Pride World Open-Weight Grand Prix Champion]]
** Tied ([[Wanderlei Silva]]) for most finishes in [[Pride Fighting Championships|Pride]] history (16)
** Most first round finishes in [[Pride Fighting Championships|Pride]] history (15)
** Most wins through kicks in [[Pride Fighting Championships|Pride]] history (8)
** Most head kicks knockouts in [[Pride Fighting Championships|Pride]] history (4)
** Second most knockouts in [[Pride Fighting Championships|Pride]] history (14)
** Tied ([[Igor Vovchanchyn]] and [[Kazushi Sakuraba]]) for second most wins in [[Pride Fighting Championships|Pride]] history (18)
** Fourth most fights in [[Pride Fighting Championships|Pride]] history (24)
** Only fighter consecutively defeated three former [[UFC Heavyweight Championship|UFC Heavyweight Champions]] in [[Pride Fighting Championships|Pride]] history (Josh Barnett, Kevin Randleman, Mark Coleman)
* '''[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]'''
** Tied ([[Charles Oliveira]]) for most finishes in [[Zuffa|Zuffa, LLC]] ([[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]], [[Pride Fighting Championships|Pride]], [[World Extreme Cagefighting|WEC]], [[Strikeforce (mixed martial arts)|Strikeforce]]) history (21)<ref name="zuffarecords4">{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/05/ufc-249-prelims-pre-event-facts-donald-cerrone-ufc-records-resume|title=UFC 249 prelims pre-event facts: Donald Cerrone's resume remains unmatched|work=MMA Junkie|access-date=6 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2025/10/12/ufc-fight-night-261-post-event-facts-charles-oliveira-epic-resume-wins-history-records/86657330007/|title=UFC Fight Night 261 post-event facts: Behold Charles Oliveira's epic octagon resume|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2025-10-12|access-date=2025-10-12}}</ref>
** Most first round finishes in [[Zuffa|Zuffa, LLC]] ([[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]], [[Pride]], WEC, Strikeforce) history (17)
** Most wins through kicks in [[Zuffa|Zuffa, LLC]] ([[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]], [[Pride]], WEC, Strikeforce) history (8)
** Second most head kick knockouts in [[Zuffa|Zuffa, LLC]] ([[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]], [[Pride]], WEC, Strikeforce) history (4)<ref name="zuffawins">{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2016/12/ufc-206-post-fight-facts-max-holloway-and-cowboy-cerrone-rule-the-world-of-statistics|title=UFC 206 post-fight facts: Max Holloway and 'Cowboy' Cerrone rule the world of statistics|author=Sherdog|date=11 December 2016|work=mmajunkie.com}}</ref> <small>(behind [[Donald Cerrone]])</small>
** Second most knockouts in [[Zuffa|Zuffa, LLC]] ([[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]], [[Pride]], WEC, Strikeforce) history (18)<ref name="mirkopride">{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2015/04/ufc-fight-night-64-post-fight-facts-cro-cop-takes-lead-on-big-four-finish-list|title=UFC Fight Night 64 post-fight facts: 'Cro Cop' takes lead on 'Big Four' finish list|author=Mike Bohn|date=12 April 2015|work=mmajunkie.com}}</ref> <small>(behind [[Wanderlei Silva]])</small>
** Second most knockdowns landed in [[Zuffa|Zuffa, LLC]] ([[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]], [[Pride]], WEC, Strikeforce) history (19) <small>(behind [[Donald Cerrone]])</small>
** [[Bonus Awards|Fight of the Night]] (One time) <small>vs. [[Gabriel Gonzaga]]</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-Fight-Night-Krakow-Bonuses-Cro-Cop-Gonzaga-Moroz-Rocky-Earn-3650K-Awards-84621|title=UFC Fight Night Krakow bonuses: 'Cro Cop', Gonzaga, Moroz, 'Rocky' earn $50K awards|publisher=sherdog.com|date=11 April 2015|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref>
** [[Bonus Awards|Submission of the Night]] (One time) <small>vs. [[Pat Barry (fighter)|Pat Barry]]</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-115-Bonuses-Filipovic-Condit-MacDonald-Franklin-Take-3685K-25054|title=UFC 115 bonuses: Filipovic, Condit, MacDonald, Franklin take $85K|publisher=sherdog.com|date=12 June 2010|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref>
* '''MMAFighting'''
** 2003 Fight of the Year <small>vs. [[Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira]] on November 9</small><ref name="mmafighting2007">[http://www.mmafighting.com/2007/01/01/mmafightingcom-2006-year-end-aw ards MMAFighting.com 2006 Year End Awards]{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. MMA Fighting; retrieved 5 May 2012.</ref>
** 2005 Fight of the Year <small>vs. [[Fedor Emelianenko]] on August 28</small><ref name="mmafighting2007"/>
** 2006 Knockout of the Year <small>vs. [[Wanderlei Silva]] on September 10</small><ref name="mmafighting2007"/>
** 2006 Heavyweight Fighter of the Year<ref name="mmafighting2007"/>
* '''[[Black Belt Magazine]]'''
** 2003 Full-Contact Fighter of the Year<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20101220174732/http://www.blackbeltmag.com/archives/719 Hall of Fame Inductee Directory], blackbeltmag.com; accessed 16 May 2015.</ref>
* '''Fight Matrix'''
** 2003 Knockout of the Year <small>vs. [[Igor Vovchanchyn]] on 10 August</small>
** 2005 Fight of the Year <small>vs. [[Fedor Emelianenko]] on 28 August</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fightmatrix.com/fightmatrix-awards|title=Fight Matrix Awards|access-date=5 May 2012}}</ref>
** 2005 Most Noteworthy Match of the Year <small>vs. [[Fedor Emelianenko]] on 28 August</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fightmatrix.com/fightmatrix-awards/|title=FightMatrix MMA Awards|publisher=FightMatrix.com}}</ref>
* '''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''
** [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards#Most Outstanding Fighter|2006 Most Outstanding Fighter]]
* '''[[Sherdog]]'''
** [[Sherdog#Knockout of the Year|2006 Knockout of the Year]]  <small>vs. [[Wanderlei Silva]] on September 10</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Liddell-Highlights-Sherdogcom-2006-Awards-6490|title=Liddell Highlights Sherdog.com 2006 Awards|publisher=Sherdog}}</ref>
** Mixed Martial Arts Hall of Fame<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/3/Imagining-an-MMA-Hall-of-Fame-The-ShooIns-71497|title=Imagining an MMA Hall of Fame: The Shoo-Ins|work=Sherdog}}</ref>
* '''[[Sports Illustrated]]'''
** 2000's Fight of the Decade <small>vs. [[Fedor Emelianenko]] on August 28</small><ref>{{cite web |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/17/mma.highlights.lowlights/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100116100954/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/17/mma.highlights.lowlights/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 January 2010 |title=MMA:highlights and lowlights |work=sportsillustrated.cnn.com}}</ref>
* '''[[Yahoo! Sports]]'''
** 2000's Fight of the Decade <small>vs. [[Fedor Emelianenko]] on 28 August</small><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/The-best-of-the-decade-10-best-MMA-fights?urn=mma-205573|title=The best of the decade: 10 best MMA fights|work=spots.yahoo.com|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref>
* '''Bleacher Report'''
** 2000s Striker of the Decade<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/313619-mma-awards-of-the-decade/page/6|title=MMA|author=T.P. Grant|work=Bleacher Report}}</ref>

===Amateur boxing===
* '''[[International Military Sports Council]]'''
** 1998 CISM World Military Championships Silver Medalist<ref>{{cite web|url=http://amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/Championships/CISM1998.html|title=44.CISM Championships - Warendorf, Germany - 16-20 September 1998|work=amateur-boxing.strefa.pl|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref>
* '''Czech Amateur Boxing Association'''
**1998 Usti Grand Prix Bronze Medalist<ref>{{cite web|url=http://amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/Tournaments/Usti1998.html|title=29.Grand Prix Tournament - Usti, Czech Republic - 27 February-1 March 1998|work=amateur-boxing.strefa.pl|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref>
* '''International Committee for the Mediterranean Games'''
** 1997 Mediterranean Games Bronze Medalist<ref>{{cite web|url=http://amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/Championships/MediterraneanGames1997.html|title=13.Mediterranean Games - Bari, Italy - 14-19 June 1997|work=amateur-boxing.strefa.pl|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref>
* '''Hellenic Boxing Federation'''
** 1997 [[Acropolis Cup International Boxing Tournament|Acropolis Cup]] Silver Medalist<ref>{{cite web|url=http://amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/Tournaments/AcropolisCup1997.html|title=Acropolis Cup - Athens, Greece - 21-25 May 1997|work=amateur-boxing.strefa.pl|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref>

==Mixed martial arts record==
{{MMArecordbox
| draws= 2
| nc= 1
| ko-wins= 30
| ko-losses= 6
| sub-wins= 4
| sub-losses= 2
| dec-wins= 4
| dec-losses= 3
| dq-wins= 
| dq-losses= 
| other-wins= 
| other-losses= 
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|{{nowrap|38–11–2 (1)}}
|[[Roy Nelson (fighter)|Roy Nelson]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[Bellator MMA in 2019#Bellator 216|Bellator 216]]
|{{dts|2019|February|16}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|[[Uncasville, Connecticut]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center|37–11–2 (1)
| [[Roque Martinez]]
| TKO (doctor stoppage)
| [[2018 in Rizin Fighting Federation#Rizin 13 - Saitama|Rizin 13 - Saitama]]
| {{dts|2018|September|30}}
| align=center|1
| align=center|4:58
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center|{{nowrap|36–11–2}} (1)
| [[Tsuyoshi Kohsaka]]
| TKO (corner stoppage)
| [[2017 in Rizin Fighting Federation#Rizin World Grand Prix 2017: Final Round|Rizin World Grand-Prix 2017: Final Round]]
| {{dts|2017|December|31}}
| align=center|1
| align=center|1:02
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center|35–11–2 (1)
| [[Amir Aliakbari]]
| KO (punches)
| rowspan=2|[[2016 in Rizin Fighting Federation#Rizin World Grand Prix 2016: Final Round|Rizin World Grand Prix 2016: Final Round]]
| rowspan=2|{{dts|2016|December|31}}
| align=center|1
| align=center|2:03
| rowspan=2|[[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
| {{small|Won the [[2016 in Rizin Fighting Federation#Rizin Openweight Grand Prix 2016 bracket|2016 Rizin Openweight Grand Prix]].}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center|34–11–2 (1)
| [[Baruto Kaito]]
| KO (knee to the body)
| align=center|1
| align=center|0:49
| {{small|[[2016 in Rizin Fighting Federation#Rizin Openweight Grand Prix 2016 bracket|2016 Rizin Openweight Grand Prix]] Semifinal.}}
|-
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center|33–11–2 (1)
| [[Muhammed Lawal]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[2016 in Rizin Fighting Federation#Rizin FF 3: Rizin World Grand Prix 2016: 2nd Round|Rizin World Grand Prix 2016: 2nd Round]]
| {{dts|2016|December|29}}
| align=center|2
| align=center|1:41
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
| {{small|[[2016 in Rizin Fighting Federation#Rizin Openweight Grand Prix 2016 bracket|2016 Rizin Openweight Grand Prix]] Quarterfinal.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center|32–11–2 (1)
| Myung Hyun-man
| Submission (arm-triangle choke)
| [[2016 in Rizin Fighting Federation#Rizin FF 2: Rizin World Grand Prix 2016: 1st Round|Rizin World Grand Prix 2016: 1st Round]]
| {{dts|2016|September|25}}
| align=center|1
| align=center|2:20
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
| {{small|[[2016 in Rizin Fighting Federation#Rizin Openweight Grand Prix 2016 bracket|2016 Rizin Openweight Grand Prix]] First Round.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center|31–11–2 (1)
| [[Gabriel Gonzaga]]
| TKO (elbows and punches)
| [[UFC Fight Night: Gonzaga vs. Cro Cop 2]]
| {{dts|2015|April|11}}
| align=center|3
| align=center|3:30
| [[Kraków]], Poland
| {{small|Fight of the Night.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 30–11–2 (1)
| [[Satoshi Ishii]]
| TKO (head kick and punches)
| [[Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye|Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2014]]
| {{dts|2014|December|31}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Tokyo]], Japan
| {{small|Defended the [[Inoki Genome Federation#IGF Championship|IGF Championship]]. Later vacated title.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 29–11–2 (1)
| [[Satoshi Ishii]]
| TKO (doctor stoppage)
| Inoki Genome Fighting 2
| {{dts|2014|August|23}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 2:37
| [[Tokyo]], Japan
| {{small|Won the [[Inoki Genome Federation#IGF Championship|IGF Championship]].}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 28–11–2 (1)
| [[Alexey Oleynik]]
| Submission (scarf hold)
| Legend: Part 2: Invasion
| {{dts|2013|November|8}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 4:42
| [[Moscow]], Russia
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 28–10–2 (1)
| [[Shinichi Suzukawa]]
| Submission (armbar)
| [[Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye|Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2012]]
| {{dts|2012|December|31}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:18
| [[Tokyo]], Japan
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 27–10–2 (1)
| [[Roy Nelson (fighter)|Roy Nelson]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[UFC 137]]
| {{dts|2011|October|29}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 1:30
| [[Las Vegas]], Nevada, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 27–9–2 (1)
| [[Brendan Schaub]]
| KO (punch)
| [[UFC 128]]
| {{dts|2011|March|19}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 3:44
| [[Newark, New Jersey]], United States
| 
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 27–8–2 (1)
| [[Frank Mir]]
| KO (knee)
| [[UFC 119]]
| {{dts|2010|September|25}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 4:02
| [[Indianapolis]], Indiana, United States
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 27–7–2 (1)
| [[Pat Barry (fighter)|Pat Barry]]
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| [[UFC 115]]
| {{dts|2010|June|12}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 4:30
| [[Vancouver]], British Columbia, Canada
| {{small|Submission of the Night.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 26–7–2 (1)
| [[Anthony Perosh]]
| TKO (doctor stoppage)
| [[UFC 110]]
| {{dts|2010|February|20}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Sydney]], Australia
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 25–7–2 (1)
| [[Junior dos Santos]]
| TKO (submission to punch)
| [[UFC 103]]
| {{dts|2009|September|19}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 2:00
| [[Dallas]], Texas, United States
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 25–6–2 (1)
| [[Mostapha al-Turk]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[UFC 99]]
| {{dts|2009|June|13}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:06
| [[Cologne]], Germany
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 24–6–2 (1)
| [[Choi Hong-man]]
| TKO (leg kick)
| [[Dynamite!! 2008]]
| {{dts|2008|December|31}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 6:32
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
|
|-
| {{nocontest}}NC
| align=center| 23–6–2 (1)
| [[Alistair Overeem]]
| NC (knee to the groin)
| [[Dream 6]]
| {{dts|2008|September|23}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 6:09
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
| {{small|Cro Cop rendered unable to continue due to an illegal groin strike.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 23–6–2
| [[Tatsuya Mizuno]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[Dream 1]]
| {{dts|2008|March|15}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:56
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 22–6–2
| [[Cheick Kongo]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[UFC 75]]
| {{dts|2007|September|08}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[London]], United Kingdom
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 22–5–2
| [[Gabriel Gonzaga]]
| KO (head kick)
| [[UFC 70]]
| {{dts|2007|April|21}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 4:51
| [[Manchester]], United Kingdom
| {{small|[[List of UFC Champions#Heavyweight Championship|UFC Heavyweight]] title eliminator.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 22–4–2
| [[Eddie Sanchez]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[UFC 67]]
| {{dts|2007|February|3}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 4:33
| [[Las Vegas]], Nevada, United States
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 21–4–2
| [[Josh Barnett]]
| TKO (submission to punches)<!--PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE THIS AS THIS IS THE OFFICIAL RESULT LISTED BY SHERDOG-->
| rowspan=2|[[Pride Final Conflict Absolute|Pride Conflict Absolute]]
| rowspan=2|{{dts|2006|September|10}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 7:32
| rowspan=2|[[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
| {{small|Won the 2006 Pride Openweight Grand Prix.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 20–4–2
| [[Wanderlei Silva]]
| KO (head kick)
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 5:22
| {{small|2006 Pride Openweight Grand Prix Semifinal. Knockout of the Year (2006).}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 19–4–2
| [[Hidehiko Yoshida]]
| TKO (leg kicks)
| [[Pride Critical Countdown Absolute|Pride Countdown Absolute]]
| {{dts|2006|July|1}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 7:38
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
| {{small|2006 Pride Openweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 18–4–2
| [[Ikuhisa Minowa]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[Pride Total Elimination Absolute|Pride Elimination Absolute]]
| {{dts|2006|May|5}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:10
| [[Osaka]], Japan
| {{small|2006 Pride Openweight Grand Prix First Round.}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 17–4–2
| [[Mark Hunt]]
| Decision (split)
| [[Pride Shockwave 2005]]
| {{dts|2005|December|31}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 17–3–2
| [[Josh Barnett]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[Pride 30|Pride 30: Fully Loaded]]
| {{dts|2005|October|23}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
| 
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 16–3–2
| [[Fedor Emelianenko]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[Pride Final Conflict 2005|Pride Conflict 2005]]
| {{dts|2005|August|28}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
| {{small|For the [[Pride Heavyweight Championship]]. Fight of the Year (2005).}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 16–2–2
| Ibragim Magomedov
| KO (kick to the body)
| [[Pride Critical Countdown 2005|Pride Countdown 2005]]
| {{dts|2005|June|26}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:53
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 15–2–2
| [[Mark Coleman]]
| KO (punches and soccer kick)
| [[Pride 29|Pride 29: Fists of Fire]]
| {{dts|2005|February|20}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:40
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
|
|-
| {{Yes2}}Win
| align=center| 14–2–2
| [[Kevin Randleman]]
| Submission (guillotine choke)
| [[Pride Shockwave 2004]]
| {{dts|2004|December|31}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:41
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 13–2–2
| [[Josh Barnett]]
| TKO (shoulder injury)
| [[Pride 28|Pride 28: High Octane]]
| {{dts|2004|October|31}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:46
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
| 
|-
| {{Yes2}}Win
| align=center| 12–2–2
| [[Alexander Emelianenko]]
| KO (head kick and punches)
| [[Pride Final Conflict 2004]]
| {{dts|2004|August|15}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:09
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 11–2–2
| [[Shungo Oyama]]
| KO (punches and soccer kick)
| [[Pride Bushido 4]]
| {{dts|2004|July|19}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:00
| [[Nagoya]], Japan
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 10–2–2
| [[Hiromitsu Kanehara]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[Pride Bushido 3]]
| {{dts|2004|May|23}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Yokohama]], Japan
| 
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 9–2–2
| [[Kevin Randleman]]
| KO (punches)
| [[Pride Total Elimination 2004]]
| {{dts|2004|April|25}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:57
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
| {{small|2004 Pride Heavyweight Grand Prix 1st Round.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 9–1–2
| [[Yoshihisa Yamamoto (wrestler)|Yoshihisa Yamamoto]]
| KO (punches)
| [[Pride Bushido 2]]
| {{dts|2004|February|15}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:12
| [[Yokohama]], Japan
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 8–1–2
| [[Ron Waterman]]
| TKO (soccer kicks)
| [[Pride 27|Pride 27: Inferno]]
| {{dts|2004|February|01}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 4:37
| [[Osaka]], Japan
| 
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 7–1–2
| [[Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira]]
| Submission (armbar)
| [[Pride Final Conflict 2003]]
| {{dts|2003|November|09}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 1:45
| [[Tokyo]], Japan
| {{small|For the Interim [[Pride Heavyweight Championship]]. Fight of the Year (2003).}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 7–0–2
| [[Alberto Del Rio|Dos Caras Jr.]]
| KO (head kick)
| [[Pride Bushido 1]]
| {{dts|2003|October|5}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:46
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 6–0–2
| [[Igor Vovchanchyn]]
| KO (head kick)
| [[2003 in Pride FC#Pride Total Elimination 2003|Pride Total Elimination 2003]]
| {{dts|2003|August|10}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:29
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
| {{small|Knockout of the Year (2003).}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 5–0–2
| [[Heath Herring]]
| TKO (body kick and punches)
| [[Pride 26|Pride 26: Bad to the Bone]]
| {{dts|2003|June|8}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:17
| [[Yokohama]], Japan
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 4–0–2
| [[Kazuyuki Fujita]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye|Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2002]]
| {{dts|2002|December|31}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 3–0–2
| [[Kazushi Sakuraba]]
| TKO (doctor stoppage)
| [[Pride Shockwave|Pride Shockwave Dynamite!]]
| {{dts|2002|August|28}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Tokyo]], Japan
| 
|-
| {{draw}}Draw
| align=center| 2–0–2
| [[Wanderlei Silva]]
| Draw (time limit)
| [[Pride 20|Pride 20: Armed and Ready]]
| {{dts|2002|April|28}}
| align=center| 5
| align=center| 3:00
| [[Yokohama]], Japan
| {{small|Fought under special rules.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 2–0–1
| [[Yuji Nagata]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye|Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2001]]
| {{dts|2001|December|31}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:21
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
| 
|-
| {{draw}}Draw
| align=center| 1–0–1
| [[Nobuhiko Takada]]
| Draw (time limit)
| [[Pride 17|Pride 17: Champions Chaos]]
| {{dts|2001|November|03}}
| align=center| 5
| align=center| 3:00
| [[Tokyo]], Japan
| {{small|Fought under special rules.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 1–0
| [[Kazuyuki Fujita]]
| TKO (cut)
| [[K-1 Andy Memorial 2001 Japan GP Final|K-1 Andy Memorial 2001 Japan]]
| {{dts|2001|August|19}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:39
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
| 
{{end}}

==Kickboxing record==
{{Kickboxing record start|title=Kickboxing record|record='''26 Wins''' (13 (T)KO's, 12 decisions, 1 unknown), '''8 Losses''' (4 (T)KO's, 4 decisions)}}
|- style="background:#cfc;"
| 2014-06-21 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Jarrell Miller]] || [[Glory 17: Los Angeles]]|| [[Inglewood, California]] || Decision (unanimous)  || 3 || 3:00 || 26–8
|-
|- style="background:#fbb;"
| 2014-03-08 || Loss ||align=left|{{flagicon|NED}} [[Remy Bonjasky]] || [[Glory 14: Zagreb]]|| [[Zagreb]], [[Croatia]] || Decision (majority) || 3 || 3:00 || 25–8
|-
|- style="background:#cfc;"
| 2013-03-15 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|SUR}} [[Ismael Londt]] || [[2013 in K-1#K-1 World Grand Prix FINAL in Zagreb|K-1 World Grand Prix FINAL in Zagreb]], Final || [[Zagreb]], [[Croatia]] || Decision (unanimous) || 3 || 3:00 || 25–7
|-
! style=background:white colspan=9 |{{small|Wins the [[List of K-1 champions#K-1 Global Champions|K-1 World Grand Prix FINAL in Zagreb]] title.}}
|- style="background:#cfc;"
| 2013-03-15 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|UKR}} [[Pavel Zhuravlev (kickboxer)|Pavel Zhuravlev]] || [[2013 in K-1#K-1 World Grand Prix FINAL in Zagreb|K-1 World Grand Prix FINAL in Zagreb]], Semi Finals || [[Zagreb]], [[Croatia]] || Decision (unanimous) || 3 || 3:00 || 24–7
|- style="background:#cfc;"
| 2013-03-15 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Jarrell Miller]] || [[2013 in K-1#K-1 World Grand Prix FINAL in Zagreb|K-1 World Grand Prix FINAL in Zagreb]], Quarter Finals || [[Zagreb]], [[Croatia]] || Decision (unanimous) || 3 || 3:00 || 23–7
|- style="background:#cfc;"
| 2012-10-14 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Randy Blake]] || [[K-1 World Grand Prix 2012 in Tokyo final 16]], First Round || [[Tokyo, Japan]] || Decision (majority) || 3 || 3:00 || 22–7
|-  style="background:#cfc;"
| 2012-05-27 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|ESP}} [[Loren Javier Jorge]] || [[K-1 World MAX 2012 World Championship Tournament Final 16|K-1 World MAX 2012 Tournament Final 16]], Super Fight || [[Madrid, Spain]] || KO (left uppercut)  || 2 || 2:23 || 21–7
|-  style="background:#cfc;"
| 2012-03-10 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|NZL}} [[Ray Sefo]] || [[Final Fight Championship#Cro Cop Final Fight|Cro Cop Final Fight]] || [[Zagreb, Croatia]] || Decision (unanimous)  || 3 || 3:00 || 20–7
|-  style="background:#cfc;"
| 2003-03-30 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Bob Sapp]] || [[K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 in Saitama]] || [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama, Japan]] || KO (left cross) || 1 || 1:26 || 19–7
|-  style="background:#cfc;"
| 2002-06-14 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|NLD}} [[Remy Bonjasky]] || [[K-1 World Grand Prix 2002 in Fukuoka]] || [[Fukuoka, Japan]] || TKO (high kick and punches) || 2 || 2:06 || 18–7
|-  style="background:#cfc;"
| 2002-03-03 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|NZ}} [[Mark Hunt]] || [[K-1 World Grand Prix 2002 in Nagoya]] || [[Nagoya, Japan]] || Decision (unanimous) || 5 || 3:00 || 17–7
|-  style="background:#cfc;"
| 2002-01-27 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|JPN}} [[Ryushi Yanagisawa]] || [[K-1 Rising 2002]] || [[Shizuoka, Japan]] || TKO (doctor stoppage) || 1 || 2:44 || 16–7
|-  style="background:#fbb;"
| 2001-06-16 || Loss ||align=left|{{flagicon|CAN}} [[Michael McDonald (kickboxer)|Michael McDonald]] || [[K-1 World Grand Prix 2001 in Melbourne]] || [[Melbourne, Australia]] || TKO (referee stoppage) || 1 || 1:24 || 15–7
|-  style="background:#cfc;"
| 2001-03-17 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|NLD}} [[Peter Aerts]] || [[K-1 Gladiators 2001]] || [[Yokohama, Japan]] || Decision (majority) || 5 || 3:00 || 15–6
|-  style="background:#cfc;"
| 2001-01-30 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|JPN}} Tatsufumi Tomihara || [[List of K-1 events|K-1 Rising 2001]] || [[Matsuyama, Japan]] || TKO (referee stoppage) || 2 || 2:55 || 14–6
|-  style="background:#fbb;"
| 2000-12-10 || Loss ||align=left|{{flagicon|NLD}} [[Ernesto Hoost]] || [[K-1 World Grand Prix 2000 Final]] || [[Tokyo, Japan]] || Ext.R Decision (unanimous) || 4 || 3:00 || 13–6
|-  style="background:#fbb;"
| 2000-10-09 || Loss ||align=left|{{flagicon|RSA}} [[Mike Bernardo]] || [[K-1 World Grand Prix 2000 in Fukuoka]] || [[Fukuoka, Japan]] || TKO (corner stoppage) || 1 || 1:07 || 13–5
|-
! style=background:white colspan=9 |{{small| Fight was for the K-1 World Grand Prix 2000 in Fukuoka title.}}
|-  style="background:#cfc;"
| 2000-10-09 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|JPN}} [[Hiromi Amada]] || [[K-1 World Grand Prix 2000 in Fukuoka]] || [[Fukuoka, Japan]] || Decision (unanimous) || 3 || 3:00 || 13–4
|-  style="background:#cfc;"
| 2000-10-09 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|BRA}} [[Glaube Feitosa]] || [[K-1 World Grand Prix 2000 in Fukuoka]] || [[Fukuoka, Japan]] || Decision (unanimous) || 3 || 3:00 || 12–4
|-  style="background:#cfc;"
| 2000-09-01 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|GBR}} Stuart Green || [[K-1 Grand Prix Europe 2000]] || [[Zagreb, Croatia]] || TKO (high kick) || 2 || 2:51 || 11–4
|-  style="background:#fbb;"
| 2000-06-03 || Loss ||align=left|{{flagicon|CH}} [[Andy Hug]] || [[K-1 Fight Night 2000]] || [[Zurich, Switzerland]] || Decision (unanimous) || 5 || 3:00 || 10–4
|-
! style=background:white colspan=9 |{{small| Fight was for the WKA World Muay Thai Super Heavyweight title.}}
|-  style="background:#cfc;"
| 2000-03-19 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|JPN}} [[Hiromi Amada]] || [[K-1 Burning 2000]] || [[Yokohama, Japan]] || KO (left punch) || 4 || 2:51 || 10–3
|-  style="background:#fbb;"
| 1999-12-05 || Loss ||align=left|{{flagicon|NLD}} [[Ernesto Hoost]] || [[K-1 Grand Prix '99 final round|K-1 Grand Prix 1999 final]] || [[Tokyo, Japan]] || KO (left body shot) || 3 || 1:13 || 9–3
|-
! style=background:white colspan=9 |{{small| Fight was for K-1 Grand Prix 1999 title.}}
|-  style="background:#cfc;"
| 1999-12-05 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Sam Greco]] || [[K-1 Grand Prix '99 final round|K-1 Grand Prix 1999 semi-finals]] || [[Tokyo, Japan]] || TKO (referee stoppage) || 2 || 2:50 || 9–2
|-  style="background:#cfc;"
| 1999-12-05 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|JPN}} [[Musashi (kickboxer)|Musashi]] || [[K-1 Grand Prix '99 final round|K-1 Grand Prix 1999 quarter-finals]] || [[Tokyo, Japan]] || TKO (referee stoppage) || 2 || 1:09 || 8–2
|-  style="background:#cfc;"
| 1999-10-05 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|RSA}} [[Mike Bernardo]] || [[K-1 World Grand Prix '99 opening round]] || [[Osaka, Japan]] || TKO (3 knockdowns) || 1 || 1:20 || 7–2
|-
! style=background:white colspan=9 |{{small| Qualifies for K-1 Grand Prix 1999 final.}}
|-  style="background:#fbb;"
| 1999-06-20 || Loss ||align=left|{{flagicon|SUI}} [[Xhavit Bajrami]] || [[K-1 Braves '99]] semi-finals || [[Fukuoka, Japan]] || Ext.R decision (unanimous) || 4 || 3:00 || 6–2
|-  style="background:#cfc;"
| 1999-06-20 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|GBR}} Ricky Nicholson || [[K-1 Braves '99]] quarter-finals || [[Fukuoka, Japan]] || KO (high kick) || 1 || 1:20 || 6–1
|-  style="background:#cfc;"
| 1999-04-25 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|RSA}} [[Jan Nortje]] || [[K-1 Revenge '99]] || [[Yokohama, Japan]] || KO (left hook) || 4 || 1:58 || 5–1
|-  style="background:#cfc;"
| 1997-10 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|FRA}} Achille Roger<ref name="youtube.com">{{cite AV media |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109015759/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xuIFER14d0 |archive-date=2020-11-09 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xuIFER14d0| title=YouTube, a Google company |website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> || Kickboxing Tournament Prague 1997 Final || [[Prague, Czech Republic]] || Decision (unanimous) || 6 || 2:00 || 4–1
|-
! style=background:white colspan=9 |{{small| Wins Prague 1997 Kickboxing 8-man tournament.<ref name="vecernji.hr">{{cite web |url=https://www.vecernji.hr/premium/cro-cop-volio-bih-se-opet-potuci-s-fjodorom-i-minotaurom-901619 |title=Cro Cop: Volio bih se opet potući s Fjodorom i Minotaurom}}</ref><ref name="youtube.com" />}}
|-  style="background:#cfc;"
| 1997-10 || Win ||align=left| N/A || Kickboxing Tournament Prague 1997 Semi Finals || [[Prague, Czech Republic]] || Achille Roger || N/A || N/A || 3–1
|-  style="background:#cfc;"
| 1997-10 || Win ||align=left| {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Lee Hasdell]] || Kickboxing Tournament Prague 1997 Quarter Finals || [[Prague, Czech Republic]] || TKO (doctor stoppage) || 2 || N/A || 2–1
|-  style="background:#fbb;"
| 1996-05-06 || Loss ||align=left|{{flagicon|NLD}} [[Ernesto Hoost]] || [[K-1 Grand Prix '96|K-1 Grand Prix 1996 Final]] Quarter Finals || [[Yokohama, Japan]] || KO (right low kick) || 3 || 1:27 || 1–1
|-  style="background:#cfc;"
| 1996-03-10 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Jérôme Le Banner]] || [[K-1 Grand Prix '96 Opening Battle]] || [[Yokohama, Japan]] || Decision (unanimous) || 5 || 3:00 || 1–0
|-
! style=background:white colspan=9 |{{small| Qualifies for K-1 Grand Prix 1996 final.}}
|-
| colspan=9 | '''''Legend''''': {{legend2|#CCFFCC|Win |border=1px solid #CCFFCC}} {{legend2|#FFBBBB|Loss |border=1px solid #FFBBBB}} {{legend2|#c5d2ea|Draw/No contest |border=1px solid #c5d2ea}} {{legend2|White|Notes |border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
{{end}}

==See also==
* [[List of male kickboxers]]
* [[List of male mixed martial artists]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.mirkofilipovic.com}}
* {{Sherdog|2326}}
* [https://glorykickboxing.com/fighters/mirko-crocop Glory Profile]
* {{UFC|mirko-cro-cop}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100313170353/http://www.k-1.co.jp/en/fighter/player.php?index=mirko Profile] at [[K-1]]

{{Pride Tournament Championship}}
{{K-1 World GP Champions}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cro Cop, Mirko}}
[[Category:1974 births]]
[[Category:Croatian male kickboxers]]
[[Category:Croatian male mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Croatian practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu]]
[[Category:Croatian sportspeople in doping cases]]
[[Category:Doping cases in mixed martial arts]]
[[Category:Heavyweight kickboxers]]
[[Category:Heavyweight mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Croatian male taekwondo practitioners]]
[[Category:Croatian male karateka]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing boxing]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing kickboxing]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing taekwondo]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Vinkovci]]
[[Category:Croatian sportsperson-politicians]]
[[Category:Croatian police officers]]
[[Category:Croatian male boxers]]
[[Category:Glory kickboxers]]
[[Category:Representatives in the modern Croatian Parliament|Filipovic, Mirko]]
[[Category:Mediterranean Games bronze medalists for Croatia]]
[[Category:Mediterranean Games medalists in boxing]]
[[Category:Competitors at the 1997 Mediterranean Games]]
[[Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters]]