Heavyweight legend Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic will give himself one last chance to leave on a high note when he faces Roy “Big Country” Nelson this Saturday at UFC 137.
In a MMA career that spans 10 years, Cro Cop has taken part in some of the biggest matches in the history of the sport, including those with fighters like Fedor Emelianenko, Josh Barnett and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.
After fighting for the first time in Pride with a record of 1-0, the Croatian has gone on to compile a 27-9-2 record, including 20 knockout victories.
“I wish you could see the new Cro Cop, 15 years younger, and I wish it’s possible, but unfortunately, I’m 37 and this could easily be my last fight in the UFC,” Filipovic said at the pre-fight press conference. “It has nothing to do with the result of the fight. If I win or lose, especially if I lose. Even if I win, this could be my last fight in the UFC, and I will really give my best.”
“My stamina and conditioning is maybe the best I’ve ever had,” he continued. “I’m 240, and I’m not fat. I’ve trained hard for this fight, and of course I could keep fighting, but every man comes to the point of he asks himself ‘do I need it anymore?'”
Cro Cop will enter the bout on a two fight losing streak. Nelson also enters the fight on a two fight losing streak.
The main card will also feature a main event between former UFC champion B.J. Penn and the last Strikeforce welterweight champion Nick Diaz.
Other pay-per-view bouts include Hatsu Hioki vs. George Roop, Matt Mitrione vs. Cheick Kongo, and Scott Jorgensen vs. Jeff Curran.
Spike TV bouts begin at 8 p.m. ET and will feature a lightweight bout between Dennis Siver and Donald Cerrone, as well as a featherweight matchup with Tyson Griffin and Bart Palaszewski.
Preliminary bouts can be watched on Facebook. They include Dustin Jacoby vs. Clifford Starks, Chris Camozzi vs. Francis Carmont, Ramsey Nijem vs. Danny Downes and Brandon Vera vs. Eliot Marshall.
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