UFC 137 will feature two heavyweights on two-fight losing streaks, as Mirko Cro Cop will be facing Roy Nelson. Mirko Cro Cop is on the tail end of his career, and many fans want to see him retire without taking any more injury. He’s been kn…
UFC 137 will feature two heavyweights on two-fight losing streaks, as Mirko Cro Cop will be facing Roy Nelson. Mirko Cro Cop is on the tail end of his career, and many fans want to see him retire without taking any more injury. He’s been knocked out three times in the UFC.
Roy Nelson entered the UFC with two straight knockout wins, but then quickly lost two lopsided unanimous decisions. His OK skill set is largely hindered by his poor athleticism, and he has suffered against strong competition because of it.
Both fighters need to win this fight, and both will leave it all in the cage. Will Cro Cop win and vindicate himself of his past UFC losses, or will Roy Nelson end the storied career of Cro Cop in violent fashion? Only one fighter can be victorious.
There are very few fighters in this sport who are afforded the opportunities that Mirko Filipovic, better known to most as simply “Cro Cop”, has had.In the UFC, Filipovic’s record resides at a pedestrian 4-5, with his last two bouts ending on the wrong…
There are very few fighters in this sport who are afforded the opportunities that Mirko Filipovic, better known to most as simply “Cro Cop”, has had.
In the UFC, Filipovic’s record resides at a pedestrian 4-5, with his last two bouts ending on the wrong side of a knockout.
Ironically enough, Cro Cop for many years was considered by many to be the most devastating striker in the heavyweight class, thanks to his K-1 kickboxing background, which includes notable victories over champions Peter Aerts, Mark Hunt and Remy Bonjasky—all men having earned the prestigious K-1 World Grand Prix title.
Cro Cop made a smooth transition into mixed martial arts in 2001, going 7-0-2 in his first nine fights as a professional, quickly becoming a staple in the now defunct PRIDE organization in Japan.
The proud Croatian would go on to challenge for the promotion’s title in 2005 in unarguably the greatest heavyweight match up of that time, against the prolific Fedor Emelianenko.
Cro Cop would fail to capture the belt, though in just over one year’s time became the 2006 Open-Weight Grand Prix Tournament winner, defeating the likes of Ikuhisa Minowa, Hidehiko Yoshida, Wanderlei Silva and finally Josh Barnett en route to capturing the prestigious title.
Many thought that it would be a matter of time before the mixed martial arts icon would snatch the UFC strap upon his Octagon entrance in 2007, though subsequent losses to Gabriel Gonzaga and Cheick Kongo quickly derailed the hype.
Perhaps the worst thing that’s happened in Cro Cop’s career are the glimmer’s of hope he manages to find in some of his recent performances.
Against mid-tier competition in Eddie Sanchez, Mostapha Al-Turk, Anthony Perosh and Pat Barry, the PRIDE veteran has looked sensational—especially in the bout with fellow kickboxer Barry which took place in June of last year. Cro Cop was able to rally back in the third-round to knockdown the dynamic heavyweight and eventually sink in a fight ending rear-naked choke.
In his next, and perhaps final outing, the 37-year-old faces “The Ultimate Fighter” season 10 winner Roy Nelson. “Big Country” is a man that can take a licking and keep on ticking, which Junior dos Santos can attest to. The Brazilian bombed Nelson from start to finish in their August 2010 encounter, where Dos Santos eventually settled for a decision win over the gritty vet.
So why should things be different here for Cro Cop—can he manage to pull himself out his slump against Nelson?
The TUF alumn is in more or less the same predicament as his Croatian counterpart, currently riding on the heels of a two-fight skid, albeit against top-tier competition in Dos Santos and former champion Frank Mir.
The fact of the matter is, Cro Cop was, at one point, believed to be the No. 2-3 heavyweight fighter on the planet, but those days of glory are long behind him, sadly enough.
His chin has been tested in recent bouts, though the results have garnered “F’s” on his report card, having been finished in four of his five losses inside the Octagon, all coming by way of strikes.
Against Nelson, he will meet a man with heavy hands, albeit not very technical, but heavy nonetheless. It’s only a matter of time when Nelson connects to the dome, shutting off the lights, finally, to a career that has perhaps been tarnished with his run inside Octagon, which pays no homage to the legacy that he has left behind.
Since his loss to Frank Mir at UFC 130 in May, some people have been saying Roy Nelson should be serious about a weight cut.Whether that be to 205 or just to around 230 has been the debate. Nelson now has been working on a new diet plan—”coaching…
Since his loss to Frank Mir at UFC 130 in May, some people have been saying Roy Nelson should be serious about a weight cut.
Whether that be to 205 or just to around 230 has been the debate. Nelson now has been working on a new diet plan—”coaching program” as he puts it.
“I don’t want to call it a diet program I’m working on. I think it is more of a lifestyle change, so I’ll call it my new coaching program. Diet is the wrong word because if you look at the first three letters of the word, it spells ‘die,’ and that’s what it feels like.
“I’m also starting to realize more about the ‘Big Country’ brand. I learned that from my former coach and mentor Rashad Evans. He’s the No. 1 light heavyweight in the world. Why wouldn’t you want him to be your mentor? I have a new fur coat line that is coming out.
“I’m looking at breaking into the beer or alcohol industry. There is a lot of money out there to be made in the ‘healthy’ beer category and I’m looking to develop a beer that makes you thinner when you drink it. This beer will be 51 calories and tastes like Everclear, party like 10 shots of Tequila, but it’s only 51 calories.”
Joking aside, Nelson made it clear he will hit 205 at some point:
“I’m going to make 205 someday. Mark my words, I will at some point be 205 lbs. I might be dead, get old and lose some muscle mass or in a car accident where I lose one of my legs, but I will hit that weight somewhere along the line. I can guarantee that I will reach that weight but it may come under some drastic circumstances.”
Another thing Nelson made clear is that he is doing things his way:
“I like the fact that people are talking about me ‘supposedly’ losing weight because it means that people care about me. That means that people love me, and who doesn’t want to feel that from the fans? I will say, if I do lose weight, then it will be on my terms and from a program that I’m responsible for developing or develop.
“I’ve always done things my own way and have found success on my own terms. If I were to go down that path, it will be from my own doing. I have over 24 years of experience being a coach and an athlete and I have no problem applying the things I’ve learned to make me a better fighter, entertainer and businessman.”
For unfunny jokes, MMA news and reaction from events, you can follow me on Twitter: @SalDeRoseMMA.
After three consecutive losses in the UFC, it’s more than likely that Dan Hardy is fighting for his job on Saturday night at UFC Live: Hardy vs Lytle. It’s pretty unusual to see a participant in a main event in this kind of situation—just one los…
After three consecutive losses in the UFC, it’s more than likely that Dan Hardy is fighting for his job on Saturday night at UFC Live: Hardy vs Lytle.
It’s pretty unusual to see a participant in a main event in this kind of situation—just one loss away from getting his walking papers.
Dan Hardy entered the UFC on an 8-1 run in various promotions in England and Japan, losing the single fight by disqualification. “The Outlaw” then added wins over Akihiro Gono, Rory Markham, Marcus Davis, and Mike Swick under the UFC banner, earning himself a title shot with welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre. Many clamored that Hardy wasn’t deserving or qualified, but a gutsy performance at UFC 111 won over a lot of those critics.
In his next bout, Hardy took on “The Natural Born Killer” Carlos Condit, who managed to knock him out at 4:27 of the first round. It was the first time in 32 fights that Hardy had been knocked out and the first time in over five years he lost in front of an English crowd.
Hardy’s most recent fight was billed as a slug-fest with Anthony Johnson. Instead, “Rumble” took Hardy to the ground, effectively controlling him but doing very little in the way of attempting to end the fight. Hardy threatened with kimuras nearly every time he was put on his back, but was never able to secure the submission. Johnson was able to expose the same hole in Hardy’s game that GSP was able to—his lack of wrestling.
Just like that, Hardy went from being the No. 1 contender in the welterweight division to a fighter with three consecutive losses fighting for his job.
Much like the Anthony Johnson fight, his bout with Chris Lytle is being billed as a stand-up war with no chance of hitting the ground unless someone gets dropped. Still, it appears that Hardy isn’t taking that for granted, deciding to make the move to Las Vegas to train with world-class grappler and top heavyweight, Roy Nelson.
Hardy is certainly a high-level striker. A fighter can’t spend time with Team Rough House and guys like Paul Daley and Andre Winner without sharpening his striking. However, the move to train with Nelson is a hopeful one. It shows that Hardy isn’t resigning to taking these “slugfest” type of bouts for the rest of his career.
Still, in these kinds of bouts, Hardy tends to do well. His performances against Mike Swick and Marcus Davis show that his combination of technical striking and heavy hands are hard to deal with.
Chris Lytle, on the other hand, may have the edge on the ground, but his striking is significantly less technical. “Lights Out” often head-hunts, throwing wild overhand punches in search of the knockout.
Even if Lytle is the more well-rounded fighter, his willingness to stand and trade in order to put on exciting fights may very well cost him this one. Although Hardy has 33 fights under his belt, he is still just 29 years old and seems very motivated to get back on track and add the necessary tools to move up the welterweight ladder. If Paul Daley’s recent grappling improvements are any indication, Hardy may surprise us.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Hardy mentioned, “I’m really comfortable wherever the fight goes. Obviously, everyone knows what I like to do, and everyone knows what Chris likes to do, as well. So I don’t think there are any surprises there.
“But regardless of wherever the fight goes, I’m ready for it. I want to show people what I can do. I feel this is a turning point in my career. I’ve got to get things back on track, and I’m the right place to do it.”
In all fairness to Hardy, his losses have been against some of the best welterweights in the world. While Lytle is a very game fighter, he is the perfect caliber of opponent for Hardy to get back in the win column.
While suffering through The Change-Up this weekend, I started thinking about the hypothetical situation of MMA fighters switching bodies. Obviously, one fighter would get the short end of the stick, like in all relationships, but other than that, it’s all good news from there. Imagine the man with a warrior spirit and broken body upgrading for a newer model. Imagine the heavy-duty gas-guzzler being replaced by a tiny, eco-friendly, electric car. Imagine experience and youth joining forces to reign terror on anything that steps in its way. So who most deserves a cinematic body-swap? Read on and find out…
BJ Penn and Brock Lesnar
Advantage: Baby Jay
For years, Penn has been criticized for his lack of self-discipline and willingness to stay in shape. Switching bodies would solve that problem and create what might be the best heavyweight in UFC history. A Nova Uniao Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt with explosive striking and a granite chin, Penn has everything that Lesnar wishes he had. The Prodigy would be a wrecking ball at heavyweight if he had Brock’s body — as long as the viking took the diverticulitis thing with him. If he had to keep the illness during the switch, then I guess we could all agree that we’d like to see Josh Koscheck trade bodies with Brock.
(Unlike the rest of us, the eye candy in the back decided to open her eyes for Cyborg.)
While suffering through The Change-Up this weekend, I started thinking about the hypothetical situation of MMA fighters switching bodies. Obviously, one fighter would get the short end of the stick, like in all relationships, but other than that, it’s all good news from there. Imagine the man with a warrior spirit and broken body upgrading for a newer model. Imagine the heavy-duty gas-guzzler being replaced by a tiny, eco-friendly, electric car. Imagine experience and youth joining forces to reign terror on anything that steps in its way. So who most deserves a cinematic body-swap? Read on and find out…
BJ Penn and Brock Lesnar
Advantage: Baby Jay
For years, Penn has been criticized for his lack of self-discipline and willingness to stay in shape. Switching bodies would solve that problem and create what might be the best heavyweight in UFC history. A Nova Uniao Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt with explosive striking and a granite chin, Penn has everything that Lesnar wishes he had. The Prodigy would be a wrecking ball at heavyweight if he had Brock’s body — as long as the viking took the diverticulitis thing with him. If he had to keep the illness during the switch, then I guess we could all agree that we’d like to see Josh Koscheck trade bodies with Brock.
Roy Nelson and Clay Guida
Advantage: Nelson
The TUF 10: Heavyweights winner is in a slump following back-to-back losses against JDS and Frank Mir. You remember seeing ‘Big Country’ sucking wind and basically collapsing after the final horn, right? I can’t remember another fighter looking worse in the Octagon besides Kimbo. We know from the JDS fight that Nelson is capable of eating punches and asking for more while his black belt in BJJ is evident when the fight hits the mat. Question: Why doesn’t he win more? Cardio? Heart? Answer: Both.
Wrap up Roy’s knowledge, passion, and skill inside the body of Clay Guida and you’ve got yourself a force to be reckoned with. The Carpenter is the most fuel efficient guy on the roster, and his thick neanderthal-esque skull will provide the x-factor in Nelson’s game. Wishing you had Mo Lawal’s oxygen supplier in your corner will become a thing of the past as a “new” lightweight makes a mad dash for Edgar’s title. The only question that comes to mind when pondering this swap of bodies is whether Roy will keep Guida’s famous hair or go for a mullet.
Gina Carano and Cristiane ‘Cris Cyborg’ Santos
Advantage: Fans
Not to take anything away from the budding Hollywood actress, but Cyborg is a genetic freak and the more skilled female fighter. But what Carano lacks in MMA dominance, she more than makes up for in beauty and star-power. Gina Carano is hotter than a Tezpur Chili on the Scoville Scale and because Cyborg would get Carano’s body while keeping her wicked awesome skills, Chyna would have to give the title of ‘9th Wonder of the World‘ to Santos. Makes perfect sense to us. Honestly, this one actually should be a movie.
Jim Miller and Chael Sonnen
Advantage: Miller
The 20 and 2 AMA product is overdue for a title shot. (You could argue that Clay Guida deserves one first after defeating former #1 contender Anthony Pettis, but you could also argue that Strikeforce won’t be swallowed up by the UFC next year.) Jim Miller is riding an incredible seven-fight win streak, leaving behind a pile of game competitors. So why no shot at the belt yet? Consider this: walk around your local mall or sports bar and ask random dudes who Jim Miller is. “Isn’t he that ‘Bully Beatdown’ guy?” is probably how most would respond.
Apparently top-notch technique and continued success just aren’t enough. What’s missing? The personality to make people want to see you compete — and remember when you do — and the charisma to captivate an audience both in and out of the cage. Enter Chael Sonnen, aka Senor Chael. Problem solved. The only downside is that if we do get to see Silva vs. Sonnen 2, the pre-fight hype will be downgraded from AAA to AA+.
Wanderlei Silva and Jon Jones
Advantage: Wandy
Of all the fighters who we’d love to see switch bodies, this might be our favorite. We are unabashedly huge fans of ‘The Axe Murderer’ and wish he could somehow drink from the mystical Fountain of Youth to prolong his storied career as one of MMA’s coolest/scariest dudes.
Jon Jones has the largest reach of active UFC fighters. Do you even understand the possibilities of what that kind of wingspan could do when combined with one of the sport’s most lethal strikers? This would literally be the second coming of Wanderlei Silva! Look, we know he’s still got the itch to fight. New body, fresh outlook, old scores to settle.
Is Jonny Bones getting the short end of the stick? Absolutely. But look on the bright side — at least he won’t have to duck Rashad anymore.
At UFC on Versus 4, Cheick Kongo showed a ton of heart as he made a huge comeback against Pat Barry.Barry had Kongo hurt bad, landing a flurry of punches. But Kongo regained his composure good enough to land a couple of hard sh…
At UFC on Versus 4, Cheick Kongo showed a ton of heart as he made a huge comeback against Pat Barry.
Barry had Kongo hurt bad, landing a flurry of punches. But Kongo regained his composure good enough to land a couple of hard shots of his own, knocking out the American Kick boxer.
With the win, Kongo showed just how much he could overcome.
Here are some fights the Frenchman should consider if he wants to move up in the division.
There are very few fighters in this sport who are afforded the opportunities that Mirko Filipovic, better known to most as simply “Cro Cop”, has had.
