• UFC

Disappointed Cro Cop vows to fight on

ESPN staff
March 29, 2011
Mirko Cro Cop's last victory came against Pat Barry © UFC
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Mirko Cro Cop will fight in the UFC again, unless Dana White physically bars him from the Octagon.

The legendary Croatian has enjoyed a storied MMA career, beating the likes of Wanderlei Silva, Josh Barnett and Mark Coleman, and his name will always be synonymous with the head kick.

However, two knockout losses in a row to Frank Mir and Brendan Schaub prompted UFC president White to declare Cro Cop had "fought his last fight" after UFC 128. At 36 years of age he is now clearly lacking the instinct and sharpness he possessed in his prime, admitting the hunger has gone.

Cro Cop still has one fight left on his current deal with the UFC though, and he is adamant he wants to go out on a winning note.

"There's one fight left on my UFC contract. I will have this fight, regardless of what the reporters think," said the Croatian. "However, there's a possibility that the UFC will insist on not allowing me to fight. I will accept their decision.

"It's time to retire, despite the fact that I want to continue. Next year, it will be 20 years since my first fight... I had a great career, and I don't regret anything. But I don't want to finish it defeated.

"I was more than ready for my last two fights, but still, I was unable to see the punches coming. I would like to apologize to all my fans. Believe me, I'm also very disappointed."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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