Cro Cop? Cro Crap!

As harsh as the title of this entry may be, I can only say that the truth hurts. Mirko Filipovic is really no longer Cro Cop. The man that dominated the 2006 Pride Open Weight Grand Prix no longer exists. It appears that Mirko peaked 2 years ago and has now lost interest. His physical ability does not seem to be deteriorating more that his mind and his heart no longer wish to continue fighting. His refusal to sign the bout agreement to face Alistair Overeem is just another sign in a long line of acts that prove to me he does not wish to face top competition, or any competition for that matter.

I realize many fans will defend Mirko and say things like, "You don't know what it's like to be a fighter!" or "How dare you criticize him for putting his ass on the line?!" To any and all of those comments, I can only say that I just call it like I see it. And what I see is a man who is a shell of his former self in regards to MMA. In his lat 3-4 fights, Mirko has shown no killer instinct, no desire to finish his opponents. Overeem, who has found new life in the heavyweight division, was handling Mirko right up until they officials called the fight. As good as Overeem is, that kind of dominance over an opponent shows one of 2 things. Either Overeem was fighting a newbie fighter, or the fighter he was fighting is washed up. My opinion is the latter.

I will not go as far as to say that Mirko cannot still become Cro Cop, but maybe it is time for Mirko to "retire" for awhile and let his batteries recharge before further injuring his reputation and his career.

-R