Trepidation was warranted in relation to Mirko Filipovic, a man who inspired fear like few others in mixed martial arts history.
“Cro Cop” first appeared on the MMA scene on Aug. 19, 2001 and soon emerged as one of the lynchpins of the Pride Fighting Championships organization in Japan. Filipovic remained undefeated through his first nine bouts, his introductory run highlighted by a sensational head kick knockout of Igor Vovchanchyn at Pride Total Elimination 2003. Before long, “right leg, hospital, left leg, cemetery” was part of the sport’s lexicon. Filipovic compiled an 18-4-2 record as a member of the Pride roster and later competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Dream and Bellator MMA.