Mirko Cro Cop: “I am coming back to earn my shot at the UFC title”

Published on: 6th June, 2009

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There has never been a acquisition more scrutinized in MMA history then the UFC’s signing of Mirko Cro Cop only months after winning the PRIDE 2006 Grand Prix. He went 1-2 in the Octagon and was the victim of one of the most memorable knockouts in MMA history when he was head kicked by Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 70. As we all know Cro Cop was under a microscope and probably will be again at UFC 99 against Mostapha Al-Turk. While expectations are high once again, Cro Cop says he does not promise he will win the UFC Heavyweight title, but will do everything in his power to get there.

The Sun caught up to Cro Cop who spoke about the differences in his first tour with the UFC and his second which he will make at UFC 99 against Mostapha Al-Turk.

“Last time, I had injuries – old injuries from Pride – which prevented me from fighting to the best of my abilities. But most of all I felt like I had given everything of myself in my fights in Pride. “I felt tired, I was empty inside and I should have taken a longer rest before coming into the UFC”.

“I think maybe I came into the UFC too early. I should have waited for my injuries to heal and to take a break for myself before coming in. But I am 100% healed now, am in much better shape, and that’s why I have come back to the UFC.

“I never lost touch with [UFC president] Dana White, we would talk every now and then, but recently I told him my injuries were completely healed and I was ready to come back to the UFC.”

Cro Cop also spoke about going after the Heavyweight title and his opponent Mostapha Al-Turk looking to make a name for himself at UFC 99.

“I don’t know too much about Al Turk. I have seen a couple of his fights and he looks like a good fighter. I am sure he will be in great shape and look to make a name for himself.

“I will fight this fight first and then sit down with Dana to talk about the future. I can tell my fans and UFC fans, I don’t know if I will win the UFC Heavyweight Title, but I will give absolutely everything trying to get that belt. I am coming back to earn my shot at the UFC title.”

We all know that Cro Cop is not the same fighter he was when he dominated the open weight grand prix, but we all hold a small hope that he will return to form one day and fight at his best again.

While we do not know if Cro Cop will compete for a Heavyweight title right away, he is coming back to a UFC Heavyweight division that is more crowded than ever.

Since leaving to Japan fighters like Cain Velasquez have emerged, Cheick Kongo (Who defeated Cro Cop at UFC 75), the revival of Frank Mir and the crowning of Brock Lesnar. As you can see there will be no “Easy” fights for Cro Cop in his return, but we cannot wait to see if he can take the first steps and get passed Mostapha Al-Turk at UFC 99 next weekend.

 Alberto Martinez "The Narcisist" is the founding owner of URDirt.com. If you would like to post on the front page or in our New "Fan Jab" section all you need to do is register. Read more from this author

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