Cro Cop is set to replace the injured Antonio Rodrigo Noguiera in the main event of UFC 119 at Indiana's Conseco Fieldhouse on September 25.

Big Nog was forced to withdraw from the event due to a hip injury that will require surgery. Cro Cop's opponent will be the former UFC heavyweight Champion Frank Mir who is coming off a loss to Shane Carwin while Cro Cop is coming off a win over fellow Kickboxer Pat Barry.

This should be an interesting fight for Cro Cop who's known as one of the best strikers and has excellent takedown defence. Mir however has a size and reach advantage and is also known for studying his opponents and bringing a strategic fight plan.

Fans might have been surprised after watching UFC 115 to see a fight between two world class kick boxers end in a submission. What was touted to be a heavyweight slugfest was indeed a stand-up war, but the ending was more of a surprise, as Cro Cop saw an opening and decided to choke Pat Barry out with a rear naked.

The fight started heavily in Barry's favour as the solid striker made couple of clean shots on Cro Cop that knocked him to the ground. The second shot left Cro Cop's left eye badly swollen, but to his credit Cro Cop managed to stay in the pocket and gradually wore Barry down, who appeared to start gassing towards the end of the second round.

Cro Cop managed to land some decent leg kicks and flurries, particularly in the later stages of the fight, and after having Barry rocked with a good combo, took Barry's neck when he fell to the ground.

Cro Cop says whether he fights again or not he would like to finish his career in the UFC.

Coming off a recent victory over Aussie Anthony Perosh, it has been verbally agreed that Cro Cop will be facing fellow former K-1 striker Pat Barry on the main card at the Vancouver show in June.

Pat Barry, the slightly younger and more agressive fighter has a respectable 5-1 record in the UFC. Barry, trained under the renowned Duke Roufus, was originally meant to fight Gilbert Yvel, but it looks like Joe Silva was tempted by the prospect of a matchup between two highly skilled strikers.

source: www.mmaweekly.com

UNDERCARD

Igor Pokrajac vs James TeHuna
James TeHuna secured his first UFC victory after defeating Igor Pokrajac late in the 3rd round by ground and pound stoppage. Pokrajac dominated the standup and managed to knock TeHuna down in the second round, but Tehuna was fortunately saved by the bell. Despite Pokrajac winning the standup battle, TeHuna was having great success with the single leg takedown and maintaining top position on the ground with consistent elbows and strikes.

Goran Reljic vs CB Dollaway
The Reljic and Dollaway fight was a good battle with plenty of standup action and ground game. Reljic managed to strike early with some whipping leg kicks, but Dollaway kept his composure and responded well with his much improved striking. In the end Dollaway's superior wrestling proved too much for Reljic who was unable to stop his takedowns, and despite showing a dangerous guard and almost locking in a couple of arm bars, the decision went to the clear victor CB Dollaway.

Brian Foster vs Chris Lytle
In the shortest fight of the night, popular fighter Chris Lytle managed to end the bout early in the first round by knee-bar. Although showing some impressive standup with high-kicks and a roundhouse, Foster was endangered when the fight went to the ground as he found himself in a vicious knee-bar from the experienced BJJ blackbelt Lytle.

Stephan Bonnar vs Christoph Soszynski
Probably the bloodiest fight of the night, Soszynski vs Bonnar was an all out war. Soszynski showed early dominance in the striking department, managing to land several clean shots on Bonnar. The durable Bonnar however seemed to warm up as the fight progressed and he managed to even up the ledger. Unfortunately midway during the third the ringside Doctor called for a stoppage due to an accidental headbut against Bonnar, leaving him with a nasty cut on his forehead.

Keith Jardine vs Ryan Bader
Initially the fight was lack lustre, almost as though both fighters' styles were cancelling each other out. Bader however awoke the crowd when he managed to land a clean shot on Jardine and quickly pounced on his dazed opponent to finish the fight with a spectacular KO that left Jardine reeling.

MAIN CARD

Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic vs Anthony Perosh
Cro Cop returned to the Octagon with renewed vigor after undergoing an intensive training camp in the Netherlands. Cro Cop's striking looked crisp and clean, and his takedown defence was at it's brilliant best as he managed to thwart at least 10 takedown attempts by the overmatched Perosh.

Perosh to his credit had taken the fight on barely two days notice, as Cro Cop's previous opponent Ben Rothwell pulled out last minute due to the flu. Although Cro Cop only threw one high kick, his unanswered strikes and takedown stoppages bewildered and exhausted Perosh until the fight was eventually stopped due to a cut on Perosh's forehead sustained from an elbow strike while on the ground.

George Sotiropolous vs Joe 'Daddy' Stevens
The fight of the night belonged to local hero George Sotiropolous who put on a ground clinic against his highly regarded opponent Joe Stevens. Sotiropolous spent most of the fight demonstrating his slick ground game as he controlled Stevens via his smooth transitions from back control, to side control and mount. Even when Stevens managed to take Sots to ground, he was quickly neutralised by George's highly effective rubber-guard. The most danger George appeared to be in was when Stevenson attempted an ankle lock, but even then Sotiropolous seemed to have plenty of wiggle room and was safely out of the hold in a matter of seconds. The judges awarded a unanimous victory to the crowd favourite, as he moves one step closer to a possible title shot.

Wanderlei Silva vs Michael Bisping
The much anticipated matchup between Silva and Bisping did not disappoint. Although Wanderlei appeared to be uncharacteristically reserved in his approach, he managed to control the centre of the Octagon for the majority of the bought, landing punches and leg kicks as the opportunities presented themselves. Bisping showed great movement and footwork throughout the contest, but nothing was seen of the "knockout power" that he promised. Although Bisping didn't have any real answers for Wanderlei, he was successful in several takedown attempts, although Silva quickly got back up to his feet and continued to impose his will. The fight went the distance, but luckily for Bisping the clock ran out just after he'd been knocked down by Silva in the third, who was about to pounce and finish him off. The judges scored the bout unanimously in favour of the clear victor Silva.

Cain Velasquez vs Antonio Rodrigo Nogeuira
Nobody was sure which way this fight would go. Both talented fighters, seemingly setup as a battle of the young and powerful, against the older and more exprienced. It didn't take long however to get an answer, as the tenacious Velasquez suprisingly dispatched of Noguiera with an awesome 3 punch combo in the first round, followed by a flurry of fists to the face of the fallen Nogeuira.

Although having a flawless record, Velasquez had previously been criticized for his inability to finish Cheick Kongo, some even referring to him as "Pillow Hands". We're pretty sure Nogeuira wouldn't agree with such a comment, as Velasquez has now put the heavyweight division on notice.  

The UFC Australia card is promising to deliver one of the most exciting lineups in the history of the UFC and MMA.

The card will feature legends of the sport such as Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic, Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva, and Antonio "Minotauro" Rodrigo Noguiera. It will also feature some of the most exciting up and coming talent such as Cain Velasquez and Australian hero George Sotiropoulos.

Below is the current lineup, with further undercard bouts to be announced later.

• Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (32-5-1, 1 NC) vs Cain Velasquez (7-0)
• Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva (32-10-1, 1 NC) vs Michael "The Count" Bisping (19-2).
• Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic (25-7-2 1 NC) vs Ben Rothwell (30-7)
• Keith "The Dean of Mean" Jardine (14-7-1) vs Ryan "Darth" Bader (11-0)
• Joe "Daddy" Stevenson (36-10) vs George Sotiropoulos (11-2
• Elvis "The King of Rock 'n' Rumble" Sinosic (8-9-2) vs Chris "The Hammer" Haseman (20-16)

Cro Cop conducted an interview index.hr with regarding the whole situation he has been put into. This is a great interview that should clear some things up between Cro Cop and his fans. 

I have nothing to hide or to be ashamed of. The thing is very simple. I know the truth and Dana knows the truth – I had a one fight deal with UFC and I fulfilled my contractual obligation. I said we're gonna sit down and talk after UFC 99.

SO WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM?

The problem is I'm 35 and I'm finally healthy. UFC is offering me a fight 6 months from now. Even before UFC 99 I said that won't work for me, but they said something like they're gonna change it. I said even before that I wanna fight 3 more times this year, I don't really care if it's ring or octagon.

JAPANESE HAVE BETTER OFFER?

I'm a big star in Japan and I can be on every card I want there. I have a lot of fans there who want me to return. They offer me way more fights and more often, and there is always a possibility that a fight with Fedor could occur – that is my priority.

WHAT ABOUT „I DON?T KNOW IF I'LL WIN THE UFC BELT BUT I'LL DIE TRYING“?

I still stand behind my words and I know the best fighters are in the UFC. It wasn't that belt so much, but if they're offering me one fight in the next 6 months I don't see how I could take it. I said that when I thought things will go in another direction. That belt is still my goal – bit I want to have a couple of fights in a next few months.

DID YOU SIGN WITH ANY ORG? DANA LOST HIS TEMPER AND SAID YOU TRICKED HIM

The thing was blown out of proportions. All of this, besides being a sport is a big business too. They know in the UFC I did my part of the deal so I don't think we'll have any problems. I haven't signet nothing yet with any org, and as I said – I'm prepared to talk with both sides. I've never been in a sweeter yet more difficult position. Dream offers me more fights, but at the other hand I'm aware of the quality that is in UFC.

AND WHAT NOW?

I really don't know. I have to consider it and see. I don't see why I wouldn't fight in Japan a few fights and then return to UFC. That is also an option. What matters is that i feel  great physically. I can almost say never felt  better.

HOW DID IT FEEL TO FIGHT IN KOELN?

Magnificent. Really great. Checkered items all around, Croatian flags, everybody cheering. I almost felt bad for my opponent at one time cause thy were booing him. I would like to fight again in that kind of atmosphere. I've felt like home. That is the stuff that keeps me in training, adrenaline is indescribable. I wouldn't change that for nothing.

ARE YOU HAPPY WITH YOUR PERFORMANCE, IF WE DON'T TAKE IN CONSIDERATION THAT YOU'RE NOT READY 100% YET?

I'm very pleased all things considering. You saw I didn't throw one kick, and that is my biggest weapon- I knew that before the fight and i focused only on my wrestling and boxing. My leg is OK, but I'm still afraid of rotations, In a few months it will be OK completely. I'm at 50% now.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF AL TURK? IS HE A POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE SURPRISE?

He had a positive impact on me. He started very strong, with  wide crosses, trying to get to my chin. Then he tried to shoot for my legs, but I shrugged him off easily. He didn't have to do that thing with the eye though.

DIDN'T YOU HIT HIM WITH YOUR FINGER IN HIS EYE?

I did. But it was not a strong hit. I literally brushed him. It was more of pushing him away and he just ran in to it. I looked at the judge and he said to keep going. I'm here to fight, right? But there is not a chance that played an important role. He was nearly finished from my strikes before that.

DID YOU THINK ABOUT YOUR PREVIOUS FIGHTS IN UFC? WOULD YOU DO ANYTHING DIFFERENT TODAY? DID THAT KO FROM GONZAGA PASSED TROUGH YOU HEAD?

I didn't think about it and I don't regret anything. I entered the cage then motivated by money, not my desire to win. Today is a different story. Besides, I improved a lot. Especially in my wrestling techniques, my cardio and strength. And about that KO – it's not a shame to go down, it's a shame not to get up.

YOU SAY YOU IMPROVED YOUR WRESTLING – WHY DON'T YOU FIGHT MORE IN THE GROUND?

Primarilly I'm a striker. But as I said, I worked at my ground game and my throws a lot. Without any false modesty I can say I'm now very good at it. You saw how i tossed Al-Turk twice when he tried to take me down. I'm gonna use that skills a lot more in the future.

NO MATTER WHERE DO YOU FIGHT – WHO ARE THE FIGHTERS YOU WAN'T TO FIGHT?

Fedor is my eternal wish, my biggest challange. In UFC I would like to get a chance of a rematch with Nog, and I would like to fight Randy cause he's a legend. But if you wan't the belt you have to fight the best so i don't really care. This Valesquez guy has much perspective as a fighter.

YOU SAID FEDOR IS YOUR WISH. YOU THINK THINGS WOULD BE ANY DIFFERENT NOW?

I think they would. I have exact tactics in my head and I think I would win this time. Before the first fight I had a lot of problems. I was excellently prepared but I got there too soon and I haven't slept for 7 days. I was pulling my mouthpiece out after 3 minutes already. Today is a different story.

YOU ARE MORE READY TODAY?

Much more. All test show I have a body of a 25 year old man. My cardio is of the charts, I have 233 lbs of muscle and I've never been stronger.

YOU ARE 35 AND GOING TOWARDS THE END OF YOUR CAREER – WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE YOUNG GUYS – ZELG AND RELJIĆ?

I think they are good. I don't know Goran too good, but Zelg is a good fighter. I think he neglected his ground game and he should work on it to be a more complete fighter.

WHAT ABOUT IGOR PROKRAJAC SIGNING WITH STRIKEFORCE?

„I don't know the details, so i can't say nothing for sure, but he definitely deserved a chance. I will do everything I can to help him and he has to take advantage of a chance if he gets it.

source: http://www.mmacube.com

A recent announcement from Mirko Cro Cop's blog has stated that the Heavyweight will return to the Octagon in June at UFC 99 in Cologne, Germany against Mustapha al-Turk.

“I decided to fight in the UFC again, because of the stronger competition in the heavyweight division. My next opponent will be Mustapha Al-Turk. I didn’t do well in my first three appearances - I wasn’t myself. By returning to the cage I want to prove that I can still fight at highest level, no matter when or where. It’s hard to talk about concrete plans, but I would really like to fight at least three times this year. I wish to fight against quality opponents and to fight my way up to a title shot but for now, I’ll focus only on my next fight and after that we’ll see what’s going to be on the menu next. I want to say thank you Mr. Dana White for your interest and for an invitation back to the UFC. I owe you a lot from our first deal, and I’ll make it up to you.”

According to Nokaut, Mirko Cro Cop will be fighting Jerome LeBanner this coming July.

It appears that LeBanner will be facing Semmy Schilt in a K1 tournament on the 29th June, thus giving him enough time to prepare for his fight with Cro Cop.

Apart from suffering a recent minor leg injury during training, Cro Cop has been training consistently in his preparation for a potential fight with the big southpaw LeBanner. Although relatively new to MMA, Lebanner has established a 3-1 record, and his long career in K1 ensures that he brings a world class striking pedigree to MMA.

 According to MMA-ID Cro Cop is set to fight in Japan this coming March.

"FED / DSE press conference in Tokyo introduced a new MMA promotion - DREAMS. Mirko was a special guest at the press conference where it was announced that Mirko will continue his career under the roof of a new promotion.

The first even is going to be held in Saitama on March 15 and Mirko will appear on this card, while his opponent is yet to be announced. "

It is not yet known what arrangement has been made between the UFC and Cro Cop, although speculation suggests that his remaining contract may have been purchased by FED/DSE.