Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic could continue fighting for the UFC, according to a Croatian website.
Cro Cop returned to the UFC in 2009, making his return at UFC 99, but reports have claimed he has agreed to move back to Japan.
Croatian web site Index.hr wrote, according to a translation by BigOddsMike: “Index understands that Lorenzo Fertitta, the head honcho and part owner of the UFC, flew to Zagreb with his own private jet earlier this morning. He was driven to Mirko’s residence shortly after, where he stayed for two hours talking with the Croatian fighter. He returned to the airport afterwards, smiling, where his private jet flew off in to an unknown destination.
“There is no doubt that Fertitta came to Zagreb to persuade the Croatian fighter to change his mind and to sign with the world’s strongest fight sport organization. We understand that Cro Cop has been offered an incredible deal that should see him fight with the UFC once again. Although Filipovic was unavailable for comment, it’s clear that this is a major development in the ongoing negotiations. We will almost certainly see Cro Cop in the world’s strongest organization once again despite Cro Cop’s close ties with Dream.
“Cro Cop refused to extend his UFC contract at UFC 99 due to the oragnziation’s long breaks in between fights. Filipovic has stated that the UFC heavyweight title is a lifelong dream, though he didn’t want to wait another six months for his next bout. Clearly the two parties have come to some sort of an agreement. Cro Cop’s value to the UFC has become even more evident with Fertitta himself flying to Croatia. Such a move is almost unprecedented with most deals being handled by UFC president Dana White.”
Tags: Dana White, DREAM, UFC