Croatian former heavyweight champion whose devastating left high kick, kickboxing pedigree and fearless personality made him one of the most feared strikers in Pride FC and the early UFC heavyweight division.
Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipović is a Croatian fighter and former PRIDE Grand Prix Champion, widely regarded as the greatest kickboxer ever to transition to MMA. His left high kick was so devastating that opponents would rather clinch than risk being knocked out. His famous catchphrase — 'right leg hospital, left leg cemetery' — perfectly captured the danger he posed. He was a Croatian national hero and world police champion in addition to his MMA career.
Career Journey
Timeline
1974
👶 Born in Split, Croatia
2012
🏁 Retired from professional sport