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Sherdog is an American website devoted to the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA).^[1][2][3] The site is a member of the Crave Online network and provides MMA related content for ESPN.com.^[4]

History[link]

Sherdog was created by photographer Jeff Sherwood (Nicknamed "Sherdog") in 1997 and was later refined with the help of Garrett Poe.^[5] Sherdog features MMA news,^[6] individual records of fighters,^[7] reviews and previews of MMA events,^[8] interviews with fighters and referees,^[9] user forums,^[10] divisional & pound-for-pound fighter rankings,^[11] and original radio programs.^[12]

Sherdog is also home to the Sherdog Radio Network, an internet-only sports talk network featuring Sherdog writers and staffers. Weekly programs include The Savage Dog Show hosted by Greg Savage and Jeff Sherwood, Beatdown hosted by TJ DeSantis and Jon Luther, It's Time hosted by Bruce Buffer and The Jordan Breen Show hosted by Jordan Breen.

The current schedule includes Beatdown and SDS on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, It's Time on Tuesdays, the Jordan Breen Show on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and The SRN Rewind every Sunday evening. Also included for big events are SRN Roundtables providing previews and "Beatdown After the Bell" for post-fight recaps.

Sherdog has also affiliated with ESPN to provide extensive MMA content for their site. The deal includes ESPN sharing Sherdog's extensive Fight Finder database. The deal would also include the Sherdog Radio Network being part of ESPN's podcast center.^[13]

The website also boasts a highly active and lively forum section composed of thousands of members from all over the world. It is the 74th largest forum (by post count), 403rd (by member count).^[14] The forum boasts 235,000 members, who have collectively submitted over 36 million posts. ^[15]

The site has recently begun hosting free live streams of mixed martial arts events from organizations such as Palace Fighting Championships, Wargods and M-1 Global.[1] [2] [3]

Year-end awards[link]

Beginning in 2004 under then-executive editor Josh Gross, Sherdog.com has awarded "Fighter of the Year" honors to the fighter who has been the most outstanding for that calendar year. In 2008, Sherdog expanded its year-end awards to include categories such as "Knockout of the Year", "Submission of the Year", "Fight of the Year", among others. Sherdog now recognizes 12 awards annually.

Fighter of the Year

• 2004 - Wanderlei Silva
• 2005 - Takanori Gomi and Maurício Rua (co-winners)
• 2006 - Chuck Liddell
• 2007 - Quinton Jackson
• 2008 - Rashad Evans
• 2009 - José Aldo
• 2010 - Cain Velasquez
• 2011 - Jon Jones

Fight of the Year

• 2005 - Maurício Rua W3 Antônio Rogério Nogueira
  
• 2006 - Diego Sanchez W3 Karo Parisyan
  
• 2008 - Eddie Alvarez KO1 Tatsuya Kawajiri
  
• 2009 - Benson Henderson W5 Donald Cerrone
  
• 2010 - Jorge Santiago TKO5 Kazuo Misaki
  
• 2011 - Frankie Edgar Split Draw Gray Maynard

Knockout of the Year

• 2005 - James Irvin KO2 Terry Martin
  
• 2006 - Mirko Filipović KO1 Wanderlei Silva
  
• 2008 - Rashad Evans KO2 Chuck Liddell
  
• 2009 - Fedor Emelianenko KO1 Andrei Arlovski
  
• 2010 - Robbie Lawler KO1 Melvin Manhoef
  
• 2011 - Lyoto Machida KO2 Randy Couture

Submission of the Year

• 2005 - Ryo Chonan SUB3 Anderson Silva
  
• 2006 - Shinya Aoki SUB1 Joachim Hansen
  
• 2008 - Dustin Hazelett SUB2 Josh Burkman
  
• 2009 - Toby Imada SUB3 Jorge Masvidal
  
• 2010 - Fabricio Werdum SUB1 Fedor Emelianenko
  
• 2011 - Frank Mir SUB1 Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira

Story of the Year

• 2008 - The Rise and Fall of EliteXC
  
• 2009 - The Development of Strikeforce
  
• 2010 - Judging in MMA
  
• 2011 - UFC, Fox's 7 Year Hitch

Beatdown of the Year

• 2008 - B.J. Penn SUB2 Joe Stevenson
  
• 2009 - Brock Lesnar KO2 Frank Mir and Anderson Silva KO1 Forrest Griffin (co-winners)
  
• 2010 - Cristiane Santos KO2 Jan Finney
  
• 2011 - Jon Jones TKO 3 Maurício Rua

Breakthrough Fighter of the Year

• 2005 - Georges St-Pierre
  
• 2008 - Miguel Torres
  
• 2009 - Jon Jones
  
• 2010 - Anthony Pettis
  
• 2011 - Michael Chandler

Comeback Fighter of the Year

• 2005 - Hayato Sakurai
  
• 2008 - Frank Mir
  
• 2009 - Maurício Rua
  
• 2010 - Chris Leben
  
• 2011 - Ian McCall

Event of the Year

• 2005 - PRIDE Bushido 9
  
• 2008 - UFC 84
  
• 2009 - UFC 100
  
• 2010 - WEC 53
  
• 2011 - UFC 134

Robbery of the Year

• 2008 - Thales Leites W3 Nathan Marquardt
  
• 2009 - Mike Easton W5 Chase Beebe
  
• 2010 - Leonard Garcia W3 Nam Phan
  
• 2011 - Joe Warren W3 Marcos Galvão

Round of the Year

• 2008 - Donald Cerrone W3 Rob McCullough, Round 1
  
• 2009 - Thierry Quenneville SUB2 Douglas Evans Round 1
  
• 2010 - Mark Hominick TKO2 Yves Jabouin Round 2
  
• 2011 - Nick Diaz TKO1 Paul Daley Round 1

Upset of the Year

• 2005 - Ricardo Arona W3 Wanderlei Silva
  
• 2008 - Sergey Golyaev W3 Takanori Gomi
  
• 2009 - Mackens Semerzier SUB1 Wagnney Fabiano
  
• 2010 - Fabricio Werdum SUB1 Fedor Emelianenko
  
• 2011 - Tito Ortiz SUB1 Ryan Bader

See also[link]

• ESPN
• Inside MMA
• HDNet

References[link]

1. ^ Schneiderman, R.M (2006-10-05). "Ultimate Fighting's Next Battle". Forbes.com. http://www.forbes.com/business/2006/10/05/sports-martial-arts_tech_media_cx_rs_1005fight.html. Retrieved 2006-10-05. 
2. ^ Doyle, Dave (2006-08-24). "The Weekly Tapout: UFC 62 predictions". FoxSports.com. http://msn.foxsports.com/boxing/story/5894876. Retrieved 2006-10-07. 
3. ^ Levine, Andrew (2006-12-30). "UFC Celebrates a Landmark Year". WashingtonPost.com. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/29/AR2006122901556.html?nav=rss_business/industries. Retrieved 2007-01-23. 
4. ^ Gross, Josh (March 22, 2010). "Five things we learned from a busy Sunday in mixed martial arts". SI.com. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/josh_gross/03/22/five.things/index.html?eref=si_writers. Retrieved September 8, 2010. 
5. ^ Hall, Joe (2009-05-01). "THe History of Sherdog". FIGHT! Magazine. http://www.fightmagazine.com/mma-magazine/mma-article.asp?aid=285&issid=21. Retrieved 2010-06-25. 
6. ^ "Sherdog news". Sherdog.com. http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/list. Retrieved 2011-05-28. 
7. ^ "Sherdog fight finder". http://www.sherdog.com/stats/fightfinder. Retrieved 2011-05-28. 
8. ^ "Sherdog articles". Sherdog.com. http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/list. Retrieved 2011-05-28. 
9. ^ "Sherdog interviews". Sherdog.com. http://www.sherdog.com/news/interviews/list. Retrieved 2011-05-28. 
10. ^ "Sherdog forums". http://www.sherdog.net. Retrieved 2011-05-28. 
11. ^ "Sherdog rankings". Sherdog.com. http://www.sherdog.com/news/rankings/list. Retrieved 2011-05-28. 
12. ^ "Sherdog radio". Sherdog.com. http://www.sherdog.com/radio. Retrieved 2011-05-28. 
13. ^ "ESPN, Sherdog Announce Agreement". Sherdog.com. 2007-05-14. http://www.sherdog.com/news/news.asp?n_id=7538. Retrieved 2006-05-14. 
14. ^ http://www.big-boards.com/highlight/160/1/
15. ^ http://www.sherdog.net/forums/

External links[link]

• Sherdog, Sherdog forums
• Sherdog on ESPN.com

Dana White
Born	(1969-07-28) July 28, 1969 (age 42) Manchester, CT, U.S.
Residence	Las Vegas, Nevada
Nationality	American
Occupation	President
Known for	Managing The Ultimate Fighting Championship
Style	Boxercise [1]
Net worth	US$150 million (2010)[2]
Height	5 ft 11 in
Spouse	Anne
Children	3

Dana White (born July 28, 1969) is the current President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a mixed martial arts organization based in the United States.

Biography[link]

Born in Manchester, Connecticut on July 28, 1969, White grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, Ware, Massachusetts and Levant, Maine. White is a passionate Boston Red Sox fan. During his youth, he bounced back and forth between Boston and Maine. He attended the University of Massachusetts Boston but did not finish; however, while there he did launch a boxing program for inner-city youth.^[3]

White has a background as an aerobics instructor. In 1992, White established Dana White Enterprises in Las Vegas. He conducted aerobics classes at three gyms^[4] in the Las Vegas area and began managing MMA fighters Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell.

While working as a manager, White learned that Semaphore Entertainment Group, the parent company of the UFC, was looking for a buyer for the UFC. White contacted childhood friend Lorenzo Fertitta, an executive at Station Casinos, and a former commissioner of the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Within a month, Lorenzo and his older brother Frank bought the UFC, with White installed as its president.^[5] White currently owns about 9% of Zuffa, LLC, the entity the Fertitta brothers created to own and manage the UFC.^[3]

White failed to comment on a potential network broadcast deal at the UFC 136 press conference. The next day it was confirmed that the UFC and Fox broadcast networks had made a multiple year deal.^[6]

Controversy[link]

Loretta Hunt[link]

On April 1, 2009, White was videotaped in a verbal tirade against Loretta Hunt, a sportswriter for Sherdog, in response to an article she wrote. In the video posted on his YouTube account, White used derogatory language in an obscenity-laced rant. The video was pulled from his official UFC YouTube page but has been widely republished across the internet and come under fire, including by GLAAD for his use of anti-gay slurs.^[7][8][9] White would later apologize for his slurs. He specifically did not include Hunt in the apology.^[10] Hunt responded by saying "I stand by the story. It's accurate."^{[citation needed]}

Miguel Torres[link]

In December of 2011, White cut fighter Miguel Torres from the UFC after Torres tweeted "If a rape van was called a surprise van, more women wouldn’t mind going for rides in them. Everyone likes surprises." In an interview with Sports Illustrated confirming Torres' firing over the controversial remarks, White claimed "Now there's no explanation for that. There's absolutely nothing I could say to make any sense of that. And the fact that he even thinks that's funny or that's a joke, it disturbs me. It bothers me." The firing of Torres immediately sparked controversy after it was revealed that White did not similarly punish two fighters of greater marquee value – Forrest Griffin and Rashad Evans, both of whom have fought in the main event of multiple Pay-Per-View cards and the latter slated to fight in the main event of a fight card scheduled to air on the FOX network on January 28, 2012 – for making similarly offensive remarks:^[11] Griffin commenting that "Rape is the new missionary"^[12] and Evans evoking the recent child abuse scandal involving Penn State University while promoting a fight.^[13] Torres has since re-signed with the UFC after having a talk with Dana.

Charity[link]

In December 2010 White donated $50,000 to the Fransisco Espinoza foundation. White donated approximately $8,000 to help pay for the brain tumor treatment of two-year-old British girl, Ruby Owen. The young girl's family had described themselves as being "shocked and over the moon". Ruby Owen's uncle, being a UFC fan had contacted White via email and asked if he could help by donating to the Ruby Owen fund raising website. White and Owen have never officially met.^[14] In an act of compassion towards a fan, he gave $300 to one man without hesitation who said that he "just received a speeding ticket while racing across town to meet him".^[15] Shortly after being named 2009 Nevada Sportsman of The Year, White added $100,000 from his pocket to the $250,000 total raised for the fund raising marathon sponsored by ESPN Radio 1100 for Las Vegas.^[16]

Feud with M-1 Global[link]

After signing negotiations with M-1 Global Russian Heavyweight MMA fighter Fedor Emelianenko fell through in 2009,^[17] White and the UFC became the subject of debate and criticism from fans and experts alike. On several occasions, White referred to Emelianenko as "a fake, a phony and a farce.^[18][19]

On June 26th, 2010 following Emelianenko's first legitimate defeat of his career to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace Fabricio Werdum, White shared a simple ":)" via Twitter.^[20] The same symbol was expressed by White following Emelianenko's 2nd round doctor stoppage loss to Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva in the opening round of the 2011 Strikeforce GP.^[21] White followed this with an insult to Fedor's manager and M-1 Global President Vadim Finkelstein.^[22] This began a war of words on the social networking site. M-1 Global’s director of operations, Evgeni Kogan, stood up for Finkelstein and invited White to repeat his words to Finkelstein in person. When fans attempted to reason with White, they were met with similar contempt and insults.^[23]

There is controversy over whether Fedor Emelianenko and White have actually met.^[24] White has claimed to have met Emelianenko on a "crazy island in the middle of nowhere".^[25] In 2011, Emelianenko denied that this encounter ever took place.^[26]

Personal life[link]

White and his wife have two sons and a daughter.^[27] He is an atheist, and has stated that he is "fascinated" by religion.^[28]

Accomplishments[link]

• Nevada Sportsman of the Year (2009)^[29]
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards
  • Promoter of the Year (2005–2011/present)^[30][31]
• World MMA Awards
  • Leading Man of the Year 2011
  • Leading Man of the Year 2010
• Armed Forces Foundation
  • Patriot Award^[32]

References[link]

External links[link]

• UFC homepage
• June/July Men's Fitness cover story
• Dana White at the Internet Movie Database
• Dana White on Twitter
• Dana White Signs Fox

Matt Lindland
Born	(1970-05-17) May 17, 1970 (age 42) Oregon City, Oregon, United States
Other names	The Law
Nationality	American
Height	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight	185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
Division	Middleweight Light Heavyweight Heavyweight
Style	Greco-Roman Wrestling, Grappling
Fighting out of	Portland, Oregon
Team	Team Quest[1]
Years active	1997 - present (MMA)
Mixed martial arts record
Total	31
Wins	22
By knockout	8
By submission	7
By decision	6
By disqualification	1
Losses	9
By knockout	4
By submission	4
By decision	1
University	University of Nebraska
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Medal record
Competitor for  United States
Men's Freestyle wrestling
Pan American Championships
Gold	1994 Mexico City	-74 kg
Men's Greco-Roman wrestling
World Cup
Silver	1995	-74 kg
Gold	1996 Colorado Springs	-74 kg
Pan American Championships
Silver	1997 San Juan	-76 kg
Gold	2000 Santiago de Cali	-76 kg
Pan American Games
Gold	1999 Winnipeg	-75 kg
Olympic Games
Silver	2000 Sydney	-76 kg
World Championships
Silver	2001 Patras	-85 kg

Matthew James Lindland (born May 17, 1970) is an American mixed martial artist, Olympic wrestler and politician. He won the Oregon Republican Party's nomination for the Oregon House of Representatives, District 52 seat on May 20, 2008.

Wrestling[link]

Lindland started wrestling at age 15 at Gladstone High School in Gladstone, Oregon. In 1991, he won the junior college 158 lbs national title wrestling for Clackamas Community College.^[2]

Lindland then went on to wrestle at the University of Nebraska, Division 1 of the NCAA. He won the Big Eight title at 158 in 1993. Following up that title, Lindland had a record of 36-0 for the 1993 season going into the National Tournament, and was the #1 ranked wrestler for his weight class. He suffered an upset in the first round of the tournament however, and did not place. Following his college career Lindland began to compete in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman events, finding success in both but ultimately deciding to concentrate all his effort upon the Greco-Roman style.

The highpoint of his career was when he represented the United States in Greco-Roman Wrestling at the 2000 Summer Olympics in the 69–76 kg weight category, winning the silver medal. His mixed martial arts career had actually started 3 years prior, having fought at events such as IVC 6, and it is notable that he continued to compete in amateur wrestling as well as mma following his olympic competition. Following his first UFC match, at UFC 29, Lindland managed to secure a silver medal at the world championships and a U.S. National title in 2001. Lindland was still a top 10 ranked wrestler in his weight class for the nation until 2004, when his wrestling career finally came to an end, already being a veteran of over a dozen mma fights as well, including competing in a title match.

Lindland was notable for having secured his spot on the US Olympic team through the courts. In the finals of the United States Olympic trials, Lindland lost to Keith Sieracki, who Lindland had accused of tripping him (under the rules of Greco-Roman wrestling, athletes are not permitted the use of their legs for advantage in defense of offensive moves). After appealing, an arbitrator ordered a rematch for Lindland and Sieracki, in which Lindland won 9-0.^[3]

The USOC however sought to keep Sieracki on the team, and appealed in federal court. A federal district judge, then a three-judge panel of the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, both decided in Lindland's favor. A request for a hearing by the USOC in the Supreme Court of the United States was denied, which settled Lindland's status on the team.^[3] Lindland would later earn his nickname "The Law" from the protracted case.^[4]

Mixed martial arts[link]

Lindland started mixed martial arts training with Randy Couture, Dan Henderson and others at Team Quest. He won four fights in the middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship before losing to Murilo Bustamante in a championship match at UFC 37.^[5]

Lindland's next loss came at the hands of Falaniko Vitale, who Matt Lindland attempted to slam, only to knock himself out in the process. This self-KO features in many comedy MMA blooper reels and is something that Lindland now laughs about. At UFC 54 Lindland was dropped from the UFC roster for breaking one of the sponsorship and advertising-related terms of his contract by wearing an unapproved T-shirt at the weigh-ins. After his dismissal Lindland continued to corner fighters at UFC events such as in B.J. Penn's bout against Georges St. Pierre. He has also continued his professional MMA career in IFL and Bodog Fight with five wins and two losses, with the two losses coming outside of his weightclass against the future UFC Light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson and the Pride Heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko. After his loss to Jackson, Lindland joined the International Fight League, which also marked Lindland's debut as an IFL team coach – he fought against top twenty middleweight Jeremy Horn. Lindland won by TKO early in the second round. He then beat Carlos Newton at IFL Houston at the 1:43 mark of Round 2 by submission due to guillotine choke.^[6][7] Lindland defeated Fabio Negao via unanimous decision on July 19, 2008 at Affliction: Banned in Anaheim, California. At Affliction: Day of Reckoning on the Jan 24, 2009, he was defeated by Vitor Belfort and suffered a devastating KO loss. Lindland is the former coach of the Portland Wolfpack in the International Fight League.

There is currently a documentary called "Fighting Politics", being filmed about Matt and his MMA career. ^[8]

Matt was recently choked unconscious by Mamed Khalidov at KSW 16.

Strikeforce[link]

On April 13, 2009, Lindland signed a three-fight deal with Strikeforce^[9] and made his debut against Ronaldo Souza at Strikeforce: Evolution on December 19, 2009. Lindland lost the fight via first-round submission by way of arm triangle choke.^[10][11]

Lindland Headlined Strikeforce Challengers 8 on May 21, 2010, in his hometown of Portland, Oregon, defeating Kevin Casey.

He fought Robbie Lawler at Strikeforce: St. Louis on December 4, 2010.^[12] Lindland was knocked out fifty seconds into the first round.^[13]

In addition, he is a "Mixed Martial Arts Management" instructor^[14] for the online sports career training school,^[15] Sports Management Worldwide, in Portland, Oregon.

Personal life and political aspiration[link]

Matt and his wife Angie have two children, a son named James and a daughter named Robin.^[16]

On March 11, 2008, Lindland filed as a Republican to run for the Oregon House of Representatives in District 52. The seat was formerly held by Republican Patti Smith.^[17][18][19] Lindland defeated fellow Republican Phyllis Thiemann in the May 20, 2008 primary, 58 to 42 percent. He advanced to the general election and was defeated by Hood River, Oregon Democrat Suzanne VanOrman by around 58 percent to Lindland’s 41 percent.^[20]

Film[link]

Lindland appears in the mixed martial arts documentary Fight Life, set for release in the summer of 2011, the film is directed by independent filmmaker James Z. Feng and produced by RiLL Films.^[21]

TV show appearance. Matt Lindland and Ed Herman guest star on the hit TV series "LEVERAGE" July 22, 2011. He played an MMA Fighter.

Lawsuits[link]

In Early 2011 former training partner Dan Henderson filed a lawsuit in California federal district court against Lindland and his company, Team Quest Fight Club, LLC, alleging trademark infringement, copyright infringement and unfair competition. The lawsuit boils down to the issue of who has the right to use the Team Quest trademarks.^[22]

On March 3, 2011 a suit was filed against Lindland in the Multnomah County Circuit Court by Gonzalo Aldana Gamboa regarding the theft of six marijuana plants. The suit alleges that Gamboa was granted permission to grow the plants on Lindland’s property in Eagle Creek, Ore., last October under the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP). However, Gamboa claims that Lindland would not allow him to collect the marijuana when Gamboa returned in November.^[23]

The OMMP is a state registry program which processes applications for medical marijuana identification cards, as well as registering “grow sites.� According to the suit, Gamboa registered the growth and harvest of the six plants with the state in October. He is reportedly seeking $122,880, the estimated street value of the lost marijuana.^[24]

Mixed martial arts record[link]

Submission Grappling[link]

ADCC World Submission Wrestling Championships

Record of opponents:

• Won: Yushin Okami.

• Lost: Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza, Fabricio Werdum (armbar)

Folkstyle Wrestling[link]

NJCAA Collegiate Championships 1991 158 lbs: 1st place

NCAA Division 1 Tournament Seed 1993 163 lbs: 1st place

Freestyle Wrestling[link]

USA University Freestyle Championships

1992 163 lbs: 1st place

1994 163 lbs: 1st place

Greco-Roman Wrestling[link]

USA Senior Greco-Roman Championships

1995 163 lbs: 1st place

1998 167.5 lbs: 1st place

1999 167.5 lbs: 1st place

2000 167.5 lbs: 1st place

2001 187.2 lbs: 1st place

FILA World Championships

1998 167 lbs: 6th place

2001 187 lbs: 2nd place

US Olympics

2000 167.5 lbs: silver medal

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official Website of Coach Matt Lindland
• Professional MMA record for Matt Lindland from Sherdog
• Olympic profile at sports-reference.com
• Matt Lindland at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame
• [1]

Hector Lombard (born February 2, 1978) is a Cuban born, Australian mixed martial artist and former Olympic Judoka who is currently signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Mixed martial arts[link]

Hector Lombard, a 4th degree black belt in Judo and former Olympic Judo competitor from Cuba. Lombard currently trains at the world-renowned American Top Team facility in Miami, Florida. Marcus "Conan" Silveira (ATT Head Coach) awarded Lombard with a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu following his victory at CFC 12.^[1]

PRIDE[link]

In 2006, Lombard fought twice in Pride Fighting Championship, losing two unanimous decisions, one to Akihiro Gono and one to Gegard Mousasi.

Cage Fighting Championship[link]

Lombard headlined the first Cage Fighting Championship show on July 28, 2007, where he fought top Australian fighter Kyle Noke. The result was a controversial draw. On November 23, 2007, Lombard defeated French Kickboxer and Actor Jean-François Lénogue to be the CFC Middleweight Champion. He has defended his title six times with the last title defense coming against Art Santore.^[2] Lombard next successfully defended his belt against UFC veteran Joe Doerksen at CFC 16 on March 25.

Ultimate Fighting Championship[link]

Lombard was scheduled to compete for the promotion at UFC 78, but was forced to withdraw due to visa issues.

EliteXC[link]

On April 18, 2008, EliteXC released a press statement citing the signing of Hector Lombard.^[3] His first opponent was scheduled to be Scott Smith in November, but the fight was later canceled after the collapse of the promotion.

Bellator Fighting Championships[link]

On January 6, 2009, it was announced that Hector Lombard signed an exclusive agreement with Bellator Fighting Championships.^[4]

He fought and defeated Virgil Lozano and Damien Stelly to make it to the finals and fight for the first Bellator middleweight championship belt. Lombard defeated Jared Hess via doctor stoppage in the fourth round to win the middleweight title.

Lombard was scheduled to face Paulo Filho in a non-title bout on May 13, 2010 at Bellator 18,^[5] but Filho pulled out of the bout on May 10 due to an alleged visa issue and was replaced by Jay Silva.^[6] Lombard scored the fastest knockout in Bellator history by recording a six second win, surpassing Eddie Sanchez and his ten second KO win over Jay White.

Lombard then faced former NFL player Herbert Goodman in a non-title fight on August 12, 2010 at Bellator 24.^[7] He won the fight via KO (Punches) in the first round.

On October 28, 2010 Lombard went on to defeat Alexander Shlemenko in a 1st season winner vs. a 2nd season winner matchup to retain the Bellator Middleweight Championship at Bellator 34. He was the first man in Bellator history to successfully defend his title belt in any weight division.

Lombard next fought Falaniko Vitale in a non-title bout at Bellator 44.^[8] He won via KO in third round.

As of January 30 his contract with Bellator has expired.

Australian Fighting Championship[link]

Lombard also captured the Inaugural AFC middleweight title when he submitted Jesse Taylor in the second round with a heel hook at Australian Fighting Championship 2. In the first and beginning of the second rounds Lombard used superior strength to out-grapple Taylor. This victory would extend his winning streak to 24 wins with 1 draw.

Ultimate Fighting Championship[link]

It was confirmed on April 24, 2012 that Hector Lombard had signed with the UFC, thereboy avoiding his Bellator-mandated match with Alexander Shlemenko.^[9]

Lombard is expected to make his UFC debut against Brian Stann on August 4, 2012 at UFC on Fox 4.^[10][11]

Championships and accomplishments[link]

[edit] Mixed martial arts

• Bellator Fighting Championships
  • Bellator Middleweight Championship (One time; First)
  • Bellator Season 1 Middleweight Tournament Winner
  • Fastest Recorded Knockout (0:06)
  • Most consecutive wins in Bellator (Eight)

• Cage Fighting Championship
  • CFC Middleweight Championship (One time; First;)
  • Most successful CFC title defenses (Seven)

• Australian Fighting Championship
  • AFC Middleweight Championship (One time; First;)

• Xtreme Fighting Championships
  • XFC Light Heavyweight Championship (One time; First)

• Bleacher Report
  • 2011 MMA All-Star Second Team

• Sherdog
  • 2011 All-Violence Second Team
  • 2010 All-Violence First Team

• Inside MMA
  • 2009 Bloodbath of the Year Bazzie Award vs. Jared Hess on June 19

[edit] Judo

• International Judo Federation
  • 2004 Gold : Australian Open, 81 kg and Open Weight (+100 kg)
  • 2002 Bronze : International Open Tre Torri, Italy – 73 kg
  • 2002 Silver : International Open Guido Sieni Tournament, Italy – 73 kg
  • 2001 Gold : Torneo International Jose Ramon Rodrigues City Santiago de Cuba – 73 kg
  • 2001 Silver : Tre Torri International Open – 73 kg
  • 2001 7th Place: Hungarian Open – 73 kg
  • 2001 Bronze : World Masters Germany – 73 kg
  • 2001 Silver : Austria Open – 73 kg
  • 2000 Member of the Cuban Olympic Team – 73 kg
  • 2000 Gold : Torneo International Jose Ramon Rodriges, City Santa Clara – 73 kg
  • 1999 7th Place: Paris Open – 73 kg
  • 1998 Silver : Campeonato Ibero Americano – 73 kg

• Federacion Cuba de Judo
  • 2002 Undefeated: World Team Championships, Suiza – 73 kg
  • 2001 Gold : Cuban National Championships, City Santiago de Cuba – 73 kg
  • 2000 Gold : Cuban National Championships, City Santa Clara – 73 kg
  • 1999 Gold : Cuban National Championships – 73 kg
  • 1998 Silver : National Seniors Cuba Championship – 73 kg
  • 1997 Bronze : National Seniors Cuba Championship, Ciudad de la Havana – 73 kg
  • 1997 Gold : Junior Cuba Nationals Championship, Ciudad Santa Clara – 73 kg
  • 1994 College National Champion, City Las Tunas – 71 kg
  • 1993 College National Champion, City Ciudad de la Havana – 71 kg
  • 1991 College National Champion, City Isla de la Juventud – 52 kg

Mixed martial arts record[link]

Result	Record	Opponent	Method	Event	Date	Round	Time	Location	Notes
Win	31-2-1 (1)	Trevor Prangley	TKO (punches)	Bellator 58	02011-11-19November 19, 2011	2	1:06	Hollywood, Florida, U.S.	195 lb catchweight bout.
Win	30-2-1 (1)	Jesse Taylor	Submission (heel-hook)	Australian Fighting Championship 2	02011-09-03September 3, 2011	2	1:26	Melbourne, Victoria, Australia	Won inaugural AFC Middleweight Championship.
Win	29-2-1 (1)	Falaniko Vitale	KO (right hook and punches)	Bellator 44	02011-05-14May 14, 2011	3	0:54	Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.	Non-title bout.
Win	28-2-1 (1)	Joe Doerksen	TKO (doctor stoppage)	Cage Fighting Championship 16	02011-03-25March 25, 2011	1	4:13	Sydney, Australia	Defended CFC Middleweight Championship.
Win	27-2-1 (1)	Alexander Shlemenko	Decision (unanimous)	Bellator 34	02010-10-28October 28, 2010	5	5:00	Hollywood, Florida, U.S.	Defended Bellator Middleweight Championship.
Win	26-2-1 (1)	Herbert Goodman	KO (punch)	Bellator 24	02010-08-12August 12, 2010	1	0:38	Hollywood, Florida, U.S.	Non-title bout.
Win	25-2-1 (1)	Jay Silva	KO (punch)	Bellator 18	02010-05-13May 13, 2010	1	0:05	Monroe, Louisiana, U.S.	190 lb catchweight bout.
Win	24-2-1 (1)	Art Santore	TKO (Doctor Stoppage)	Cage Fighting Championship 12	02010-03-12March 12, 2010	1	4:23	Sydney, Australia	Defended CFC Middleweight Championship.
Win	23-2-1 (1)	Joey Gorczynski	Decision (unanimous)	G-Force Fights: Bad Blood 3	02010-02-04February 4, 2010	3	5:00	Miami, Florida, U.S.	Light Heavyweight bout.
Win	22-2-1 (1)	Kalib Starnes	Submission (rear naked choke)	Cage Fighting Championship 11	02009-11-20November 20, 2009	1	1:55	Sydney, Australia	Defended CFC Middleweight Championship.
Win	21-2-1 (1)	Jared Hess	TKO (Doctor Stoppage)	Bellator 12	02009-06-19June 19, 2009	4	1:41	Hollywood, Florida, U.S.	Bellator Season 1 Middleweight Tournament Final; Won Bellator Middleweight Championship.
Win	20-2-1 (1)	Damien Stelly	KO (punch)	Bellator 9	02009-05-29May 29, 2009	1	2:56	Monroe, Louisiana, U.S.	Bellator Season 1 Middleweight Tournament Semifinal.
Win	19-2-1 (1)	Virgil Lozano	KO (punch)	Bellator 3	02009-04-17April 17, 2009	1	1:10	Norman, Oklahoma, U.S.	Bellator Season 1 Middleweight Tournament Quarterfinal.
Win	18-2-1 (1)	Dilder Nuts	TKO (suplex and punches)	CFC 7: Battle at the Big Top	02009-02-20February 20, 2009	1	0:20	Sydney, Australia	Defended CFC Middleweight Championship.
Win	17-2-1 (1)	Brian Ebersole	Submission (knee injury)	Cage Fighting Championship 5	02008-09-12September 12, 2008	4	1:56	Sydney, Australia	Defended CFC Middleweight Championship.
Win	16-2-1 (1)	Fabiano Capoani	KO (elbows)	Cage Fighting Championship 4	02008-05-23May 23, 2008	2	0:23	Sydney, Australia	Defended CFC Middleweight Championship.
Win	15-2-1 (1)	Tristan Yunker	KO (knees)	Cage Fighting Championship 3	02008-02-15February 15, 2008	1	3:10	Sydney, Australia	Defended CFC Middleweight Championship.
Win	14-2-1 (1)	Damir Mihajlovic	Decision (unanimous)	Serbia vs. Australia	02007-12-21December 21, 2007	3	5:00	Australia
Win	13-2-1 (1)	Jean-François Lenogue	Decision (unanimous)	Cage Fighting Championship 2	02007-11-23November 23, 2007	3	5:00	Sydney, Australia	Won inaugural CFC Middleweight Championship.
Win	12-2-1 (1)	Tatsuya Kurisu	KO (punches & soccer kick)	X-Agon 2	02007-11-02November 2, 2007	1	0:48	Sydney, Australia
vDraw	11-2-1 (1)	Kyle Noke	Draw	Cage Fighting Championship 1	02007-07-28July 28, 2007	3	5:00	Sydney, Australia
Win	11-2 (1)	Fabio Galeb	KO (punch)	Oceania Fighting Championships	02007-05-19May 19, 2007	1	3:24	Sydney, Australia
Win	10-2 (1)	Yusaku Tsukumo	Decision (unanimous)	Warriors Realm 9	02007-05-12May 12, 2007	3	5:00	Queensland, Australia
Win	9-2 (1)	James Te-Huna	Verbal Submission (injury)	Warriors Realm 8	02007-03-23March 23, 2007	1	3:50	Sydney, Australia
Win	8-2 (1)	Eiji Ishikawa	KO (punch)	DEEP: 28th Impact	02007-02-16February 16, 2007	1	0:50	Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
Loss	7-2 (1)	Gegard Mousasi	Decision (unanimous)	Pride Bushido 13	02006-11-05November 5, 2006	2	5:00	Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan	PRIDE 2006 Welterweight Grand Prix Alternate Bout.
Win	7-1 (1)	Jae Young Kim	Submission (armbar)	Spirit MC 9: Welterweight Grand Prix Opening	02006-10-08October 8, 2006	1	1:36	Seoul, South Korea
Win	6-1 (1)	Michael Ravenscroft	Decision (unanimous)	Dojo KO: Second Elimination	02006-07-22July 22, 2006	3	5:00	Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Loss	5-1 (1)	Akihiro Gono	Decision (unanimous)	Pride Bushido 11	02006-04-04April 4, 2006	2	5:00	Saitama, Saitama, Japan	PRIDE 2006 Welterweight Grand Prix Opening Round.
Win	5-0 (1)	Mathew Toa	Submission (armbar)	Ultimate Promotions: Total Termination	02006-04-01April 1, 2006	1	0:36	Queensland, Australia
Win	4-0 (1)	Daiju Takase	KO (punch)	X-plosion 13	02006-03-18March 18, 2006	1	4:40	Queensland, Australia
Win	3-0 (1)	David Frendin	KO (punch)	Xtreme Fighting Championships 10	02006-03-03March 3, 2006	1	0:52	Queensland, Australia	Won inaugural XFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
Win	2-0 (1)	Adam Bourke	Submission (toe hold)	XFC 9: Lightweight GP	02005-11-26November 26, 2005	1	1:44	Queensland, Australia
NC	1-0 (1)	Chris Brown	NC (accidental headbutt)	Warriors Realm 3	02005-03-12March 12, 2005	1	N/A	Brisbane, Australia	Brown was knocked out by an accidental headbutt.
Win	1-0	Michael Grunindike	Decision (unanimous)	Spartan Reality Fight 11	02004-09-26September 26, 2004	2	5:00	Queensland, Australia

Modified Rules: Fight Record[link]

Result	Record	Opponent	Method	Event	Date	Rd.	Time	Location	Notes
Win	3-0	Aaron Boyes	KO	Xplosion 18	2008-03-29	2		Sydney, Australia	X-Rules
Win	2-0	Daniel Patterson	Decision (Unanimous)	Prosecution 2	2007-06-15	3		Melbourne, Australia	Muay Thai
Win	1-0	Ronnie Najjar	Decision (Unanimous)	Fight Force Event at QBH	2007-03-04	3		Melbourne, Australia	Muay Thai

References[link]

External links[link]

• Professional MMA record for Hector Lombard from Sherdog
• Bellator profile

Mirko Filipović
Born	Mirko Filipović (1974-09-10) September 10, 1974 (age 37) Vinkovci, Croatia
Other names	Cro Cop
Residence	Zagreb, Croatia
Nationality	Croatian
Height	1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Weight	235 lb (107 kg; 16 st 11 lb)
Division	Heavyweight
Reach	73 in (185 cm)
Style	Kickboxing, Boxing and Taekwondo
Stance	Southpaw
Fighting out of	Zagreb, Croatia
Team	Cro Cop Squad Gym[1] Tigar Gym Vos Gym
Trainer	Ivan Hippolyte
Rank	Black belt in Taekwondo Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Years active	1996–2003, 2012-present (Kickboxing) 2001–2011 (MMA)
Kickboxing record
Total	25
Wins	18
By knockout	12
Losses	7
By knockout	4
Mixed martial arts record
Total	40
Wins	27
By knockout	20
By submission	4
By decision	3
Losses	10
By knockout	5
By submission	2
By decision	3
Draws	2
No contests	1
Amateur boxing record
Total	45
Wins	40
By knockout	31
Losses	5
Other information
Occupation	Law enforcement officer, politician
Spouse	Klaudija
Website	http://www.mirko-crocop.com/
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
last updated on: November 08, 2009

Mirko Filipović (Croatian pronunciation: [mîrkÉ” fÇ?Ë?lipÉ”Ë?Ê‹itÉ•]; (born September 10, 1974) is a Croatian heavyweight kickboxer, and retired mixed martial artist, politician, and law enforcement officer. Filipović was a member of the Croatian Parliament from 2003 through 2007 on a list of Social Democratic Party of Croatia. His nickname, Cro Cop, short for "Croatian Cop", comes from his membership in the LuÄ?ko Anti-Terrorist Unit, Croatia's elite Police Special Forces tactical unit.

Filipović has been successful in both K-1 and Pride Fighting Championships. On September 10, 2006, he won the 2006 Pride World Open-Weight Grand Prix, and in 2007 entered the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Filipović owed his MMA success to a combination of elite-level kickboxing and near-impregnable takedown defence, making him one of the most dangerous strikers in MMA history and a prototype for the modern sprawl and brawler. Filipović's signature move was his lightning quick left head-kick, once famously describing his kicks as "right leg, hospital; left leg, cemetery."^[2] His legacy remains as a true legend in Mixed Martial Arts, and one of the greatest heavyweights in mixed martial arts history.^[3][4]

Professional career[link]

A martial arts enthusiast since his youth, Filipović started his professional career in 1996 as a kickboxer, following in the footsteps of his compatriot Branko Cikatić. Before turning pro Filipović had accumulated an amateur boxing record of 40–5 (31 KO's).^[5] At the time, Filipović was working as a commando in the Croatian police anti-terrorist unit Alpha (stationed in LuÄ?ko near Zagreb), which earned him his nickname "Cro Cop". He also fought several times early in his career under the nickname "Tigar" (Croatian for "tiger").^[6] His entrance theme song is The Wild Boys by Duran Duran.

K-1[link]

In 1996, at the age of 22, Filipović entered the K-1 World Grand Prix elimination tournament. After defeating the previous year's finalist, Jérôme Le Banner, Filipović was stopped in the next round by Ernesto Hoost. He returned to K-1 three years later in 1999, knocking out British fighter Ricky "Tank" Nicholson, but subsequently dropped a decision against Swiss fighter, Xhavit Bajrami. Despite this, Filipović was given a wildcard into the world tournament where he shocked the kickboxing world by defeating highly regarded K-1 fighter Mike Bernardo. Filipović went on to knock out Japanese star Musashi and Australian karate fighter Sam Greco on the same night before being stopped again by Hoost. It was later revealed that Filipović actually entered the ring with a broken rib, a result of his previous fights. Filipovic also beat Mr. K1 Peter Aerts.

Filipović continued to have successes in K-1, winning a number of matches against such top ranked opponents as Peter Aerts, Mark Hunt and Remy Bonjasky. He was the first fighter to beat then-undefeated giant, "The Beast" Bob Sapp in 86 seconds, breaking Sapp's zygomatic bone with a left punch. In 2000 he beat karate fighter Glaube Feitosa and boxer Hiromi Amada to reach the finals of the Nagoya Grand Prix, losing by first-round TKO to Mike Bernardo in a rematch. Once again, previously acquired injuries were the major factors in this loss. Filipović actually entered the ring limping on one leg due to injuries sustained in previous bouts. Bernardo repeatedly attacked Filipović's damaged leg and rendered him unable to continue due to injuries. Filipović, however, gained tremendous respect among Japanese fight enthusiasts for his courage and heart. As a finalist he progressed to the final eight for the 2000 Grand Prix, but once again dropped a decision to his nemesis Hoost.

In 2001 he was unexpectedly defeated by Canadian fighter Michael McDonald in the first round. Shortly thereafter, he began a transition to Pride, a Japanese mixed martial arts organization. He fought four more K-1 matches, however, winning each, most notably against Mark Hunt, Remy Bonjasky and Bob Sapp.

Pride FC[link]

In 2001, Filipović began his switch to fighting in Pride, citing personal challenge as well as dissatisfaction with K-1 salaries. A year later, he also left his job at the anti-terrorist unit in order to focus fully on his martial arts career.^{[citation needed]} Since then, Filipović maintained a comparably low kickboxing profile, but nevertheless scored some impressive K-1 victories, most notably against Mark Hunt in March 2002 (unanimous decision), Remy Bonjasky in July 2002 (second round TKO) and Bob Sapp in April 2003 (first round KO).

Following a TKO win over Kazuyuki Fujita in his MMA debut, Filipović made his Pride debut at Pride 17 against Nobuhiko Takada. The bout featured a special rule stating if it went to a decision it would be ruled a draw. Neither fighter was able to stop the other but had the fight been scored, Filipović would've won the decision.

Filipović's next Pride fight was against then-middleweight (205 lb) champion Wanderlei Silva. This bout featured the same rules as the Takada fight and also ended in a draw (although if the fight had been scored again, Wanderlei Silva would've won the decision). On August 28, 2002 Filipović faced Japanese superstar Kazushi Sakuraba at Pride Shockwave. Filipović won after fracturing Sakuraba's orbital bone.

His next fight was a rematch with Fujita at the Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2002 event where he picked up his fourth victory, this time by decision.

Filipović returned to Pride to face heavyweight contender Heath Herring at Pride 26 (June 8, 2003). Filipović defeated Herring decisively, scoring a TKO victory with a left roundhouse body kick to Herring's liver at 3:17 into the fight. His next fight was against Ukrainian striker Igor Vovchanchyn at Pride Total Elimination 2003. Following the powerful kicks of the Herring fight, this fight continued to showcase Filipović's kicking power as he knocked out Vovchanchyn with a head kick 1:29 into the fight. Filipović then defeated Mexican professional wrestler Dos Caras Jr. at Pride Bushido 1, also with a head kick knockout, in 46 seconds.

Filipović's string of Pride wins secured him a chance to fight for the Interim Pride Heavyweight Championship against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira on November 9, 2003. Filipović's stand-up fighting proved effective in the first round, allowing him to control the fight from his feet while defending every takedown attempt Nogueira made, and landing a head-kick at the end of the round. Nogueira, however, prevailed in the second round after finally getting a successful takedown, forcing Filipović to submit to an armbar after being mounted. Filipović admitted to Bas Rutten in a later interview that he was overconfident against Nogueira.

In 2004 Filipović put his K-1 career on hold and recruited Fabricio Werdum (a former world champion in Brazilian jiu-jitsu) as his coach, working on improving his ground fighting skills. He went on to win his next two bouts by KO and TKO at a combined time of only 3:49, against Yoshihisa Yamamoto and 280 lb. Ron Waterman.

Filipović then participated in Pride Total Elimination 2004. In a upset, Filipović was knocked out in the first round by Kevin Randleman. Filipović later submitted Randleman in a rematch at the end of 2004.

Filipović repeatedly requested Pride to let him challenge the heavyweight champion, Fedor Emelianenko. After winning seven straight matches since his loss to Randleman, including a head-kick knockout victory against Alexander Emelianenko (the 6'4", 255 lb (116 kg) brother of the champion) and wins over Josh Barnett, Mark Coleman and Ibragim Magomedov, Filipović received a chance to fight Fedor Emelianenko for the Pride Heavyweight Championship on August 28, 2005 at Pride Final Conflict 2005. After three rounds, Emelianenko won by unanimous decision and retained his title. Filipović later stated on Croatian national television that he came exhausted to the match, mostly because he was not used to the time difference in Japan and he had sleeping problems. He also said many times after the match that he fought too defensively and cautiously. The champion, likewise, was not in his top form. According to Emelianenko he "could not take full advantage of his right hand during the striking exchanges and had to try to close the distance", due to a previous hand injury.

On October 23, 2005, less than two months after the loss to Emelianenko, Filipović stepped back into the ring to rematch open-weight King of Pancrase Josh Barnett. After three rounds Filipović received a unanimous judges' decision victory.

On December 31, 2005, Filipović lost his match against Mark Hunt via split decision. Hunt was the more aggressive fighter, an important criterion in Pride judging. Unusually, Filipović wore shoes for this fight, something that had no precedent. This had led to speculation and statements from his camp about Filipović having sustained injuries to his feet before the fight.^{[citation needed]} Filipović himself has never confirmed these speculations. Filipović also displayed considerable problems with his cardio during his fights with Emelianenko, Barnett and Hunt leading to the speculation that he was much too active and a resting period from the ring would work to his advantage.^{[citation needed]}

Pride Open-Weight Grand Prix Champion[link]

Filipović re-entered the Pride ring, competing in Pride 2006 Open-Weight Grand Prix on May 5, 2006. It was during this tournament that he came up with the quote, "Right leg, hospital; left leg, cemetery". His first match at the Pride Total Elimination Absolute event was against Ikuhisa Minowa, the lighter but highly acclaimed professional wrestler and mixed martial artist. Filipović won by TKO 1:10 into the fight. On July 1, 2006 at Pride Critical Countdown Absolute, Filipović defeated 1992 Olympic judo gold medalist Hidehiko Yoshida by technical knockout (leg kicks) in the first round to move on to the semi-finals.

On September 10, 2006, Filipović won the Open-Weight Grand Prix at Pride Final Conflict Absolute. In the semi-finals, Filipović knocked out then-Pride Middleweight Champion Wanderlei Silva with his trademark left high kick. In the final match, Filipović won a third victory over Josh Barnett, who submitted after sustaining an eye injury. With these two victories, Filipović became the Pride Open-Weight Grand Prix Champion, the first widely recognized championship belt he has ever won. In a post-fight interview with Frank Trigg, Filipović stated if he had not won the tournament, it would have been his last night fighting. The night was also his birthday, and Filipović dedicated winning the tournament to his deceased father.

Ultimate Fighting Championship[link]

After his victory at the Open-Weight Grand Prix, a rematch between Filipović and Fedor Emelianenko failed to materialize and on December 12, 2006 Filipović pulled out of the New Year's Eve event, citing both a foot injury and Emelianenko's commitment to meet Mark Hunt at the card in question. Through his official website, Filipović revealed "I still can't kick like I want to. It's the best that we give more time to this injury to heal. I want to be in perfect shape for my next fights."^[7] Also in December 2006, rumors began to surface about Filipović entertaining offers from other mixed martial arts organizations; the Ultimate Fighting Championship was one of the promotions that Filipović confirmed came forward with an offer.^[8] Rumors continued to circulate about Filipović's future with the Pride FC organization and soon media websites were reporting that Filipović had chosen the UFC for his future.^[9]

UFC president Dana White and the UFC officially announced on December 30, 2006 during the post-UFC 66 press conference, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, that Filipović had signed a two-year, six-fight deal with the Las Vegas-based mixed martial arts promoter. It was also announced that Filipović would make his UFC debut on February 3, 2007 at UFC 67 in Las Vegas against Eddie Sanchez, promoting him under the name Mirko "Cro Cop" alternatively with and without quotation marks. Filipović defeated Sanchez in the first round via TKO. Filipović entered the octagon under the Pride FC theme.

On April 21, 2007, Filipović faced Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 70 in Manchester, England. At 4:51 of round one, Gonzaga won with a head kick knockout. Filipović has stated since that the elbows on the ground confused and damaged him enough that he was disoriented after the stand up, contributing to the subsequent knock-out. During the fall to the canvas, Filipović suffered a minor injury to his ankle and a ligament was detached in his knee.^[10]

Filipović's next fight was on September 8, 2007 at UFC 75 against French kickboxer Cheick Kongo where he lost via unanimous decision. In a post-fight interview upon his return home, Filipović stated that he cracked a rib during the fight and that the three illegal knees to the groin he received also cost him some strength. Filipović trained with Remy Bonjasky and Gilbert Yvel, and 2003 Abu Dhabi Combat Club champion grappler Dean Lister for this fight. Lister joined Filipović at his home town for a month to train for this upcoming bout.^[11] Filipović's coach was Vos Gym's main trainer and muay thai practitioner Ivan "Hydro" Hippolyte. According to his home page,^[12] Marijan Žižanović is the new head coach again, since October 1, 2007. Žižanović was his K-1 trainer.

In September 2007, Filipović underwent nose surgery for a deviated septum.

Dream[link]

On February 12, 2008, Filipović announced a visit to Japan on his blog.^[13] With the foundation of the new MMA event, 'Dream', co-established by FEG running K-1 Hero's and the former Yarennoka! organizing committee members which had managed Pride FC, Filipović officiates ending his career in UFC and the participation into the new event.^[14]

After much speculation and many possible rumoured opponents, (including Yoshihiro Nakao and Dong Sik Yoon), Fight Entertainment Group confirmed on March 11, 2008 that Filipović would face Tatsuya Mizuno at Dream 1 on March 15, 2008 at Saitama Arena, in Japan.^[15]

When asked about the Croatian's current contract status with the UFC and whether it would interfere with his participation in 'Dream' events, Dream producer and front man Keiichi Sasahara said, "Though I can't share specific details about his contract, there will not be any foreseeable problems arising."^[16]

Filipović was vague in answering the question himself, qualifying his response by mentioning his intent to return to the UFC sometime in the future.

"Well, as you all know, I had a bad period in my last two fights, which I'd lost in the UFC," Filipović said. "I don't want anyone to think that I'm running away from the UFC, but I was thinking a lot about how to continue with my career, and I think in this moment, I think Dream is the right place for me."^[16]

"Another thing is that I never liked fighting in the cage. I always liked to fight in the ring. The second thing is that I liked fighting in Japan. Japan is like my second home—I feel like I'm home in Japan. All those reasons [have brought me] here, and I'm very happy that I'm going to fight here in Japan. But of course, one day, I don't know when, but definitely I'll be back in the UFC to show that it was just a bad period for me. Now I'm fully recovered, physically and mentally, most important mentally."^[16]

On March 15, 2008 he defeated Tatsuya Mizuno by TKO in the 1st round at Dream 1.

His next fight was scheduled to be against Jerome Le Banner at Dream 5, after being rescheduled once due to Filipović sustaining a minor leg injury. However, it was later announced by Filipović himself on his webpage that he would be unable to fight due to his elbow injury worsening and needing surgery. Filipović underwent successful arthroscopic elbow repair in early July.

Filipović's next fight was against Alistair Overeem at Dream 6 on September 23, 2008.^[17] After almost half of the first round saw Overeem takedown Filipović twice and the two fighters exchanging stand-up and ground strikes (with Filipović sustaining a cut) the bout was stopped and declared a no contest due to Overeem landing multiple knees to the groin of Filipović. Filipović stated after the match that he had wanted to continue to fight, as evident by his remaining in the ring, but the ringside doctor would not allow him to continue. Filipović's manager stated that the injury was not serious and that a rematch as soon as possible was sought. Filipović said that he was planning for a long fight and a KO towards the end. He expressed frustration and quoted "I'm angry it ended this way, it seemed as if he was the dominant one, however I wasn't in trouble for a second and was waiting for my opportunities. I prepared very well because I thought the match could last a while. I thought I would knock him down in the end."^[18][19] However, in the recording of the fight, Filipović's corner relayed to the announcers that his right testicle had been lodged inside of his body and that he could not continue. He later limped out of the arena.

Filipović defeated the 30 cm taller and 50 kg heavier opponent from Korea, Choi Hong-man, on December 31 at FieLDS Dynamite!! 2008. The winning leg kick was to the back side of his opponent's left knee and resulted in a TKO win for Filipović. After the fight, Filipović announced that he would have a medical procedure carried out on his injured knee.

Return to the UFC[link]

Mirko Filipović defeated Patrick Barry by Submission due to a rear naked choke at UFC 115 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

On May 18 Filipović issued a press release on his official website and his MMAid account stating his scheduled return to the UFC. His first match upon returning was at UFC 99 in Germany against Mostapha Al-turk. During the bout, Filipović knocked down Al-Turk with punches within the first round, then allowed him to stand. The fight ended when Filipović finished Al-turk with a flurry of punches.

After the one-fight agreement with the UFC, it was announced Filipović was scheduled to return to Dream to face Siala "Mighty Mo" Siliga on July 20 at Dream.10.^[20] On July 3, 2009 however, it was reported that he might have re-signed with the UFC after getting an offer "he couldn't refuse" by UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta who personally flew to Filipović's residence in Zagreb.^[21] It was later confirmed at the UFC Fan Expo by Fertitta that Filipović had indeed signed a three fight contract with the UFC.^[22]

Filipović fought Up and coming striker Junior dos Santos at UFC 103. During the third round, Filipović sustained a punch to his left eye that caused him to wave his hand at the referee saying "I can't see". The fight was stopped due to submission, giving Dos Santos the win. After the fight, Filipović showed signs of frustration, stating, "I don't feel the hunger anymore. I started playing it safe, I'm not ready to take risks."^[23] A few days later, Filipović seemed more upbeat, and looked to continue his career, saying fighting is the only life he knows, and at least wants to honor the last two fights on his UFC contract. He was quoted as saying, "I did a few things wrong in training and in preparation for the Dos Santos fight, and will find the motivation and strength needed to come back".

Since then, Filipović has hired legendary former Muay Thai champion Ivan Hippolyte and revamped his whole training team. The source went on to say "After the defeat by Dos Santos, Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic has announced drastic changes in the training methods and composition of Team CroCop. Marjan Zizanovic is no longer his boxing coach. Instead, Cro Cop is now working with the Dutch Muay Thai legend Ivan Hippolyte, who these days resides in Zagreb. Filipović will combine training at his own facility with visits to the Netherlands where he can train with top-notch sparring partners. Igor Pokrajac, Cro Cop’s long-time friend and sparring partner, is also no longer in Filipović's team. Pokrajac continues his career with the UFC, but is no longer training with Filipović although the pair remain on good terms."

Filipović was scheduled to face Ben Rothwell on February 21, 2010 at UFC 110.^[24] Just days before the fight, Rothwell was forced to withdraw from the event because of an illness.^[25] Australian fighter Anthony Perosh stepped in to replace Rothwell.^[26]

During the fight, Filipović dominated for two rounds before opening a cut on Perosh's forehead which forced a doctor stoppage before the third round and awarded the TKO win to Filipović. Filipović fought despite receiving a cut in training that required stitches.^[27]

Filipović next fought against fellow former Kickboxer Pat Barry at UFC 115 in Vancouver, Canada. After being knocked down twice to the canvas in the first round by Barry's strikes, he won the second round after utilizing his ground game. The third round saw Filipović open up with a head kick followed by an axe kick to Barry's head. He ended the fight with a strong flurry, dropping Barry against the cage where he continued his assault with numerous punches to the face. He then took his back and defeated Barry by rear naked choke, earning him Submission of the Night honors which Mirko had joked to Dana White and the crowd earlier that he deserved it.

Prior to the Barry fight, Filipović was detained by Canadian officials, who threatened to deport him. He revealed that the Canadian officials had asked for details of his activities in the Lucko ATJ (anti-terrorist unit) that he had joined a few years after the Croatian War of Independence. Filipović was held for a total of six hours, across two days.^[28]

Filipović faced former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir on September 25, 2010 at UFC 119, replacing an injured Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira.^[29] There was a brief scare the weekend before the fight when Cro Cop suffered an eye injury in Croatia during his final day of training, but upon arrival in the U.S., was medically cleared to compete.^[30] It was a largely uneventful fight in which both fighters stayed on their feet. Neither fighter managed to deliver any significant damage to the other until Filipović was defeated by Mir at 4:02 of the third round by knockout due to a knee strike to the head. In a later interview for a Croatian television station Cro Cop stated that he suffered a disc herniation three weeks before the fight with Mir. He decided not to inform the UFC about this injury because he believed it would seem as if he was trying to pull out of the fight.^[31]

Filipović was defeated by Ultimate Fighter alumni Brendan Schaub on March 19, 2011 at UFC 128: Shogun vs. Jones by way of knockout at 3:44 of the third round. Shortly after the knockout loss to Schaub, Dana White stated that Filipović is most likely retiring. Since this time, Dana White has appeared to have had a change of heart. In a recent interview White said "This guy wants to fight again, and I owe him another fight." White also added "Do I think he should have retired? Yeah," White said. "But I don't think he's in one of these situations like Chuck Liddell, who needed to retire right then. He's a man, a grown man, and if he wants to continue to fight, that's his right." ^[32]

In his last fight with the UFC, Filipović was defeated by Roy Nelson at UFC 137 by TKO due to punches in round 3. Even though he looked to be in good physical condition for the fight, he still did not look like the same fighter from his days in PRIDE FC. In an interview to a Croatian television station Filipović revealed that he suffered an arm injury in training 10 days before the fight. Filipović said the injury came as a result of him sparring with Pat Barry and that the doctors told him he had to go into surgery because a tendon had separated from a bone, but he refused. Filipović decided to go through with the fight without informing the UFC officials about his injury.^[31]

Retirement from the UFC and return to kickboxing roots[link]

After the loss to Roy Nelson, Filipović said farewell, stating "I was treated like a king from the beginning. It's in my best interest that this is my farewell fight, thanks everybody." Saying farewell and leaving the cage for the final time.

However, he then stated in an interview that he has not completely retired, but that his days with the UFC, and possibly MMA, are now finished. He announced that he would return to kickboxing to fight at Final Fight : Cro Cop vs Sefo at the Zagreb Arena in Zagreb, Croatia on March 10, 2012.^[33] Mirko defeated Ray Sefo by Unanimous Decision. At the moment he is thinking of participating in K-1 tournament this year, with a big wish to win the contest.^[34]

K-1 Grand Prix 2012[link]

Filipović fought on May 27, 2012 at K-1 Rising 2012 ~ K-1 World MAX Final 16 ~ in Madrid against Loren Javier Jorge, winning by knockout in the second round and advancing to the next round of the Grand Prix.

Personal life[link]

Filipović was born in the village of Privlaka in Vinkovci, Croatia, the son of Žarko and Ana Filipović.^[35]

Filipović and his wife Klaudija have a son named Ivan.^[36] The couple had their second child, a son named Filip on November 22, 2010.^[37]

On his UFC profile, Filipović lists his father as his hero.^[38]

Filipović developed a friendship with Patrick Barry following their fight at UFC 115. Barry frequently trains with Filipović at his training center in Zagreb.

Film career[link]

Filipović starred in the 2005 action film Ultimate Force as Axon Rey.

Championships and accomplishments[link]

[edit] Mixed martial arts

• Pride Fighting Championships
  • 2006 Pride World Open-Weight Grand Prix Champion
  • Most head kicks knockouts in Pride history (4)

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • Submission of the Night (One time) vs. Pat Barry

• Sherdog
  • Knockout of the Year (2006) vs. Wanderlei Silva on September 10 ^[39]

• Fight Matrix
  • Fight of the Year (2005) vs. Fedor Emelianenko on August 28 ^[40]

• MMAFighting
  • Fight of the Year (2003) vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira on November 9^[41]
  • Fight of the Year (2005) vs. Fedor Emelianenko on August 28^[41]
  • Knockout of the Year (2006) vs. Wanderlei Silva on September 10^[41]
  • Heavyweight Fighter of the Year (2006) ^[41]

• Black Belt Magazine
  • 2003 Full-Contact Fighter of the Year^[42]

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
  • 2006 Most Outstanding Fighter

[edit] Kickboxing

• K-1
  • K-1 World Grand Prix 1999 Runner Up
  • K-1 World Grand Prix 2000 in Fukuoka Runner Up
  • K-1 Braves '99 3rd Place
• International Kick-Boxing Federation
  • IKBF World Heavyweight Full Contact Champion

Mixed martial arts record[link]

Kickboxing record[link]

Kickboxing Record

18 Wins (12 (T)KO's, 6 Decisions), 7 Losses (4 (T)KO's, 3 Decisions) Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time Record 2012-05-27 Win Loren Javier Jorge K-1 World MAX 2012 World Championship Tournament Final 16 Madrid, Spain KO (Left uppercut) 2 2:23 18–7 2012-03-10 Win Ray Sefo Final Fight : Cro Cop vs Sefo Zagreb, Croatia Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00 17–7 2003-04-30 Win Bob Sapp K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 in Saitama Saitama, Japan KO (Left punch) 1 1:26 16–7 2002-06-14 Win Remy Bonjasky K-1 World Grand Prix 2002 in Fukuoka Fukuoka, Japan TKO (Referee Stoppage) 2 2:06 15–7 2002-03-03 Win Mark Hunt K-1 World Grand Prix 2002 in Nagoya Nagoya, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 5 3:00 14–7 2002-01-27 Win Ryushi Yanagisawa K-1 Rising 2002 Shizuoka, Japan TKO (Doctor Stoppage) 1 2:44 13–7 2001-06-16 Loss Michael McDonald K-1 World Grand Prix 2001 in Melbourne Melbourne, Australia TKO (Referee Stoppage) 1 1:24 12–7 2001-03-17 Win Peter Aerts K-1 Gladiators 2001 Yokohama, Japan Decision (Majority) 5 3:00 12–6 2001-01-30 Win Tatsufumi Tomihara K-1 Rising 2001 Matsuyama, Japan TKO (Referee Stoppage) 2 2:55 11–6 2000-12-10 Loss Ernesto Hoost K-1 World Grand Prix 2000 Final Tokyo, Japan Ext.R Decision (Unanimous) 4 3:00 10–6 2000-10-09 Loss Mike Bernardo K-1 World Grand Prix 2000 in Fukuoka Fukuoka, Japan TKO (Corner Stoppage) 1 1:07 10–5 Fight was for the K-1 World Grand Prix 2000 in Fukuoka title. 2000-10-09 Win Hiromi Amada K-1 World Grand Prix 2000 in Fukuoka Fukuoka, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00 10–4 2000-10-09 Win Glaube Feitosa K-1 World Grand Prix 2000 in Fukuoka Fukuoka, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00 9–4 2000-09-01 Win Stuart Green K-1 Grand Prix Europe 2000 Zagreb, Croatia TKO (High Kick) 2 2:51 8–4 2000-06-03 Loss Andy Hug K-1 Fight Night 2000 Zurich, Switzerland Decision (Unanimous) 5 3:00 7–4 Fight was for the WKA World Muay Thai Super Heavyweight title. 2000-03-19 Win Hiromi Amada K-1 Burning 2000 Yokohama, Japan KO (Left Punch) 4 2:51 7–3 1999-12-05 Loss Ernesto Hoost K-1 Grand Prix 1999 Final Final Tokyo, Japan KO (Body Shot) 3 1:13 6–3 Fight was for K-1 Grand Prix 1999 title. 1999-12-05 Win Sam Greco K-1 Grand Prix 1999 Final Semi Finals Tokyo, Japan TKO (Referee Stoppage) 2 2:50 6–2 1999-12-05 Win Musashi K-1 Grand Prix 1999 Final Quarter Finals Tokyo, Japan TKO (Referee Stoppage) 2 1:09 5–2 1999-10-05 Win Mike Bernardo K-1 World Grand Prix '99 Opening Round Osaka, Japan TKO (Referee Stoppage) 1 1:20 4–2 Qualifies for K-1 Grand Prix 1999 Final. 1999-06-20 Loss Xhavit Bajrami K-1 Braves '99 Semi Finals Fukuoka, Japan Ext.R Decision (Unanimous) 4 3:00 3–2 1999-06-20 Win Ricky Nickolson K-1 Braves '99 Quarter Finals Fukuoka, Japan KO (High Kick) 1 1:20 3–1 1999-04-25 Win Jan Nortje K-1 Revenge '99 Yokohama, Japan KO (Left Hook) 4 1:58 2–1 1996-05-06 Loss Ernesto Hoost K-1 Grand Prix 1996 Final Quarter Finals Yokohama, Japan KO (Low Kick) 3 1:27 1–1 1996-03-10 Win Jérôme Le Banner K-1 Grand Prix '96 Opening Battle Yokohama, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 5 3:00 1–0 Qualifies for K-1 Grand Prix 1996 Final. Legend:       Win       Loss       Draw/No contest       Notes