CroCop will be fighting @UFC 66 !!!!!!!

[markriley]

TweetFrom sherdog.com

"Wednesday, December 27, 2006
by Sherdog.com Staff

The Ultimate Fighting Championship is expected to introduce Croatian heavyweight Mirko Filipovic (Pictures) as its newest acquisition during the Dec. 30 UFC 66 pay-per-view card, Sherdog.com learned Wednesday afternoon.

A star in the competitive PRIDE Fighting Championships' heavyweight division from Nov. 2001 through Sept. 2006 — when "Cro Cop" captured PRIDE's Open-Weight Grand Prix crown — Filipovic is slated to make his Octagon debut against Southern California's Eddie Sanchez, a source close to Sanchez said.

Widely recognized as the best heavyweight mixed martial artist in the world behind Russian Fedor Emelianenko (Pictures), "Cro Cop" has amassed in impressive 21-4-2 record, including recent triumphs over Wanderlei Silva (Pictures) and Josh Barnett (Pictures) in the GP to cap off his Fighter of the Year-caliber performance.

Undefeated in six fights, Sanchez made his UFC debut on short notice as part of the Hughes-Penn II undercard and stopped Mario Neto. The heavyweight's other contests, all of which he won before the bell, took place in King of the Cage and Total Combat."

Finally the UFC fans will get to see a real fighter. CroCop will change the UFC like no one ever has. I am an admitted Pride nut hugger but this may change my mind about the UFC.

CroCop by WTFHW(whatever the f--k he wants).

[cbr929]

TweetSey hello to the new HW champ! He will dominate no question!!

[ottorotvic]

TweetI can't wait! They should pay Fedor whatever price he asks and get him in UFC too. Pride definitely has the best heavyweights.

[jipped genes]

Tweethe will chop tim silvia down with his wicked kicks and take the belt

[cbr929]

Tweet

I can't wait! They should pay Fedor whatever price he asks and get him in UFC too. Pride definitely has the best heavyweights.

See I don't understand how they even got crocop cause I know the UFC doesn't pay nealry as much as pride!

[T-Man007]

Tweet

See I don't understand how they even got crocop cause I know the UFC doesn't pay nealry as much as pride!

Publicity! Just look at the numbers, UFC is way more popular in the USA. This will get him more exposure and maybe he wants to see how he really measures up. The biggest thing I think Pride fighters find difficult to deal with is the cage. They don't know how to work with it or get away from it as well. And, they deffinately aren't used to being slammed into one. So, it will be an interesting fight. Plus, and no matter how good you are, it's the opposing teams home. It's always more intemidating to fight on neutral ground. Think of fights when you were a kid. I used to get into alot of them and I never once ever lost a fight in my own yard, ever! It's the same with most sports, home field advantage, different atmosphere, different ring, different crowd, there's a lot of variables there. Of course, I'm not defending Tim Silva, I'm just saying that it seems like most guys who come over to the UFC from Pride, lose. I haven't watched every single fight, but the ones I have watched, that's the outcome. So, we will see if he's really as tough as he thinks or if Tim Silva is over-rated. Only one way to find out.

[markriley]

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See I don't understand how they even got crocop cause I know the UFC doesn't pay nealry as much as pride!

Crocop is arguably the most exciting fighter ever. I am sure the UFC will compensate him quite handsomely.

What ever he asks for will be a good investment for the UFC. He will not only make UFC more entertaining with his preformances, bringing in many new fans and followers, he will also bring a portion of Pride's fans to the UFC side.

It is a win win for UFC.

[jipped genes]

Tweet

See I don't understand how they even got crocop cause I know the UFC doesn't pay nealry as much as pride!

there are for more endorsements with the UFC due to its popularity here in the USA. Chuck may get $200k for a fight in the UFC but triples that with endorsements if he wins.

also crocop cant beat fedor but he feels he can own any UFC HW

[markriley]

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Chuck may get $200k for a fight in the UFC but triples that with endorsements if he wins.

I don't have a source right now to quote but I believe Crocop is getting $500,000 a fight in Pride. He is rumored to be one of the best negotiators in MMA. They say he gets what he wants and deservedly so.

also crocop cant beat fedor but he feels he can own any UFC HW

Very true. Crocop will probably not be able to beat Fedor but has the skills to become world champion via the UFC.

[markriley]

TweetSorry if I mislead anyone. I don't believe CroCop is actually fighting in the show. I think UFC is just announcing the upcoming fight.

Again, I apologize for this misunderstanding.

[T-Man007]

TweetI knew he wasn't fighting, but I figured you would figure it out eventually.