Background of the Fight
Cro Cop vs Pat Barry was a highly anticipated fight that took place on November 19, 2011, at the UFC on Fox: Evans vs. Davis event. Both fighters were known for their striking prowess and had a history of impressive performances in the octagon. Cro Cop, a Croatian kickboxer turned mixed martial artist, was known for his lethal head kicks and knockout power. Pat Barry, an American heavyweight, was known for his knockout power and knockout ratio. The fight was a battle of styles and was widely regarded as one of the best heavyweight fights in UFC history.
The Build-Up
The build-up to the fight was intense. Both fighters were confident in their abilities and had a lot riding on the outcome. Cro Cop had been on a three-fight winning streak leading up to the fight, with his last win coming against Mark Hunt. Pat Barry, on the other hand, had been on a two-fight losing streak, with his last loss coming against Alistair Overeem. The fight was seen as a potential career-defining moment for both fighters.
The Fight
The fight started with a bang. Both fighters came out aggressive, looking to land the first strike. Cro Cop landed a series of head kicks, but Barry was able to absorb them and counter with a powerful left hook. The fight was a back-and-forth affair, with both fighters landing significant strikes. However, it was Cro Cop who seemed to have the upper hand, landing more clean shots and controlling the pace of the fight.
| Round | Cro Cop | Pat Barry |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 1 |
| 2 | 3 | 2 |
| 3 | 4 | 3 |
As the fight progressed, Barry started to show signs of fatigue. Cro Cop continued to land clean shots, and Barry was struggling to keep up. In the third round, Cro Cop landed a series of head kicks that sent Barry to the canvas. Barry was able to recover and continue the fight, but it was clear that the fight was in Cro Cop’s favor.
The Finish
In the final round, Cro Cop continued to dominate. He landed a series of head kicks and punches that left Barry defenseless. With less than a minute remaining in the round, Cro Cop landed a powerful head kick that sent Barry to the canvas for the second time. This time, Barry was unable to recover, and the referee stepped in to stop the fight. Cro Cop had won the fight via knockout in the third round.
The Aftermath
The fight was widely praised by fans and critics alike. Many considered it one of the best heavyweight fights in UFC history. Cro Cop’s performance was particularly impressive, as he showed great skill and determination throughout the fight. Barry, despite losing the fight, was also praised for his effort and resilience.
The fight had a lasting impact on both fighters’ careers. Cro Cop continued to be a dominant force in the heavyweight division, while Barry struggled to find his way back to the top. However, the fight remains a memorable moment in both of their careers and is often cited as a classic example of a high-level heavyweight fight.