Cro Cop News 2015: A Year of Highlights and Achievements
2015 was a year filled with memorable moments for Croatian MMA star, Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic. Known for his striking prowess and iconic headbutt knockout, Cro Cop had quite the journey throughout the year. Let’s delve into the key events and milestones that made 2015 a special year for the Croatian legend.
January: The Return to the Octagon
After a hiatus from the UFC, Cro Cop made a highly anticipated return to the octagon in January 2015. He faced Brazilian fighter, Thiago Silva, at UFC 183. The fight was a classic battle of styles, with Cro Cop showcasing his striking skills and Silva relying on his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In the end, it was a split decision win for Cro Cop, marking his return to the UFC with a victory.
February: A New Era Begins
Following his UFC 183 win, Cro Cop faced a new challenge in February 2015. He took on the highly regarded Brazilian fighter, Glover Teixeira, at UFC 189. The fight was a highly anticipated showdown, with both fighters boasting impressive knockout records. In a thrilling battle, Cro Cop emerged victorious via a technical knockout in the second round, solidifying his status as a top contender in the heavyweight division.
March: The Road to Glory
March 2015 saw Cro Cop facing off against another Brazilian powerhouse, Fabricio Werdum, at UFC 191. The fight was a highly anticipated matchup, with both fighters having a history of dominant performances. In a battle of wills, Cro Cop was able to secure a split decision win, further cementing his reputation as a top heavyweight fighter.
After the win, Cro Cop faced a tough decision regarding his next opponent. He had the option to face the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, Stipe Miocic, or challenge for the Interim UFC heavyweight championship against Mark Hunt. Ultimately, he chose to challenge for the Interim title against Hunt.
April: The Interim Title Chase
In April 2015, Cro Cop faced Mark Hunt at UFC 186. The fight was a highly anticipated showdown, with both fighters boasting impressive knockout records. In a thrilling battle, Cro Cop was able to secure a technical knockout win in the second round, becoming the Interim UFC heavyweight champion.
May: The Title Defense
After winning the Interim title, Cro Cop faced his first title defense against Andrei Arlovski at UFC 187. The fight was a highly anticipated matchup, with both fighters having a history of dominant performances. In a battle of styles, Cro Cop was able to secure a split decision win, successfully defending his Interim UFC heavyweight championship.
June: The Road to the Title
June 2015 saw Cro Cop facing off against Stipe Miocic at UFC 190. The fight was a highly anticipated showdown, with both fighters having a history of impressive knockout performances. In a thrilling battle, Cro Cop was able to secure a technical knockout win in the second round, becoming the number one contender for the UFC heavyweight championship.
July: The Title Shot
In July 2015, Cro Cop faced the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, Stipe Miocic, at UFC 193. The fight was a highly anticipated showdown, with both fighters having a history of impressive knockout performances. In a thrilling battle, Cro Cop was able to secure a technical knockout win in the second round, becoming the new UFC heavyweight champion.
August: The Reign Begins
After becoming the new UFC heavyweight champion, Cro Cop faced his first title defense against Alistair Overeem at UFC 194. The fight was a highly anticipated showdown, with both fighters having a history of impressive knockout performances. In a thrilling battle, Cro Cop was able to secure a technical knockout win in the second round, successfully defending his UFC heavyweight championship.
September: The Road Ahead
September 2015 saw Cro Cop facing off against Junior dos Santos at UFC 195. The fight was a highly anticipated showdown, with both fighters having a history of impressive knockout performances. In a thrilling battle, Cro Cop was able to secure a technical knockout win in the second round, successfully defending his UFC heavyweight championship for the third time.
October: The Legacy Continues
October 2015 saw Cro Cop facing off against Fabricio Werdum at UFC 205. The fight was a highly anticipated showdown, with both fighters having a history of impressive knockout performances.