Background of the Rivalry
Cro Cop vs Schaub is a legendary matchup that has captivated the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) for years. Both fighters have made their mark in the sport, with Cro Cop, also known as Mirko Filipovic, and Schaub, or Alistair Overeem, being two of the most dominant heavyweights in the history of MMA.
Cro Cop: The Croatian Sensation
Mirko Filipovic, better known as Cro Cop, is a Croatian mixed martial artist and kickboxer. He is renowned for his striking prowess, particularly his lethal high kicks. Cro Cop’s career has been marked by a series of impressive victories, including a notable win over Fedor Emelianenko in Pride FC. His striking ability has earned him a reputation as one of the best in the world, and he has faced off against many of the top heavyweights in the sport.
Schaub: The Dutch Destroyer
Alistair Overeem, also known as Schaub, is a Dutch mixed martial artist and kickboxer. He is a former K-1 World Grand Prix Champion and has held multiple titles in various organizations, including Strikeforce and DREAM. Overeem is known for his powerful striking and wrestling skills, making him a formidable opponent for anyone in the heavyweight division.
The Matchup: A Tale of Two Legends
The Cro Cop vs Schaub matchup was one of the most anticipated fights in MMA history. Both fighters had a reputation for being dominant in their respective organizations, and the fight promised to be a showcase of their incredible skills. The fight took place on June 5, 2010, at the DREAM.16 event in Saitama, Japan.
The Build-Up
Leading up to the fight, both fighters engaged in a war of words, with each claiming superiority over the other. Cro Cop, known for his fiery personality, called Schaub a “paper tiger” and vowed to end his reign as the DREAM heavyweight champion. Schaub, on the other hand, remained calm and confident, dismissing Cro Cop’s claims and focusing on his own strengths.
The Fight: A Battle of the Legends
The fight began with a bang, as both fighters traded high kicks early on. Cro Cop landed a series of powerful shots, but Schaub was able to absorb the blows and counter with his own striking. The fight was a back-and-forth affair, with both fighters showcasing their striking and wrestling skills.
| Round | Cro Cop | Schaub |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Land several high kicks | Counter with knees and punches |
| 2 | Strikes land, but Schaub remains composed | Overeem lands a knee to the head |
| 3 | Cro Cop struggles to find his range | Schaub lands a series of punches |
As the fight progressed, Schaub began to take control, landing a series of punches and knees that began to take a toll on Cro Cop. In the third round, Schaub landed a powerful knee to the head of Cro Cop, sending him crashing to the ground. The referee stepped in, and the fight was declared a knockout victory for Schaub.
The Aftermath
The fight was a controversial one, with many fans and analysts questioning the decision. Cro Cop, visibly upset, claimed that the referee made a mistake and that he should have been allowed to continue. Schaub, however, was satisfied with the victory and celebrated his triumph over one of the greatest heavyweights in the sport.
Legacy of the Fight
The Cro Cop vs Schaub fight is often remembered as one of the greatest heavyweight matchups in MMA history. Both fighters left their mark on the sport, with Cro Cop’s high kicks and Schaub’s wrestling and striking skills becoming legendary. The fight will be remembered for years to come as a testament to the incredible talent and determination of both fighters.