Background of the Rivalry
Alberto Del Rio and Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic are two of the most iconic figures in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). Their rivalry, which spans across various organizations, has been a highlight for fans of the sport. Del Rio, a Mexican-American wrestler turned MMA fighter, and Cro Cop, a Croatian kickboxer turned MMA star, have faced off in some of the most memorable matchups in MMA history.
Alberto Del Rio: The Wrestler Turned Champion
Alberto Del Rio, born Alberto Rodriguez, is a former WWE wrestler and MMA fighter. He made a name for himself in the wrestling world with his high-flying moves and charismatic personality. After transitioning to MMA, Del Rio quickly became a force to be reckoned with. He won the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Championship and the World Heavyweight Championship, among other titles.
| Year | Title | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | World Heavyweight Championship | WWE |
| 2010 | World Wrestling Entertainment Championship | WWE |
| 2011 | World Heavyweight Championship | WWE |
Del Rio’s MMA career began in 2010, and he has fought in various organizations, including Strikeforce, WWE’s NXT, and Bellator. He has faced off against some of the best fighters in the world, including Fabricio Werdum, Alistair Overeem, and Daniel Cormier.
Cro Cop: The Kickboxer Who Conquered MMA
Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic is a Croatian kickboxer and MMA fighter who is widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in the history of MMA. Cro Cop made a name for himself in the kickboxing world before transitioning to MMA. He has won numerous titles in various organizations, including K-1, Pride FC, and the UFC.
| Year | Title | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | World Grand Prix K-1 | K-1 |
| 2003 | World Grand Prix K-1 | K-1 |
| 2009 | UFC Heavyweight Championship | UFC |
Cro Cop’s MMA career began in 2006, and he has faced off against some of the best fighters in the world, including Fedor Emelianenko, Alistair Overeem, and Junior dos Santos. He is known for his devastating high kicks and knockout power.
The Rivalry: A Tale of Two Legends
The rivalry between Alberto Del Rio and Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic is one of the most intense and memorable in MMA history. Their first encounter took place in 2011 at the Strikeforce: Henderson vs. Babalu event. Del Rio won the fight via submission in the first round, but Cro Cop would have his revenge later that year.
In their second fight, which took place at the Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson event, Cro Cop dominated the fight from start to finish. He knocked Del Rio out with a head kick in the second round, avenging his previous defeat. This fight is often cited as one of the greatest in MMA history.
Their rivalry continued in various organizations, including the UFC, where they faced off twice more. In their first UFC fight, Del Rio won via submission in the first round. However, in their second UFC fight, Cro Cop once again knocked Del Rio out with a head kick, solidifying his status as one of the greatest strikers in MMA history.
Legacy of the Rivalry
The rivalry between Alberto Del Rio and Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic has left a