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 champion and a highly decorated MMA fighter. With a background in professional wrestling, Del Rio brought a unique style to the MMA ring. Known for his technical wrestling skills and high-flying maneuvers, Del Rio quickly gained a reputation as a formidable opponent. His transition from wrestling to MMA was seamless, as he adapted his wrestling skills to the new discipline.
| Year | Championship | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | WWE Intercontinental Championship | WWE |
| 2010 | WWE World Heavyweight Championship | WWE |
| 2012 | WWE World Heavyweight Championship | WWE |
Del Rio’s success in WWE laid the foundation for his career in MMA. He made his MMA debut in 2012 and quickly climbed the ranks, becoming a top contender in the lightweight division.
Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic: The Kickboxing Legend
Mirko Filipovic, better known as Mirko “Cro Cop,” is a former K-1 World Grand Prix champion and a highly respected MMA fighter. Cro Cop’s background in kickboxing made him a formidable opponent in the MMA ring. With a record of 13 knockouts in his MMA career, Cro Cop was known for his lethal striking ability and knockout power.
His kickboxing career was nothing short of legendary. Cro Cop won the K-1 World Grand Prix in 2001 and 2003, becoming one of the most dominant fighters in the history of the organization. His striking skills and knockout power made him a fan favorite and a top contender in the MMA world.
The First Encounter: Pride FC
The first encounter between Alberto Del Rio and Mirko “Cro Cop” took place in Pride FC, an organization known for its high-level MMA competition. The fight, which took place on October 14, 2006, was a highly anticipated matchup between two of the best strikers in the world.
Del Rio, then known as Alberto Rodriguez, entered the Pride FC ring with a record of 5-0, having won all his fights by knockout. Cro Cop, on the other hand, had a record of 24-2, with 21 of those victories coming by knockout. The fight was a showcase of their striking prowess, with both fighters exchanging powerful kicks and punches.
After a grueling three rounds, the judges scored the fight in favor of Cro Cop, who was declared the winner by a split decision. The fight was a classic example of the high-level competition that Pride FC was known for, and it set the stage for their legendary rivalry.
The Second Encounter: Strikeforce
The second encounter between Del Rio and Cro Cop took place in Strikeforce, an American mixed martial arts promotion. The fight, which took place on January 29, 2011, was a highly anticipated rematch between the two fighters.
Del Rio, now known as Alberto Del Rio, entered the Strikeforce ring with a record of 10-2, having won all his fights by knockout. Cro Cop, with a record of 24-3, was looking to avenge his loss in Pride FC.
The fight was a back-and-forth affair, with both fighters showcasing their striking and wrestling skills. In the end, it was Del Rio who emerged victorious, submitting Cro Cop with a rear-naked choke in the second round. The win marked Del Rio’s first victory over Cro Cop and solidified his status as a top lightweight fighter.
The Legacy of the Rivalry
The rivalry between Alberto Del Rio and Mirko “Cro Cop