Background and Career
Cro Cop Nelson, born as Mirko Filipovic, is a Croatian mixed martial artist known for his exceptional striking skills and fierce competition spirit. With a career spanning over two decades, Nelson has become a household name in the world of MMA. His journey began in the early 2000s, and he has since then been a part of various organizations, including Pride FC, Strikeforce, and Bellator.
Bellator Debut
In 2013, Nelson made his debut in Bellator, a prominent MMA promotion based in the United States. His first fight in the organization was against Andrey Koreshkov, where he showcased his striking prowess and won the match via knockout in the first round. Since then, Nelson has been a dominant force in Bellator, accumulating an impressive record of victories.
Weigh-In Process
One of the most crucial aspects of an MMA fight is the weigh-in process. It is where fighters step on the scale to ensure they meet the weight class requirements. For Nelson, the weigh-in process is always a high-stakes situation, as he has to maintain his weight class to compete effectively. Let’s take a closer look at his weigh-in experiences in Bellator.
| Event | Opponent | Weight Class | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellator 109 | Andrey Koreshkov | Light Heavyweight | Win (Knockout) |
| Bellator 114 | Christian M’Pumbu | Light Heavyweight | Win (Submission) |
| Bellator 120 | Joel Bell | Light Heavyweight | Win (Decision) |
| Bellator 124 | Patricky Freire | Light Heavyweight | Win (Decision) |
Fight Style and Techniques
Cro Cop Nelson is renowned for his striking skills, particularly his exceptional kicks. His kickboxing background has played a significant role in shaping his fighting style. Nelson’s kicks are fast, powerful, and precise, making him a formidable opponent for anyone in the cage. Let’s delve into some of his key techniques.
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High Kicks: Nelson’s high kicks are his signature move, and he has made a name for himself with his devastating head kicks. These kicks are executed with precision and power, often leaving his opponents defenseless.
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Low Kicks: In addition to high kicks, Nelson is also adept at low kicks. These kicks are used to disrupt his opponent’s balance and set up follow-up strikes.
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Elbows: Nelson’s elbows are another weapon in his arsenal. He uses them to deliver powerful shots to his opponent’s head and body.
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鎷虫硶: While not as prominent as his kicks, Nelson’s鎷虫硶 (punching) is also effective. He uses a variety of punches, including jabs, crosses, and uppercuts, to keep his opponents at bay.
Challenges and Achievements
Throughout his career, Nelson has faced numerous challenges, both in and out of the cage. Despite these challenges, he has managed to achieve remarkable success. Here are some of his key achievements:
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World K-1 Grand Prix Champion: Before entering the world of MMA, Nelson was a successful kickboxer. He won the World K-1 Grand Prix Championship in 2006, solidifying his status as one of the best strikers in the world.
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Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion: Nelson won the Bellator Light Heavyweight Championship in 2014, defeating Patricky Freire in a highly anticipated fight. He successfully defended the title twice before vacating it in 2016.
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Multiple Bellator Title Contenders: Nelson has been a consistent contender for the Bellator Light Heavyweight Championship, facing some