Background of the Fight
Cro Cop vs Junior Dos Santos was a highly anticipated fight in the world of mixed martial arts. The battle took place on October 6, 2012, at the UFC on Fuel TV 9 event in London, England. Both fighters were known for their striking prowess and had a history of impressive performances in the octagon.
Fighters’ Profiles
Cro Cop, also known as Mirko Filipovic, is a Croatian mixed martial artist and former K-1 World Grand Prix Champion. He is renowned for his exceptional striking skills, particularly his knees and kicks. On the other hand, Junior Dos Santos is a Brazilian heavyweight champion and former UFC Heavyweight Champion. He is known for his boxing skills and knockout power.
| Fighter | Age | Height | Reach | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cro Cop | 36 | 6’2″ | 76 inches | 25-6 |
| Junior Dos Santos | 34 | 6’4″ | 78 inches | 17-2 |
Pre-Fight Analysis
Before the fight, many experts predicted a close battle between the two fighters. Cro Cop’s striking skills were seen as a potential threat to Dos Santos, while Dos Santos’ knockout power was feared by many. The fight was expected to be a showcase of their respective skills and strategies.
The Fight
The fight started with a bang as both fighters exchanged punches in the opening round. Cro Cop landed a series of powerful knees and kicks, but Dos Santos managed to avoid the majority of them. Dos Santos, however, was able to land a few solid punches that had Cro Cop reeling.
In the second round, Cro Cop seemed to gain momentum, landing several knees and kicks that had Dos Santos on the defensive. However, Dos Santos was able to counter with a series of punches that had Cro Cop backing up. The round ended with both fighters looking exhausted.
The third round was a back-and-forth affair. Cro Cop landed a knee that had Dos Santos wobbled, but Dos Santos quickly recovered and landed a series of punches that had Cro Cop on the ground. Cro Cop managed to get back up, but Dos Santos followed up with another barrage of punches that had Cro Cop on the canvas. The referee stepped in and called the fight, declaring Dos Santos the winner by knockout.
Post-Fight Analysis
After the fight, many fans and experts praised Dos Santos for his performance. They commended him for his ability to absorb Cro Cop’s strikes and counter with powerful punches. Cro Cop, however, expressed his disappointment with the decision, claiming that he was ahead on the scorecards.
The fight was a memorable one, showcasing the best of both fighters. It was a battle of striking styles, with Cro Cop’s knees and kicks against Dos Santos’ boxing power. The fight will be remembered as one of the best heavyweight matchups in the history of mixed martial arts.
Legacy of the Fight
Cro Cop vs Junior Dos Santos is often regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight fights in the history of mixed martial arts. The fight not only showcased the skills of two of the best heavyweight fighters of their time but also highlighted the importance of striking in the sport.
The fight has left a lasting impact on the heavyweight division, inspiring many fighters to improve their striking skills. It has also been a source of inspiration for fans, who continue to discuss and debate the fight to this day.