Cro Cop admits doping use, but justifies: 'The only way to cure my shoulder'

M. Filipovic (photo) spoke for the first time after being caught anti-doping. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

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Less than 24 hours after announcing his retirement from MMA, after abandoning the UFC Korea card, the legendary Mirko Cro Cop found himself in the midst of a huge controversy when he was announced by Ultimate as the first athlete to be caught in the organization's new anti-doping program. . In his first statement after the news came to light, Cro Cop admitted that he had used illegal substances, but again cited the physical problems, which he previously pointed out as the reason for the end of his career, as justification.

“I had shoulder problems. Since conventional methods such as ice and massage did not work, I took a small amount of growth hormone, which helps with recovery. The substance is on the prohibited list and I knew it, but this was the only way to save my shoulder”, said the fighter, who was caught in the USADA (North American Anti-Doping Agency) exam for using growth hormone (GH) for through their social media profiles.

At 41 years old, Mirko Cro Cop has a professional record of 31 wins, 11 losses, two draws and one unsuccessful fight. On his return to the ring, in April this year, Cro Cop knocked out the Brazilian Gabriel Napao at UFC Poland. The Croatian made his mark mainly in Japanese events in the first half of the 2000s with his knockouts almost always achieved thanks to spectacular high kicks.

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