At 43 years old, Mirko Cro Cop announces retirement from MMA

Cro Cop ended his career at the age of 43. Photo: Disclosure/UFC

One of the biggest names in heavyweight history, Mirko Cro Cop has announced that he is retiring from MMA. According to the 43-year-old fighter, injuries and severe knee pain are the main reasons that led him to make this decision. Despite having hung up his gloves, the veteran does not rule out a farewell fight in Japan.

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“This was definitely my last performance. I have problems with my knee – I tore the ligament, the cartilage is destroyed. I have been going to the doctor once a week for punctures. I never want to go through this hell again. I gave my best in every fight I had. I know I retired once and came back, but now it's for real. I gave myself completely to this sport. If it's possible, I can only have one farewell fight, and of course it will be in Japan. But it will depend on how my knee is,” he declared, in an interview with Nova TV, in Zagreb.

Mirko's last act was on January 31st, when he won the Rizin FF GP title, beating two opponents on the same night: Baruto Kaito and Amir Aliakbari. “

“It was a unique moment, on a very festive night. I reached the limit of pain, because it was the hardest preparation in terms of training I've ever done. The pain came from the injuries I had accumulated so far. I was happy for myself and my team. Even though it is an individual sport, you cannot be successful in MMA without a team. Everyone contributed to my victory, and I thanked everyone from the bottom of my heart,” he concluded.

Cro Cop ended his career with 49 fights, having recorded 35 wins, 11 losses, two draws and one unsuccessful fight. During his 15 years as a professional, he was marked by several knockouts with high kicks, which even generated the famous phrase “Right leg, hospital; left leg, cemetery.” His best moment was in the extinct Pride, when he won the GP by defeating Josh Barnett in the grand final, in 2006. In Ultimate, he had three spells, accumulating five triumphs and six setbacks.