The forums on mma-id.com received a haul of traffic recently as MMA fan favorite Mirko “Cro Cop” Filopovic joined MMA fans for a live chat. After being a force to contend with as a professional kickboxer in K-1, Mirko transitioned to MMA joining PRIDE FC where he soon emerged as a top-tier fighter claiming notable wins over an MMA who’s who list, including Wanderlei Silva, Josh Barnett and UFC hall of famer Mark Coleman.

Fans were excited to see Mirko join the UFC in early-2007 after the UFC’s acquisition of PRIDE FC, but did not expect the roller coaster ride the man with a reputation of zero to none brought us. Mirko made his highly anticipated UFC debut in style completely outclassing Eddie Sanchez, easily defeating him with a flurry of trademark high kicks, but the back to back losses handed to him by Gabirel Gonzaga and Cheick Kongo was a career first for the Croatian former PRIDE open weight grand prix champion. Many rumors of a disheartened or ready-to-retire Mirko Cro Cop were spawned, especially after his two month loss of contact with the UFC who were frantically trying to arrange the next fight on his UFC contract. Mirko is known to have a healthy relationship with the former owners of PRIDE FC who recently started a new MMA organization DREAM and was more than happy to be the headline of DREAM.1, placing himself back in the W column with a first-round victory. So what is going on in Mirko’s head? Are any of the rumors true? Does Mirko not like competing in the West?

“Cro Cop” was online for over two hours and answered almost all questions put to him in an effort to open up to fans and clear up the rampant rumors.

A selection of the best questions are shown below, many of which were translated from Croatian. Without further delay…

What rematch are you looking forward the most right now?
Cro Cop : Against Fedor. Then Minotauro and Kongo.

How do your plans for this year look?
Cro Cop : 2 more fights for DREAM, then I want Fedor for NYE or the UFC. But definitely 2 more fights.

Are you friends with Fedor?
Cro Cop : I respect him but we are not friends.

Besides Fedor, which fighter would you most like to fight?
Cro Cop : Nogueira, Kongo, Gonzaga.

Are you afraid of getting too old and hot having the time to complete your goals?
Cro Cop : As a sportsman, I don’t think about this. But sometime I’ll have to retire. Let’s hope not in the next 3-4 years.

Are you planning on returning to the UFC to show them who you really are?
Cro Cop : I’ll be back to the UFC definitely.

How did you like to be back in Japan fighting?
Cro Cop : I feel great I like Japan really much.

What do you think of elbows in MMA? Should it be allowed? I think it destroys the game with all the cuts and son on.
Cro Cop : I don’t know. I don’t like elbows, much damage is done with them. Fights are being stopped due to a bleeding.

Who will take fedor vs sylvia and how?
Cro Cop : It’s hard to say. Minor advantage goes to Fedor.

If someone offers 3 million Euros to you to retire, what would be your answer?
Cro Cop : I wouldn’t retire, this has nothing to do with money anymore.

Chuck Liddell says he would like move to HW to fight you, what do you think about that?
Cro Cop : Indeed. I would like to fight him.

Where do you see yourself in ten years from now?
Cro Cop : In Zagreb with more kids and martial arts academy.

What do you think, is there a fighter who can beat you at this moment and who would that be?
Cro Cop : Everyone can be beaten. I’m id good shape and I’ll prove that in my next fight.

Mirko, how do you feel now about your career, do you have confidence again to reach your goals?
Cro Cop : Yes, I’m still very very confident.

Mirko, are you still motivated as much as before your last fight?
Cro Cop : My motivation is very high, I’ve never been so motivated!

Have you watched your knockout against Gonzaga, it must be difficult?
Cro Cop : I saw it, it wasn’t easy but that’s the job. If it was easy, it wouldn’t got me. (laugh)

What do you thing on UFC president Dana White?
Cro Cop : Very capable guy.

How is your elbow injury?
Cro Cop : Surgery is coming up soon after my next fight.

Now that you have fought in both. Do you prefer a ring or a octagon?
Cro Cop : I prefer ring, but I’ll fight in the cage again.

Many people say that DREAM is the new PRIDE, do you think that this assessment is accurate?
Cro Cop : YES.

Are you fighting on DREAMS April 29 card?
Cro Cop : No.

How much do you bench (maximum)?
Cro Cop : 160 kg.

How much do you weigh right now?
Cro Cop : 105 kg at the moment.

Hey mirko.. 1 question.. you will open your school in zagreb one day?
Cro Cop : I hope that I’ll open a martial arts academy in Zagreb soon.

Are you afraid of anything?
Cro Cop : Boring persons, snakes, broken car, crazy dogs over 30 kgs of weight … (laugh)

How many miles can you run?
Cro Cop : Depends who’s after me.

How many miles can you run if a crazy 30kg dog is behind you?.
Cro Cop : Ultra marathon, 64 kilometers I guess.

You are big p**sy.
Cro Cop : Come and say that in front of me.

Will you ever drop weightclass to 205lbs. to fight at light-heavyweight?
Cro Cop : Only if I chop off my leg.

Cro Cop : Thank everyone for this chat. Now I have to go to prepare for my training. I hope you liked my answers and see on MMA-ID.

Not only did Mirko inform us that he is as confident, focused and motivated as he ever has been, he mentioned he would be willing to fight Fedor, Nogueira, Kongo, Gonzaga and even a heavyweight Chuck Lidell, clearly showing that Mirko still rates himself among the best in his weight class within MMA. He mentioned the possibility of fighting Fedor at NYE, nothing would put Cro Cop back in the headlines more than a win over Fedor or another big name. I wonder if this is his plan to replenish a state of greatness. He also shared with us his views on wanting to avenge every loss he has ever suffered.

This sounds about as focused as a fighter can be. Mirko was quick to answer with a negative response on retirement and answered many more questions not listed about his plans to open his own academy in his homeland. It was great to hear Mirko this confident and dedicated to the sport of MMA. I eagerly await his return to the Octagon as much as any other fan. Let’s just hope he doesn’t get matched up with a dog of over 30 kilos.

Tags: Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic