This week Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic announced he is currently planning on retiring when his contract expires following 4 more UFC fights. His next fight will be on September 8th in London at UFC 75.

This is not the first time rumors had surfaced regarding the fighters retirement. Earlier this year the same rumors surfaced adding to the legitimacy that he will in fact stop fighting in MMA when his contract expires which will likely happen late next year or early 2009.

Among his career accolades are wins over Josh Barnett, Wanderlei Silva, Kazushi Sakuraba. He was also the 2006 Pride heavyweight grand prix winner.

Famous for his high kicks, Cro Cop was dealt a taste of his own medicine at UFC 70 when Gabriel Gonzaga knocked the Croatian fighter out with a kick of his own, earning a shot at Randy Couture’s heavyweight title in the process.

Of course things can change over the course of the next 2 years until his contact comes up, namely how much money can the UFC throw at the top fighter to convince him to continue fighting. Before the UFC will commit to signing him to another long term deal he will need to prove the high kick KO was a fluke and that he is a contender in the octagon and not only the ring.

Tags: Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic