The Cripplers Pit will serve as a monthly update on all things happening in the world of Croatian mixed martial arts. If you are a Croatian fighter or you have news on anything in regards to Croatian mixed martial arts feel free to send me a message and I will add it to my monthly report.
Mirko “CroCop” Filipovic
The resurgence of CroCop in the UFC is in full flight after his nasty elbows took the life out of Gabriel Gonzaga in their rematch. Mirko has stated in numerous interviews that he only wanted to avenge his losses from his first stint in the UFC, that is why his next opponent doesn’t make much sense for him. The Croatian legend has been paired up with American slugger Anthony “Freight Train” Hamilton (14-4 record) at UFC Fight Night 79 in Seoul, South Korea. Hamilton will look to make it two in a row after taking out Daniel Omielanczuk via a unanimous decision victory at UFC Fight Night 64. If Filipovic can use his experience and advanced striking repertoire this should be a somewhat easy victory for him.
Stipe Miocic
If Dana White was a man of his word we would of been anticipating a Miocic title shot this year but that is not the case. Instead The Cleveland Croatian product will face Big Ben Rothwell in what appears to be a title eliminator match up. The fight will take place at UFC Fight Night in Dublin on October 24th, 2105. Rothwell is making a strong case for himself as he has been victorious in his past three fights over Matt Mitrione, Alistair Overeem and Brandon Vera and is ranked #8 in the recent rankings. Miocic on the otherhand is currently ranked #3 after his destruction of the Samoan Mark Hunt. Miocic will have to use his superior boxing and pace to take out Big Ben in this one. Rothwell is no easy task for anyone in the division so look for Stipe to stamp his ticket to the title with a victory in Dublin.
Igor Pokrajac
The duke has went 2-0 with two first round finishes by strikes since being released by the UFC. If Pokrajac wants to make it back to the UFC he will have to fight much tougher competion then his last two opponents. If Igor can tighten up the holes in his game which were quite evident in his last few UFC fights he may be able to return to the big stage.
Honorable Mentions
Luka Jelcic (6-2) will be competing at the up coming BAMMA 22 event in Ireland on September 19th, 2015 against Tim Wilde (6-1). Jelcic along with Francisco “Croata” Barrio (5-1) have been in Ireland training at the same gym as The Notorious Conor Mcgregor. Barrio and Jelcic are both Goran Babic products and are looking to make a big splash in the MMA world. I know both guys personally and they have already taken a big step forward by taking their training to SBG Ireland where the abundance of skilled fighters will tighten up their game.
Ante Delija (14-2) will look to capture the M-1 heavyweight title on September 20th, 2015 at M-1 Challenge 61 in Russia. Delija will face the champion Marcin Tybura (12-1) and will be looking to bring that title back to Hrvatska. If Delija can score an impressive victory in this fight the UFC will have to take notice as he would be on a 6 fight win streak.
In boxing news Filip Hrgovic has brought home the European Amateur Super Heavyweight gold medal to Croatia. This is the first time since the legend Mate Parlov did it in 1971 and 1973. Hrgovic is a real talent and with more experience he could make some noise in the weak world heavyweight division that Wladimir Klitschko rules.
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No fight for anyone in the UFC heavyweight division is a walk in the park. One punch can end anyone’s night with heavyweights.
crocop has the power and accuracy still, but he has no reflexes. He relied on gonzaga gassing to win that fight. I don’t know much about hamilton but it seems like he can go the distance. I dont think any fight is an easy win for mirko at this point, even a gonzaga rematch
@Rob I
not that I know of but do know he is training with crocop
Is Stipe Dews still fighting?
I watched his fight against Danny Green. What a disgrace!!!!!!!!!!!
really cool Crippler!
Onya Stipe DE MAN ! Onwards and upwards to # 1 in UFC.
As for Mirko, love ya work buddy but give it up for heaven’s sake
Now it’s such an entertainment business. It’s almost like the Kim Kardashian factor that any news is good news when you’re in the NFL….It’s an entertainment business. It’s turning into the WWE really. It’s like the Vince McMahon stuff. Basically Goodell is like Vince McMahon.”
Love reading your write ups!! Soooooooo excited about Hrgović! Keep up the good work crippler! We need to support our fighters!! Love the entire fight game.
Yeah!
Was just reading up on him.
@Poglavnik
lots of potential hopefully he keeps developing.. he has all the physical tools
Filip Hrgovic, very well done!
Finally a Croatian boxer to get excited about!