Mirko Filipović (born September 10, 1974), often billed as Mirko Cro Cop, is a Croatian law enforcement officer turned kickboxer and mixed martial artist (MMA). He is also a former member (2003 – 2007) of Croatian Parliament. His nickname, short for “Croatian Cop”, comes from his membership in Croatia’s most elite Anti-Terrorist Unit ATJ Lučko.
Filipović has been successful in both K-1 and Pride Fighting Championships. On September 10, 2006, he won the Pride 2006 Open Weight Grand Prix, and in 2007 began fighting in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Filipović is famous for his left high kicks, with which he has knocked out many of his opponents.
Professional career
Filipović started his professional career in 1996 as a kickboxer, following in the footsteps of his compatriot Branko Cikatić. Before turning pro Filipović was said to have accumulated an amateur boxing record of 40-5 (31 KO’s). At the time, Filipović was working as a commando in the Croatian police anti-terrorist unit Alpha (stationed in Lučko near Zagreb), which earned him his nickname “Cro Cop”. He also fought several times early in his career under the nickname “Tigar” (Croatian for “tiger”). His entrance theme song is The Wild Boys by Duran Duran
Championships and Accomplishments
- IKBF World Heavyweight Full Contact Champion
- K-1 World Grand Prix 1999 Finalist
- K-1 World Grand Prix 2000 in Fukuoka Finalist
- PrideFC Final Conflict 2005 Finalist
- PrideFC 2006 Open weight Grand Prix Champion
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