In a display of powerful striking, Frank Mir knocked out Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic at 4:05 of the third round to capture a win at UFC 119. Although the fight finished strong, the majority the bout dragged on with little action. Until Mir’s knee landed it appeared as though the fight would last all three rounds, with even the announcers making negative comments, likening the bout to a “sparring match.” At one point, it even looked as if Cro Cop and Mir were casually talking to each other while Cro Cop was pressed against the cage.
The fight began with each fighter briefly feeling each other out on their feet. Mir quickly pushed Cro Cop to the cage with a flurry of punches and began to work for a takedown. Despite Mir’s efforts, Cro Cop was able to successfully defend the takedown and keep the fight standing. After being stuffed a few more times, Mir seemed to abandon his takedown strategy and appeared to be comfortable standing.
As the fight carried on, both fighters frequently exchanged, but Cro Cop seemed to be lacking initiative in his striking. He appeared to be afraid of being taken down and wasn’t able to completely let his kicks fly. Mir capitalized on this, pushing the pace and getting the better end of the striking. Near the end of the bout, Mir attempted a takedown again and was stuffed for a last time.
In the final minute of the third round a flurry of punches and knees were exchanged between the fighters, with Mir landing a solid knee to Cro Cop’s head, knocking Cro Cop to the ground. Mir followed up with two punches to Cro Cop’s face, knocking him out and forcing referee Herb Dean to step in and stop the fight.
Mir improves to 14-5 while Cro Cop falls to 27-8-2.
Tags: Heavyweight, UFC
