Issue 146

October 2016

The most feared heavyweight striker ever to enter a mixed martial arts ring or cage.

Few fighters struck fear into the hearts of men quite like Miko Cro Cop in his heydey. And thanks to his explosive striking, he’s also one of the most popular man to ever wear 4oz gloves. Everyone loves a knockout, and the Croatian was willing and able to deliver them on a regular basis. His many attempts at comebacks in recent years yielded mixed results, but they won’t erase the memory of his most explosive moments.

Tapout trio 

Fabricio Werdum lived with Cro Cop for two years to help with his BJJ game. It mostly paid off defensively, but he managed three stoppages by submission too, including a bonus-winning effort at UFC 115 against Pat Barry.

Speed kills  

Few heavyweights could throw strikes as quick as Cro Cop at his peak. He could knock other men flat without even setting his shots up.

Sprawl and brawl 

Coming from a pure striking background, the former K-1 kickboxer had to adapt to MMA’s grappling game quickly. His approach was to avoid the ground at all costs with his sturdy sprawl and tight takedown defense.

Lethal left 

Hooks, straights and uppercuts – most fighters feared Cro Cop’s feet more than anything, but his hands were ferocious too. Power punches thrown with sniper-like accuracy made many fighters eat the canvas.

Right leg hospital 

Though not as lethal as his left, the former K-1 star’s lead leg was still dangerous – particularly when it was employed for finishes by soccer kicks on the ground in Pride Fighting Championships.

Left leg cemetery

The most devastating weapon in MMA history. If Cro Cop connected with his patented power kick – to the head or body – you could almost guarantee his opponent was going down.