Issue 145
September 2016
Mirko Cro Cop celebrates in style by winning the Pride grand prix with a couple of KOs
It was 10 years ago this month that Mirko Cro Cop turned 32. He also realized his dream. His TKO of former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett at the Saitama Super Arena won him the Pride Open-Weight Grand Prix. He was finally an MMA champion. But that wasn’t the converted K-1 striker extraordinaire’s only iconic accomplishment that night. Oh no. Just hours before, he hit one of the most cataclysmic knockouts of all-time with his patented left high kick on the promotion’s 205lb king, Wanderlei Silva. That booked his place in the tournament’s final, where he earned the best birthday present ever. Many happy returns.
Date: September 10th 2006
Location: Saitama, Japan
