Issue 163

January 2018

Action Replay: Big Brown puts an MMA icon down

Before a fighter thought about beating Mirko Cro Cop, they’d first have to work out how to stay away from his deadly left hand and leg. That’s why Brendan Schaub spent much of his time in the cage with the Croatian at UFC 128 tied up with him against the cage and on the ground.

But ‘Big Brown’ had spent time training to take out the greatest striker in heavyweight history. When they were stood up late in the third round – and the former Pride grand prix champion had started to slow down – the one-time tight end elected to go for the KO...

Satisfaction guaranteed:

“Cro Cop was my childhood hero,” Schaub tells FO. “I have never been more satisfied after a fight than that one. I had to have reconstructive nose surgery, my knee was messed up, my ears were all torn up... I got to reap the benefits of my training camp and show everyone why I train so hard. My team was so happy.”

Step 1

As Cro Cop unleashes his feared left kick, Schaub throws his right hand over the top, landing on the temple.

Step 2

The Croatian falls and, taking no chances, Schaub follows up with a final blow to finish the fight.