It’s been more than three years since Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic has looked even remotely dangerous, but that isn’t preventing the UFC from capitalizing on his foreign-territory fame: the stoic kickboxer looks to have a date with Ben Rothwell in Australia February 21.
You know how this goes: Filipovic will swear up, down, and sideways that he’s changed his training, his mentality, or his diet, resulting in a “new” fighter. He will then proceed to deflate everyone with a lethargic, ineffectual performance that adds nothing to the heavyweight division or to his career. Considering his recent UFC appearances, this is pessimism he’s earned.