Mirko "Cro Cop" Flipovic Wins OWGP

Mirko "Cro Cop" Flipovic (21-4-2) wished himself a happy 32nd birthday by winning the Pride FC Open Weight Grand Prix. Cro Cop actually almost pulled out of the tournament over a contract dispute with DSE (Pride FC), but luckily both sides came to terms. The "Croatian Sensation," walked through Punk Minowa, Yoshida, Wanderlei Silva, and Josh Barnett (for the 3rd time) on his way to winning, perhaps, the greatest MMA tournament of all time.

Flipovic began his career in 1996 via the sport of kickboxing. Mirko was also working for the Croation police anti-terrorist unit Alpha, garnering the nickname Cro Cop. He quickly became a fan favorite in K-1, where his lethal high leg kicks became the stuff of legends. Mirko had great success in K-1, and was the first man to defeat Bob Sapp.

In 2001, Mirko signed with Dream Sage Entertainment (Pride FC). Flipovic went on a seven fight win streak until he was defeated by then Heavyweight Champion, Antonio Nogueira by armbar in 2003. Cro Cop then won his next three fights again climbing the rankings of Pride's Heavyweight division. In the Heavyweight tournament of 2004, Mirko was KO'd in a dramatic upset by Kevin Randleman. Cro Cop again won seven fights in a row (including a submission win avenging his loss to Randleman in their rematch) and was awarded his second title shot, now against Champion Fedor Emelianenko. In one of the most anticipated MMA fights of all time, Cro Cop damaged and bled Fedor to no avail losing the close decision.

Many began to doubt the popular Pride star's ability to win at the highest level. Mirko took some time off from the sport and refocused. Cro Cop said 2006 would be his year and he is proving it. Mirko absolutely dominated Minowa in round one of the Open Weight Grand Prix, stopping him via TKO. The second round proved just as easy as he leg kicked Yoshida into submission, also putting him on the injured list. Next came a rematch with MMA legend Wanderlei Silva. Cro Cop absolutely dominated the feared striker out boxing him and opening an eye wound while closing Silva's other eye. Then for the finish, Cro Cop once again KO'd an opponent with his devastating left high kick. Silva was out before he hit the ground. In the finals, Mirko dominated yet again with his brutal standup dropping Barnett with a left hook. The ground and pound was on point and Barnett sustained heavy damage forcing him to tap out.

Now Mirko Flipovic is the Absolute Champion. The normally stoic Croatian actually began to break down when the belt was placed around his waist. The humble fighter thanked his fans, family, and said "This is the happiest day of my life." He stated that he planned to retire if he did not win the tournament. Cro Cop also dedicated the fight to his father who passed away five years ago before he could see Mirko's highest success. All of this sets up the rematch with Fedor Emelianenko, possibly at Shockwave on New Year's Eve.

Congratulations to a true warrior on some much deserved success.-MMA Mafia