Before his first fight in the UFC, he had 56 fights in amateur boxing, 23 fights in kickboxing and 27 MMA fights. The guy fought 106 times in a period of 10 years. In 2004 alone, he fought 8 times. His best years were from 2001 to 2006. Imagine that today HW fights 8 times a year. This is what today's MMA fans cannot understand. These guys at the time fought the best and everything the organization could throw at them. Mirko was another type of fighter that he would fight against at any time, even if he was hurt. Not to mention he never talked nonsense and always maintained sportsmanship towards his opponents. A fearless legend and real Champion man

It really annoys me when people talk about top knockouts they don't mention this legend. Mirko is easily one of the Greatest of all Time.

Right foot--> hospital Left foot--> cementary Thats how we say for him here in Croatia✌️🇭🇷

I remember Mirko Cro Cop always played it fair. He remained civilized and treated his opponents with dignity and respect. What a fantastic fighter he was.

"would test negative for blood in his juice circulatory system" floored me... great line.

Some words are thrown around too easily and far too lightly nowadays, but this man , is an absolute legend, and there will be no other. And he was so during the golden era.

Mark Hunt surviving so much of Cro Cop's head kicks, no one will ever understand how

Mirko was and is our Croatian legend,nice,disciplined and polite guy with big sense of humor, not only he destroy ppl with beating but he also has killer jokes,...he is very loved here in our country.

The fact that the Blue-Eyed Samurai fought and won against Cro-Cop while sick with Leukemia is amazing. I feel for his family's loss. What a tough guy.

Man, I miss the glory days of K-1! 😍

This man fought while he was injured what a warrior never gave up.

Those were the days! Mirko, Fedor, Bonjasky, Hoost, Aerts,Overeem, Schilt... so many great names. Loved the sport back then.

I was a teenager at the time when I started watching Mirko with my dad, since my parents are from Croatia. I remember the joy Mirko brought to me and my pops. Sadly dad passed away 18 months ago but the memories will always stay, Miss you dad. This one is for you.

People forget how good of a boxer Cro Cop was during his K-1 heydays. Sure everyone knows his (high) kicks, but back then some K-1 events even listed him as a "boxer" because of his boxing fights and his very skilled hands. Have you seen how crisp, elastic, explosive and powerful his punches were? How fluid and long his combos were, and how he could mix them perfectly with kicks, Dutch-style? He was the only one in the HWs who could so easily and agilely follow a flurry of punches with a high kick and then continue with more punches and kicks. It was a thing of beauty and sometimes it would even remind of the way Tyson could throw rapid, explosive hooks and uppercuts. The only reason he stopped doing that in MMA is because he had to be wary of the takedowns at a time when he had almost no ground game. Also, he had to adapt his style and with those small gloves he could use his legendary pinpoint accuracy to a whole new level. Unfortunately, he started relying to much on that left straight at one point, but we could see glimpses of what his boxing used to be here and there, as he was becoming better on the ground, and it culminated with his performance at the OWGP in 2006 in which he let his hands go. A night I will remember my whole life, when Cro Cop was definitely the best fighter in the world. I believe even Fedor would have lost to him during that evening - and it's no surprise he didn't want to participate in the tournament. Cro Cop had the demeanor of a terminator (that was also his nickname in Japan : "the croatian terminator"), the charisma of a movie hitman, the body of a fitness model, the flexibility of Van Damme, the power of a heavyweight with the speed of a middleweight, and he had the most unique way of fighting. There will never be another Cro Cop, just like there will never be another Mike Tyson.

Mirko Cro Cop is the reason I started to follow MMA sports! what a legend!

Sadly people never gave him the respect he deserved. This man had the most devastating kicks I've ever seen in the UFC even to this day. As far as I'm concerned he will always be one of the greatest and deadliest Fighters.

Cro cop was the fighter who got me into combat sports, and for that I will be forever grateful. Truly a legend in every sense of the word. His legacy is cemented as one of the greatest of all time. 👌

He has been one of my favorite fighters since he came out. It broke my heart when Gabriel Gonzaga gave him a taste of his own medicine

He is the G.O.A.T. No matter what. Once we made a translation to a video about his life, in and out of the ring which was mentioned in this video too. I loved to watch his matches, he was and he IS my Hero. He is trully a simple man, a gentle-man. Respect Mirko, respect!

He really was the Mike Tyson of kickboxing. He was average at distance, but he had a menacing left strike and could throw tight combinations like no other.

Literally my favorite fighter of all time

A true Warrior, his stare down with Wanderlei is probably the coldest of all time. "right leg, hospital; left leg, cemetery."

I don't think there will ever be a better match than CroCop and Andy Hug. My favorite martial artists ever. Seeing the fight conduct is so beautiful, I miss you Andy.

Mirko is a Legend , warrior .....i know this video is about him but , maybe a lot of people don't know there was a Croatian Tiger Branko Cikatić (RIP now)who knocked out Host 3 times he was 38 to 40 years old ....and if i am not mistaken he was Mirkos role model

Crocop was a legend and accomplished every fighting competition

Mark Hunt is the only fighter to get back up from his head kick..Legendary

The man is a true warrior! He definitely is a one of the Legends!

Back then there were 3 fighters who I still say were the best, maybe ever. They where Mirko Cro Cop, Fedor Emelianenko and Kazushi Sakuraba. There was no BS or show boating with them, they were also gentlemen when fighting. They pretty much inflicted the damage needed and that was it. They even felt bad when they really hurt someone

One Of THE BEST Fighters Of All Time!!! There Will Never Be Another Like Him!!

"Hunt miraculously rose from the depths of the underworld." 😂 Your commentary makes these memorable KOs truly enjoyable!

Im not sure what I like best : The hard core fighting by these warriors or the incisive and low key , but colorfully subtle commentary !

I still watch K-1 and Glory so I still see such knockouts today.

I burst into tears every time I see the last fight of Andy Hug, knowing that he would pass away just 2 months later…such an devastating lost for the sport which made him a legend

The fight against Andy Hug was legendary. RIP Andy who delivered such a flight nevertheless he was already terminally ill.

Love that Mirko had real challenge in his era. He was not the only gifted fighter. I remember seing him as a person that would give his all in the ring. Loved watching him :) What a fighter

Mirko in his Prime was one of the greatest fighter of all time.

This era of K1 kickboxing is hands down my favorite of all time! No other organization has been able to capture its glory(even Glory, which I like very much and is basically the modern K1). The spectacle, the legendary status of its fighters, and the incredible storyline behind each and every one who has fought in the GP are on a level above everyone. And the fact that these events all took place in Japan gave them an otherwordly feel, almost like competitors having to travel to a mysterious island to compete akin to the story of Enter the Dragon. RIP Andy Hug, my favorite of all time!

I love CroCop and he deserves nothing but respect. He was such a dangerous opponent for anybody. His kicks was beyond deadly,ppl don't inner or over stand how much he fought. He will always be one of my favorite fighters.

Let me tell you as a Serbian we love CroCop! He's a legend here! Greetings from Serbia

Cro Cop, fantastic fighter, spectacular style and never disrespectful of the opponent. He has been my favorite fighter since the first fight I saw .

I look at this man as the definition of pure precision and power.. he knew what he came in there to do and got it done everytime with alpha intent..

Legend forever. I will never forget those nights waiting his fights from pride too start

Finally the right narrator for me, not overly and American forced nor super bias. To the point, with good level of dramatic effect, and with a slice of humour. Subbed.

Not just a great fighter, mirko was a humble guy down to earth, respected all fighters and thats a skill thats rare in this kinda sport sadly

One of my absolute favorites. No one could stand up to his kicks. Man I miss K1!

Right leg - hospital. Left leg - cemetery. Never forgot this legend. 💪

Mirko - one of its kind!! Very disciplined and respectful fighter. Total legend!!

I got into MMA in the 90's watching CroCop taking names in kickboxing specials on tv here in New Zealand. In my opinion he was the GOAT. Even if he lost to Fedor

The most dangerous man to ever enter a ring. A killer with precision, lightning speed, fight IQ and form. TV stuntpeople wish their films/shows looked as good as his real life strikes

Mirko Cro Cop, a true legend in combat sports and one of the greatest strikers of all time. This video brings back so many memories, thank you!

I am so glad that the Hardcore fans still appreciate Cro Cop. Fighters like him don't exist anymore.

A highly accomplished man. Special Forces operator, member of parliament, legendary athlete and all-around gentleman warrior. Absolute legend.

Hug fighting at that level, while cancer is destroying his body from within is just insane, massive respect

Casuals will never understand the aura this man had at his peak. One of the greatest to ever do it.

Extraordinary technique, amazing power, beautiful style and always a noble attitude. A giant! 🏆👊🏽😎

I like to thank Vote Sport 🌐 for this amazing path of Mirko CRO COP Filipović! He's the reason why I drop deep in to this sport. 🇭🇷✌️

He may be known for his kicks but he was an amazing boxer, fast, precise and powerful. His punching is what got him most wins and set up the finishing kicks.

thank you very much for this gem! i knew mirko only from mma. never assumed he was that big in k1. what a fighter.

when i was a kid, the only time my father would bond and spend time with me was when we sat down and watch mirko's fights. živio legendo!

Beautiful. Lucky I lived through the golden days of K1 as a teenager and was inspired to practice kickboxing thanks to likes of Cro Crop, Hug, Hoost, and others.

Right leg hospital, left leg morgue! Cro Cop hit like a damn HIMARS deadly and accurate. For sure a top 10 all time fighter.

When Mirko was competing I loved to watch him, never a dull moment from this Champion 👏🏽

Legenda!!🇭🇷🇭🇷

mirco and fedor are the two legends for me, both of them got me into this sport, and i am thankful to both of them, most talentet and respectful fighters ever, LEGENDS

I also grew up as a JCVD fan. He is absolutely the real life JCVD:) Similar style, but better because it actually works in real life. Maybe not the most effective style in MMA, but looks amazing, and it still delivers results.

Even retired, you know he still trains everyday. Absolute man!

The classic K-1 era was such an important point in time for martial arts. It was the greatest thing man. In the 90s, if you were into kickboxing, karate and Muay Thai, you were watching and everyone would be talking and following the sport religiously - at least in Europe.

Such an Incredible Fighter with great stamina for his size 🤜

CroCop is actually Rocky 3 IRL. He was working out in some farm shed in the middle of nowhere and became one of the GOATs of kickboxing.

This guy was one of the absolute best fighters to watch back in the day. He was the first foreign fighter I rooted for. Straight up legand. I loved watching him make bob Sapp cry.

One of the grretest of all time in MMA and KB. New generations will never know how good was Cro Cop

Cro Cop is an iconic fighter and his unique style gonna stay for ever

When I was kid, in Croatia, he was our version of superhero.

Enjoyed watching Mirko throughout the years! Hvala Stari 🤜🏻🤛🏼

I appreciate the constant grappling for synonyms for "he knocked him out".

What an era of Fights and fighters those 90´s earlys 2000´s, just beautiful. R.I.P Andy Hug

Dude was a legit spec ops and has killed people. Someone I'd hate to be standing on the other side of the ring. Loved watching him fight. One of the goats.

Right leg hospital, left leg cemetery. The absolute killer - 💥Mirko "CroCop" Filipović💥 🤜The Croatian Sensation🤛

Mirko was an unbelievable learner and power of will from an inexperienced to one of the greatest fighter who bring inspiration for new generations.

Cro Cop was a great fighter indeed. Decent chin, rhino skin (he barely ever bleed even in MMA), devastating and with surgical accuracy punches and kicks and held his own in MMA purely using good defense against takedowns. I still remember when I watched Mirko vs Fedor back in the earlly 2000's. I rooted for Fedor because I was always a Fedor fan but he gave us a hell of a show.

Goosebumps, they don't make them like this anymore. Sensational fights back in the day

As a complete casual, I legit thought his name was cro cop lol. It's so fitting. What a legend.

So great seeing all my idols again, that was such an amazing time!

Awesome. Love the commentary. Mirko is the Legend. :)

Probably most exciting to watch mma fighter of all time.

Back in his day he was soooo good

For sure a LEGEND!

What a man. what a champion.

Crocop is a respectfull man The way he stood up for nogera before fighting him, The way he stoped that croatian reporter for making fun of nogera. Crocop = true legend.

Mark Hunt ate full power left cementary high kick from Cro Cop and even leaned towards it. Legendary chin dude..

The real deal. Very tough, courageous and honorable man.

Cro Cop was amazing to watch. Always have a love for the guy about whom was said, "Right leg , hospital; left leg, cemetery."

Beautiful fighter…such skill…beast mode

Crocop is among my all-time hall of famer for combat sports.

“Right leg, hospital. Left leg, cemetery.” What a legend.

Mirkos staredown with Wanderlei is legendary. Probably the most intense staredown in combat sports history. Also 1:51 is the epitome of fuck around and find out

Mirko was a baller! He also brought the excitement of not knowing when those kicks were coming. Striking w/his hands kept getting better, but the lack of wrestling was always an issue at the end of his career. The new breeed of fighters that had been training all aspects, all the time caught up...but they ALL still feared those head kicks

Andy Hug's story was a depressing an inspiring one all at same time. He died way to soon... I look at his story how he fought in K1 just months before he died, he was a warrior 100%, gone but not forgotten.

One of my favorite fighters ever that man is a machine

Yup he's from my country. I once walked near him. He seems cool. Great fighter he is.