Mirko Cro Cop: Heart, Respect and Legend

Mirko Cro Cop is a legend. No ifs or buts about it. Even though UFC 137 was Cro Cop's last fight in the UFC, he displayed a bit of his old self inside the Octagon. Punches, kicks and decent ground work gave fans a sense of closure that Cro Cop still had one fight left in him.

During the UFC 137 press conference in Las Vegas, Cro Cop stated his fight with Roy Nelson would be his last. Whether he won or lost, he was honest to himself and to fans worldwide that there is a time when a man has to face reality of hanging up the gloves.

Though only 37, for the sport of MMA, it is almost light years away from the young contenders now coming into the spotlight. Would Cro Cop have continued fighting for the UFC if he defeated Roy Nelson? To some it may be a possible yes answer. But the legend of Cro Cop is not about wins or losses. It is about the determination of a man.

Walking out to his iconic Duran Duran music montage, Cro Cop looked physically in tip-top shape and confident to face the younger and slightly slimmer than usual Roy Nelson that fans are used to seeing. My guess is that Nelson's last fight against Frank Mir woke him up to the necessary diet and physical changes needed to compete with the always dangerous Cro Cop.

Like most fights in the first round, both fighters were feeling themselves out and by half way into the round, both fighters started to throw down in the Octagon. Nelson took down Cro Cop and landed a bit of ground and round, but nothing to cause serious damage.

Cro Cop's fierce punching power and speed found Nelson's chin a few times with uppercuts and straight lefts. Cro Cop also landed a few of his famous left kicks to the body and head of Roy Nelson, but it did not seem to phase him.

Round two started with Nelson connecting a right hand to the chin of Cro Cop, but then tables turned when Cro Cop unleashed a barrage of punches against a covered up Nelson. A few more exchanges and two minutes into the round, Nelson clinches and takes down Cro Cop right into the side control position.

This is where Cro Cop sustained the most damage, with Nelson utilizing his weight in the crucifix position and landing punches to the face of Cro Cop. Unable to really defend himself, it looked like the legend would be stopped with less than thirty seconds left in the second round, until the bell rang.

The third round showed the heart of a fighter in Cro Cop. Nelson knew he dominated Cro Cop in round two and could also sense that Cro Cop was tired and didn't have the same fight as he had in his Pride days.

Round three was all Nelson who moved forward with punches and eventually caught Cro Cop with a right hand and a few right hooks that staggered Cro Cop.

Smelling blood, Nelson finished off Cro Cop via TKO when he tried to shoot for a take down on Big Country.

Both fighters showed great respect throughout the fight and during the interview with UFC commentator Joe Rogan, Cro Cop confirmed that UFC 137 would be his last fight and thanked his fans worldwide. What impressed me most was how humble he was.

However, this does not negate any of Cro Cop's accomplishments in and out of the ring. He was one of the first K-1 level kickboxers who transitioned into MMA. Cro Cop dominated numerous fighters in Pride and showed the heart of a martial artist.

Although Cro Cop may not be returning to MMA, fans will be delighted to witness his comeback to K-1 in 2012. Whether this means Cro Cop wants to return back to his roots of kickboxing or not, he is and will always be one of the best fighters in the world, both in and outside of the Octagon.