Mirko to Face Jerome LeBanner

Statement from Mirko Crocop:

Yes, I'm going to fight on July 20. I was looking forward to appearing on the DREAM 4 card on June 15 and I based my preparations on that. I suffered a minor leg injury last week, but it doesn't affect my trainings. During a wrestling session, I slipped and felt pain in my left knee, but the medical exams have confirmed that no damage was done. I'm wearing a special bandage just as a precaution."

New Mirko Interview

Newest interview with CroCop, translated from Index.hr.

1. It was your first fight after two defeats. Were you nervous about your comeback to the ring?

Mirko: I wasn't nervous, I've been fighting in the ring for many years and I feel at home in it. I was excited about fighting in Japan again.

2. You looked impressive in the ring. You bulked up, did you do it on purpose or did it just happen?

Mirko: Gaining muscle mass was a 6 months process and I did it primarily to increase my raw strength.

3. Your boxing techniques looked fresh? Did the work with Marijan Zizanovic pay off?

Mirko: We train really hard and it's for sure that some credits for it should be given to Marijan. He's a real expert, I should have started this cooperation even sooner. It's a sure thing that my stand-up techniques will look even better in my next fights.

4. Did you think, theoretically, about what would have happened if you had lost one more fight? You are much better than Mizuno, but a single punch in this sport can decide a winner?

Mirko: I don't think about defeats, I'm well motivated and focused on bigger fights in the future and wins, of course.

5. How did it feel to return back to Japan after the US episode? Your popularity in Japan is still incredible, Saitama (and the atmosphere) is looking almost exactly like in PRIDE?

Mirko: The feeling was just fantastic, we can say that Japan is my second home. Japanese fans really respect this sport and the fighters, while Saitama is a place of some good memories.

6. Mizuno was a good warming-up, now you have more serious challenges in front of you. There are rumors about LeBanner, your old friend from your very first K1 fight, that you won?

Mirko: DREAM has mentioned several names for my next fight, it appears that my next opponent could be someone from K1. If it's LeBanner, that will be a big fight that I'm looking forward to.

7. Is it true that there is a one out of three chance in DREAM that you could face Sergey Kharitonov, who was one of the most well-rounded fighters in PRIDE?

Mirko: It's possible, it depends on DREAM, I want to fight against well known, great fighters.

8. Do you think that worldwide media is being a little bit unfair to you, after you spoiled them with an almost perfect score in last few years? After a brilliant open weight Grand Prix finale, you suffered two defeats, which made many people say that you are finished and that you have never been a top fighter.

Mirko: I don't think about this, my job is to fight and to do the best I can. Everyone can have an opinion, but in order to have a complete picture about this sport, people should try it themselves. A low motivation is a major problem for a fighter, and opinions like this are actually very motivating.

9. Your trademark is the worldwide famous high kick. You destroyed dozens of opponents with that kick, but exactly the same kick was devastating for you against Gonzaga. Is it hard to get back on track after such a loss and is it mentally tough to get back to the ring/cage again?

Mirko: My biggest problem in the UFC was a mental blockade, I spoke about it a few times already. I was empty, my motivation was low, I had no real desire to win the fight. It's very expensive in a fight.

10. Do you have any regrets about joining the UFC? I believe the difference was bigger than you could imagine. The cage, the rules, the audience, even the fighting style. Have you been surprised by the quality of UFC fighters - it was a common belief that PRIDE fighters were better?

Mirko: It's just another lesson for me. The UFC has some great fighters and the game is very different. The cage makes a difference too, but I'm looking forward to my return to the cage as I want to prove that I can be successful in it.

11. You announced that you'll return to the UFC and fight Gonzaga, Kongo and Nogueira again?

Mirko: All options are open but in this moment I only think about my next fight.

12. Your former sparring partner and BJJ trainer, Fabrizio Werdum, is getting better and more successful. Some credits probably go to your team where Fabricio learned a majority of his stand-up techniques. How is your relation with Werdum at the moment, there were even stories told that you could fight him in the UFC?

Mirko: It's a fair relationship, we trained together and we separated in a friendly manner.

13. News about you is always very popular among Index's readers. Do you surf the net yourself? You have your own blog now?

Mirko: I'm relatively often online, I get around better. Almost every evening I visit Index's website after my training, it contains very interesting news. Since a while I also have my own blog on www.mma-id.com where I post the latest information about my trainings, career and other interesting things.

Mighty Mo vs. Cro Cop?

Rumors of this fight happening at the first Dream event, will update when confirmation becomes available.

Mirko interview

Credit Mirko's blog

Mirko Cro Cop answers fans questions

1. Do you plan on holding seminars or private training sessions for people; or is it 100% career from this day forth?
Answer: In this moment all I can think of is to get back on track and win my next fight.

2. When you first started training to be a pro-fighter, what kind of reaction did you get from your parents?

Like other parents, they were worried, but I just felt that being a fighter is what I should do in my life.

3. Do you plan on still focusing part of your training for cage fighting such as defending and utilizing elbows?

Yes, I’ll still train in the cage as I would really like to fight in there again and show a lot more then I did in the UFC.

4. Have you ever even remotely considered fighting in the light heavyweight division for the UFC or do you consider yourself a true natural heavyweight?

I’m a natural heavyweight and I’ll always fight in heavyweight division.

5. What does your diet consist of to keep you in the top physical shape you are in ? Also what food is a guilty pleasure for you?

I eat mostly meat, I don't like vegetables. I have no special diet program, but I'm trying to keep away from food that's commonly considered bad for professional sportsmen.

6. Are you interested in being a coach one day?

I guess that would be a natural course of action, but at this moment I’m focused on my career.

7. Have you found the happiness again that you had in PRIDE? The happiness that you had when you won the Open Weight Grand Prix?

I was very excited to be in Japan again. It really feels good and yes, it was a strong reminder of some memorable moments.

8. Do you think its possible for you to have success in the UFC in the future, despite the UFC rules, no sockerkicks, no kness to head on ground, Octagon instead of ring etc?

Of course. I can be successful in the cage as well and I hope I’ll have a chance to prove that one day.”

9. Do you plan on fighting Gabriel Gonzaga again in a rematch since he has lost two bouts, as have you?

I’m not sure if this match-up is possible right now, but I would gladly fight him again.

10. What will you do different in a rematch with Gonzaga?

I’ll just be my true self.

11. The UFC released your from the contract. It’s not something that they usually do. What was different in your case?

We came up to an agreement and I respect them for acting professionally. We’ve left the doors open for doing business together in the future again.

12. For how long are you planning to fight in MMA?

As long as I’m healthy and able to train at maximum intensity.

13. How many fights will you have this year?

Probably three, but it's too soon to tell for sure.

14. Are you still working with Ivan Hyppolite, or is Marijan Zizanovic head coach now?

Marijan Zizanovic is head coach now, but I'll cooperate with Ivan and his gym.

15. What is your current training camp like?

Marijan Zizanovic is my Muay Thai coach and Marcio Corletta is in charge for BJJ. Igor Pokrajac and Hrvoje Kisicek are my sparring partners.

16. Have you thought to utilize the head kicks less since it is your signature move and a lot of people know of it since you still have outstanding striking?

I can still kick hard and even improve my kicks. However, my goal is to have more than one dangerous weapon. And I have some up my sleeves.

17. Who is more important for you to fight, Gonzaga or Kongo?

I would like to fight them both again.

18. A lot of fighters have bad things to say about Dana White, do you have any comments on this?

In my case Dana White acted professionally and I respect him for that. I have nothing bad to say about him.

19. Would you like to face Jerome Le Banner in an MMA fight?

My goal is to be a champion and I’ll fight anyone who is on my way.

20. Anderson Silva uses his long strong legs really good as defense, but also as offense on the ground, are you only training defense in BJJ so far?

No, I train many aspects of the ground game, but I’ll always be a stand-up fighter.

21. Isn't this a bad idea, going to Japan with different rules once again?

I fight in the ring for a long time and I will need no adjustment at all.

22. What do you prefer, to get the UFC belt at your comeback after your Dream fights, or to beat Fedor Emelianenko?

Good question. Both goals are almost equally important I guess. A slight advantage goes to beating Fedor.

23. Besides Minotauro and Fedor, who else would you like to fight before your career ends one day?

I don’t have a wish list, I’ll just fight anyone if the conditions are good.

24. Is it easier now to train after the nose surgery? Do you feel you have more cardio now? In sparring, do you feel overly protective of your nose? Will it affect you in the future fights?

My nose is doing well and I’m certainly not overly protective of it. I have no trouble breathing anymore and it can only help.

25. Don't you think that training methods also may have been a factor and are in need of reassessment (for any future involvement in the UFC)?

Yes, I think that some elements of my training should have been different, but as I said before - a mental blockade and a low motivation were the reasons for my bad performances.

The future of Mirko

On the UFC

Fighting in the cage just didn't feel good. The real problem was in me, not in the UFC or the cage. That wasn't who I am and I will return one day to fight in the cage. I owe this to all of my fans and especially my UK fans.

On Dana White

I can perfectly understand a decreased interest in me after my bad performances. It's just business and you can't blame the UFC or Mr. White for putting me aside. I can only say that Mr. White acted very professional and I had no problem in getting released from my UFC contract. I also hope that we'll always respect each other and perhaps work together in the future.

On Dream and the contract

My dream has come true, I'll fight in Japan again. I've signed a three fight contract with a possibility of extension.
It's where I had some memorable moments, where I feel at home. DREAM is a new organization with a good management and huge potential. Japan is a big market and these guys know how to bring something to a high level. I'll do my best to help them on that way.

On title fights

Yes, there were some talk of me being involved in a first DREAM heavyweight title fight. I'm welcoming this opportunity and I'm willing to fight anyone they put me against. I feel reborn and I'll be on a quest for the most anticipated titles in the world.

On possible Cro Cop vs Fedor II

The moment our first fight finished I wanted to fight him again. He's a brilliant fighter and it would be a honor to fight him again. This fight is really a nice thought, but I'll take one step at a time and we'll see what happens.

On problems and defeats

The losses came from a lack of motivation. I was really empty, I had no fire left in me. It's something that is probably the worst scenario for a professional fighter. What was left for me was to give a serious thought about if I had anything left in me. Now I feel different, but you just can't bring the time back. Hopefully I'll have my chance to fight against these fighters again.