Possible opponent for Mirko's next fight

[Dado]

"Warning: there’s no concrete information here to support the headline.

I received an article from a reader just now that is in Croatian. “James” told me that it says UFC President Dana White is quoted as saying Cro Cop will get a title fight if he can win at UFC 70, which is slated for April 21 in Manchester, England.

It makes sense, considering that most of the fighters on the developing UFC 70 fight card are foreign and/or European.

MMAWeekly.com has Frenchman — and heavyweight — Cheick Kongo tentatively scheduled on the card.

So, by process of elimination, I came up with the Cro Cop-Congo match up, which would be pretty decent if it is indeed true.

Like Cro Cop, Kongo has a kickboxing background. It would certainly make for an interesting fight if the two did indeed meet up at the Manchester Evening News (M.E.N.) Arena.

Again, I can’t say with any confidence that the translation of the article is correct, much less confirm that this fight is in the works.

So, tread lightly and stay tuned. If there are any Croatian readers out there, feel free to corroborate the article."

Source:http://ufcmania.com/


I hope this is true, this fight really sounds exciting to me. Atleast we know Mirko is facing a truely dangerous striker this time.

Any news in Croatia about this?

[loreia]

Yes there is.
News appeared in Vecernji List, their reporter went to LV with CC team, and this is what Dana White told him.
1. Mirko's next fight will be in London
2. Mirko's third fight will be the fight for title

[TheDude]

It seems like Dana got a bit more than he bargained for. Mirko isnt a PR-wunderkid, and he seems to act according to his worth.

[loreia]

Hello all,

Mirko just landed in Zagreb and gave a short interview to NovaTV. Interesting points were:
- When asked about Pride music, he said that he made the choice, but (with a big smile on his face) said that he will keep reasons for doing so for himself.
- Said that his next fight will be in Manchester 20.4.2007, and that he will fight the winner of Couture-Sylvia in his third UFC fight.
- said that he will take a short 10 daybreak, and then continue trainings as usual.
- said that he was nervous in Las Vegas because these were his hardest preparations for a fight thus far. Reporter was confused to hear this statement and made a short pause, so Mirko quickly added: Hardest in a sense that I had a lot of small injuries and I couldn’t train normally last 20 days or so. I had to wear protection gear on my left leg and couldn’t kick for 10 days. There were also a number of small injuries that I suffered and all this affected me. I was very nervous and I just wanted everything to end as soon as possible.
- when asked ‘how happy UFC was with his performance”, Mirko said that he only shortly talked with them (probably Dana)
- said that he enjoyed fighting in the America, because American fans are louder and halls are smaller
- said that he was very happy to see Cro supporters (even if he didn’t say one word to them !!!!!!!!)
- also said that he didn’t leave hotel for two days and that he didn’t meet with anyone during his stay in LV.
- one funny moment was when reporter asked him a really long question about his frustration with Eddie’s back pedaling. Reporter went on to talk for half a minute or full minute and when he finally finished, Mirko just said “yes” and started laughing.

He finished interview saying that it shouldn’t take more than 10 days to heal the injuries and he will go back to gym.

One more thing.
During the broadcast of UFC 67 Fortunal said that a day before fight Mirko and his training partner Igor Pokrajac were in the Octagon with Big John (the judge) and were asking him what is and what isn’t allowed, and when finished Mirko made a comment that “UFC rules are softer version of MMA”.
LOL

He also said that he almost used knees when Eddie fell down, but luckily remembered not to do so. Then made a comment that Pride rules are better for him, but that he will adapt to new set of rules.

That’s about it.

[FieldingMellish]

Thanks as always, loreia!

I'm going to see Mirko LIVE!!!!

Am already very excited, lol.

[loreia]

^^
I am seriously considering buying that damn airplane ticket...
We'll seee if Fortunal and Nokaut organize something.

[loreia]

LOL just saw Dana's comment when Mirko asked him to use Pride song:
"Whatever turns you on, even if it is Pride theme song."

What a character

[loreia]

Ah yes, one more thing. His doctor advised him NOT to fight, but Mirko ignoredthat advice. A stupid move, but I amm glad he did it. :)

[loreia]

http://dnevnik.hr/bin/article.php?article_id=11250&show_media=30806

for cro speakers...

[heckyl]

Thanks as always, loreia!

I'm going to see Mirko LIVE!!!!

Am already very excited, lol.

damn, nfl football, AND Cro Cop coming in 2007? its a year of years for the british community :D

[FieldingMellish]

damn, nfl football, AND Cro Cop coming in 2007? its a year of years for the british community :D

Oh YES! And I'm almost 100% certain I can go to the Dolphins-Giants game now they've confirmed the date. I'm planning on being back from my holidays by then. Woo HOO!!!

[heckyl]

thats awesome good to know you will get to attend. both crocop and nfl going there could be something that doesnt happen again. that is unless the results are very good. hopefully they are.

[Shinbone]

It seems that Crocop ' always' have minor injuries. To me it looks like he might over train himself.

[Grant Ellis]

The man fights 158 times a year, it is only natural.

[migo]

8.51 times per year is more like it.

[Grant Ellis]

And the .51 is Eddie Sanchez.

[( o Y o )]

I'd be surprised if Mirko fights anyone great. I expect Dana wants him fighting as regularly as possible, and wants him to get the belt asap....and wont want to take many risks with him.

[Body_Shots]

Andrei Arlovski is also supposed to fight on the Manchester card, he isn't a likely opponent, but it's possible.

[Dado]

I think Kongo is a good fight before moving onto Couture/Silva then Arlovski. It will certainly be a step up from Sanchez.

[( o Y o )]

I'm slowly starting to hate Fielding. lol

[( o Y o )]

I'm slowly starting to hate Fielding. lol

[heckyl]

me and grant already hate him. join the club.

[ArtOfWar]

Welcome to the 'We love (to hate) Fielding Mellish' club. :P

Thanks for the info as usual loreia - geez, what the hell would we do without you?!

If the opponent is Kongo, then Kongo by brutal KO in round 1.

[loreia]

You know, one of these days you prediction will be correct one... :P

[FieldingMellish]

Andrei Arlovski is also supposed to fight on the Manchester card, he isn't a likely opponent, but it's possible.

Can't imagine any way they'd throw in a Mirko-Arlovski fight this early. Am sure they're going to wait for that one.

And as for the "I hate Fielding" club - you buggers love me really!