After a controversial June that included Mirko Cro Cop allegedly passing on a future with UFC after winning impressively at its UFC 99 event, it appears the fighter has decided to return to UFC’s Octagon.
Sources say that Cro Cop, real name Mirko Filipovic, has agreed to fight Junior dos Santos at UFC 103.
Though dos Santos has not yet established the same profile as rising heavyweight stars Shane Carwin and Cain Velasquez, he is considered one of the division’s most dangerous prospects. He also represents a step-up in competition for the veteran Cro Cop, who most recently fought and defeated Mostapha al Turk.
Last month’s controversy in the UFC-Cro Cop relationship included candid comments from UFC President Dana White about the mixed martial arts veteran. Responding to reports that Cro Cop had signed a multiple fight deal with Japan’s DREAM organization after fighting at UFC 99 on a gentleman’s agreement to continue his career in the Octagon, White asked Yahoo, “Isn’t that a dirty (expletive) thing to do?”