Has UFC Veteran Mirko “Cro Cop” Retired From MMA?

Following a shoulder injury which forced Mirko Filipovic to pull out his November 28 bout against Anthony Hamilton at UFC Fight Night 79, the UFC veteran and former Pride Grand Prix Champion has announced to retire from the sport of MMA altogether.

“Cro Cop” made the announcement via his official website:

This is not a temporary decision because I was unhappy due to all of that, but it’s my final decision and it’s best for me. Sooner or later the time comes when a man has to think on the health. I had a really long and great career and I believe I left a deep mark in the martial arts, in a free fight and in K-1 and I have no regrets. Thanks to everyone who followed me and supported me, but for me there remains beautiful memories. Greetings!

The UFC has not made a public comment on his retirement yet, but if this turns out to be official, then “Cro Cop” retires with a 31-11-2 record with one no-contest in pro MMA. At the moment, he currently holds the most finishes in Zuffa history (21) and is tied with Wanderlei Silva for the most finishes in Pride history (16).

In his last UFC fight, he defeated Gabriel Gonzaga by TKO (elbows and punches) in the third round at UFC Fight Night 64.