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Wednesday, December 13, 2006
by Jeff Sherwood and Josh Gross

Reigning PRIDE Open-Weight Grand Prix champion Mirko Filipovic (Pictures) has apparently decided to bolster the ranks of the UFC heavyweight division, a source inside the Croatian's camp informed Sherdog.com Wednesday.

Rumors have buzzed of Filipovic's departure from PRIDE since his official Web site reported in recent days that he would not fight on the Japanese promoter's year-end card.

Filipovic, the No. 2 heavyweight in the world behind PRIDE champion Fedor Emelianenko (Pictures), would make an immediate impact on a division that has long been considered among the weakest in the UFC. Terms are not known, but it's expected Fillipovic, 32, could sign one of the most expensive multi-fight deals in UFC history.

A former K-1 star, "Cro Cop" moved from kickboxing to mixed martial arts in 2001, and has since amassed in impressive 21-4-2 record. His biggest accomplishment in MMA occurred just last September, when the Fighter of the Year candidate stopped Wanderlei Silva (Pictures) and Josh Barnett (Pictures) on the same night to capture PRIDE's Grand Prix crown.

It was believed tournament victory would secure Filipovic a second crack at Emelianenko, whom the Croatian lost to by decision in epic August 2005 clash.

Filipovic's four losses have come against Emelianenko, former K-1 World Grand Prix champion Mark Hunt (Pictures), a shocking knockout against former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman (Pictures) and by submission in a classic battle against former PRIDE heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (Pictures).

"Cro Cop" is renowned for his striking skills, which features a devastating left high kick that is responsible for highlight-reel victories against the likes of Silva, Igor Vovchanchyn (Pictures) and Aleksander Emelianenko (Pictures).

The super-striker would immediately vault to the top of the contender list for Tim Sylvia (Pictures)'s UFC heavyweight belt, should the "Maine-iac," who is currently renegotiating his contract with the Las Vegas-based promoter, remain with the organization.

There has been some discussion inside the UFC that "Cro Cop," who was not under contract to PRIDE, would make his cage-fighting debut versus Jake O'Brien (Pictures), a young, undefeated fighter whose strength is on the mat.

Thats great news he is going to shake up the HW

I can see the Pride heavyweight division being none existent if Cro-Cop comes and Alexander Elminenko comes over too. That would leave Fedor, Barrnett, Nogira, Fujita and Hunt only.

I can see the Pride heavyweight division being none existent if Cro-Cop comes and Alexander Elminenko comes over too. That would leave Fedor, Barrnett, Nogira, Fujita and Hunt only.

Thats hardly unexistant. That would still be on par with what the UFC would have if those signings came off. They would still have Werdum also.

Oh yeah, dont forget Giant Silva!

[Fedor, Barrnett, Nogira, Fujita and Hunt only.]

I can see the Pride heavyweight division being none existent if Cro-Cop comes and Alexander Elminenko comes over too. That would leave Fedor, Barrnett, Nogira, Fujita and Hunt only.

Yeah they're crap eh!?

Crocop is a big loss no doubt, but Pride will still have the Elite Heavyweights imo.

ufc is looking good with all these new changes. first they get the world fighting alliance and now they could possibly get cro cop and alexander. that heavyweight division is looking good.  i think tim silvia needs to run because he is about to get his ass kicked.

and they're coming to the UK next year!

[Fedor, Barrnett, Nogira, Fujita and Hunt only.]

I can see the Pride heavyweight division being none existent if Cro-Cop comes and Alexander Elminenko comes over too. That would leave Fedor, Barrnett, Nogira, Fujita and Hunt only.

Yeah they're crap eh!?

Crocop is a big loss no doubt, but Pride will still have the Elite Heavyweights imo.

When did i say they were crap
The only point im trying to make is that how long can we see these guys fighting each other i.e the Barrnett vs Cro-Cop fight being off to me is great news was not looking forward to seeing there 4th bout i can understand trilogys but what they going to do keep pairing them off against each other till Barnett gets 1 win.

I can see the Pride heavyweight division being none existent if Cro-Cop comes and Alexander Elminenko comes over too. That would leave Fedor, Barrnett, Nogira, Fujita and Hunt only.

Thats hardly unexistant. That would still be on par with what the UFC would have if those signings came off. They would still have Werdum also.

Oh yeah, dont forget Giant Silva!

Giant Silva Has he even won a fight in the past 2 years yet?? You can hardly use him as an example of having a strong division.

I can see your point about them only having each other to fight, but maybe this will encourage Pride to bring in new blood. Not sure where from though.

I can see the Pride heavyweight division being none existent if Cro-Cop comes and Alexander Elminenko comes over too. That would leave Fedor, Barrnett, Nogira, Fujita and Hunt only.

Thats hardly unexistant. That would still be on par with what the UFC would have if those signings came off. They would still have Werdum also.

Oh yeah, dont forget Giant Silva!

Giant Silva Has he even won a fight in the past 2 years yet?? You can hardly use him as an example of having a strong division.

Sarcasm.......