Mirko Cro Cop Filipović stands as a legendary figure in mixed martial arts and kickboxing, renowned for his devastating left high kick and remarkable career spanning multiple fighting organizations.
His journey from Croatian law enforcement to global fighting stardom represents an extraordinary tale of athletic excellence and determination.
Mirko Cro Cop’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mirko Filipović |
| Nickname | Cro Cop |
| Born | September 10, 1974 |
| Age | 50 years old |
| Nationality | Croatian |
| Height | 6’2″ (188 cm) |
| Weight | 234 lbs (106 kg) |
| Profession | Retired Mixed Martial Artist, Kickboxer |
| Net Worth | $5 Million |
| Spouse | Klaudija Filipović |
| Children | Two sons: Ivan and Filip |
| Birthplace | Vinkovci, Croatia |
| Fighting Divisions | Heavyweight |
Mirko Cro Cop emerged from humble beginnings, transforming from a Croatian police special forces member to a global fighting icon.
His remarkable journey showcases extraordinary dedication and athletic prowess.
Early Career
Mirko Cro Cop began his combat sports journey at age 7, training in Taekwondo. Growing up in a modest household in Vinkovci, Croatia, he practiced martial arts independently before joining the Croatian Army as a young adult.
In 1993, he was granted permission to train with the national kickboxing team. After a successful amateur boxing career with a record of 48-8 and 3 national championships, he transitioned to professional kickboxing in 1996.
Professional Career
Mirko Cro Cop’s professional career is marked by his success across multiple promotions.
He debuted in kickboxing in 1996 and competed in K-1, where he faced numerous legends. In 2001, he transitioned to MMA with Pride Fighting Championships, where he gained fame for his signature left high kick.
He became the Pride Open-Weight Grand Prix Champion in 2006 and later won the K-1 World Grand Prix in Zagreb and the Rizin Openweight Grand Prix.
In total, he amassed an MMA record of 35 wins, 11 losses, and 2 draws (1 no contest).
After retiring in 2019 due to health concerns following a stroke, Cro Cop remains one of the most respected figures in combat sports history.
Wife
Mirko has been married to Klaudija since 2002. The couple has 2 sons, Ivan and Filip, and maintains a stable family life in Zagreb, Croatia. 
His commitment to family parallels his dedication to martial arts.
Mirko Cro Cop’s Net Worth Details
Mirko Cro Cop’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025. His financial stability stems from his successful fighting career, parliamentary service, and strategic financial management throughout his professional journey.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Purse |
|---|---|---|
| UFC 115 | Pat Barry | $235,000 |
| Pride Events | Various | $130,000-$300,000 |
| Bellator | Various | – |
Career Records
| Opponent | Result | Event | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wanderlei Silva | Win (KO) | Pride FC | 2006 |
| Fedor Emelianenko | Loss | Pride FC | 2005 |
| Josh Barnett | Win | Pride FC | 2006 |
| Gabriel Gonzaga | Loss | UFC | 2007 |
FAQs
1. Who is Mirko Cro Cop?
Mirko Filipović is a legendary Croatian mixed martial artist, kickboxer, and former police special forces member, widely considered one of the greatest heavyweight fighters in combat sports history.
2. Why is he called “Cro Cop”?
His nickname “Cro Cop” is short for “Croatian Cop”, referencing his previous employment in Croatia’s elite Lučko Anti-Terrorist Unit police special forces.
3. What was Cro Cop’s most famous fighting technique?
His signature left high roundhouse kick, famously described as “right leg, hospital; left leg, cemetery”, which became legendary in MMA and kickboxing circles.
4. What major championships did Mirko Cro Cop win?
He won the 2006 Pride Open-Weight Grand Prix, K-1 World Grand Prix FINAL in Zagreb, and 2016 Rizin Openweight Grand Prix Championships.
5. Did Mirko Cro Cop have a political career?
Yes, he served as a Member of the Croatian Parliament from December 23, 2003, to January 11, 2008, elected as an independent candidate on the Social Democratic Party list.
6. What was his professional fighting record?
Across a 52-fight career, Cro Cop retired with 38 victories, maintaining an impressive 89% finish rate with 27 first-round stoppages.
7. In which fighting organizations did he compete?
He fought professionally in Pride FC, UFC, K-1, RIZIN, and Bellator, establishing himself as a global combat sports icon.
8. When and why did he retire?
Mirko Cro Cop announced his retirement on March 1, 2019, primarily due to health reasons, specifically a stroke he suffered.
9. What martial arts background does he have?
He holds a black belt in Taekwondo and was a successful amateur boxer who competed in international competitions, including the 1997 Amateur Boxing World Championships.
10. What was unique about his fighting career?
He was the second fighter in world history to win mixed martial arts and kickboxing championships and tournaments, and he ended his career on a remarkable 10-fight win streak.
