MMA Report: Mirko “Cro Cop” Filopovic vs. Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 70: Nations Collide

by Bodog Beat News Ticker  |  April 20th, 2007

MMA Report 

Mirko "Cro Cop" Filopovic

Mirko "Cro Cop" Filopovic steps into the octagon on April 21. (AP Images)

 

Mixed martial arts fans agree. Mirko "Cro Cop" Filopovic (22-4-2) is scary.

It could be the predatory look he gets in his eyes as he approaches the ring, or his chillingly-calm demeanor. It could be his 17 TKO wins, or the fact that when he's not kicking people in the head he's a member of Croatian parliament. Did we mention he was on the Croatian anti-terrorist police squad? Well, it could be that too. Whatever it is, "Cro Cop" is a terrifying opponent for anyone.

Unless, that is, you happen to be Gabriel "Napao" Gonzaga (7-1-0). A Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu world champion, "Napao" is undefeated in the octagon and enters the fight with a 20 pound weight advantage over the Croatian super-striker. Gonzaga might be the underdog, but he could win if he can take "Cro Cop" to the ground and submit him. 

That, of course, is a big "if". Filopovic has beaten some of the very best fighters in the world, including Wanderlei Silva (31-7-1), Josh Barnett (20-5-0), Mark Coleman (15-8-0), Kevin Randleman (16-12-0), and Aleksander Emelianenko (10-3-0). In his entire career, he has only been submitted once. In November of 2003, Antonio "Minotauro" Rodrigo Nogueira (29-4-1) weathered a hailstorm of kicks and punches to take "Cro Cop" to the mat where he was able to finish him with an arm bar submission.

Will "Napao" be able to repeat this amazing feat? Or will "Cro Cop" add another name to his list of victims? The MMA world will find out when these two heavyweights collide on April 21.

Full fight card:

  • Mirko "Cro Cop" Filopovic (-600) vs. Gabriel Gonzaga (+400)
  • Andrei "The Pit Bull" Arlovski (-125) vs. Fabricio Werdum (-105)
  • David Heath (+275) vs. Ryoto "Lyoto" Machida (-350)
  • Michael Bisping (-500) vs. Elvis Sinosic (+350)
  • Assuerio Silva (-260) vs. Cheick Kongo (+200)
  • Victor Valimaki (+115) vs. Alessio Sakara (-145)
  • Matt Grice (even) vs. Terry Etim (-130)
  • Junior Assuncao (-200) vs. David Lee (+160)
  • Dennis Siver (-160) vs. Jess Liaudin (+130)
  • Edilberto Crocota (-200) vs. Paul Taylor (+160)

Find all your UFC odds in the Bodog Sportsbook.

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All lines are subject to change.