What is Mirko Cro Cop's Net Worth?
Mirko Cro Cop, born Mirko Filipović, is a Croatian mixed martial artist, kickboxer, and former politician with a net worth of $5 million. Known for competing in Pride FC, UFC, K-1, Bellator, and Rizin, Cro Cop is regarded as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, winning multiple Grand Prix championships. He also served in the Croatian Parliament from 2003 to 2008.
Early Life
Mirko Filipović was born on September 10, 1974, in Vinkovci, Croatia. Raised in a working-class family, he trained in track and field, taekwondo, and karate. As a young adult, he joined the Croatian Army as a radio telegraphist and later trained with the national kickboxing team.
Career Beginnings
In 1996, Filipović began his professional career as a kickboxer. Before this, he was a successful amateur boxer with a record of 48-8 and 31 KO's. He participated in the World Amateur Boxing Championships in 1997, though he lost his first-round matchup. During this time, he also served in a Croatian police anti-terrorist unit, earning the nickname Cro Cop.
MMA Career in Pride FC
Filipović transitioned to MMA in 2001, fighting in the K-1 GP Final, Pride FC, and Inoki-Bom-Ba-Ye. He defeated veterans like Kazuyuki Fujita and Kazushi Sakuraba and, in his eighth professional fight, became the first to knock out Igor Vovchanchyn. He continued to achieve significant victories and won the Pride Openweight Grand Prix championship in 2006.
MMA Career in UFC
In late 2006, Filipović joined the UFC, debuting at UFC 67 where he defeated Eddie Sanchez. After a brief hiatus for the MMA 'Dream' events, he returned in 2009 at UFC 99, defeating Mostapha al-Turk. He had his then-final UFC fight at UFC 137 in 2011 but returned in 2015 to defeat Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC Fight Night 64 by TKO.
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First Retirement and Return to Kickboxing
In 2012, Filipović returned to kickboxing, competing in the K-1 World MAX World Championship and winning by TKO against Loren Javier Jorge. He continued to fight in K-1 World Grand Prix championships, eventually winning the tournament 13 years after finishing as runner-up.
Return to MMA and Final Retirement
Filipović returned to MMA in 2012, defeating former sumo wrestler Shinichi Suzukawa. Continuing his success, he defeated Olympic judo champion Satoshi Ishii in 2014. Unfortunately, his UFC return saw him stripped of his title due to a doping suspension, though it was later discovered his USADA tests were negative. He retired in 2019 after a successful stint with Rizin and Bellator, citing health issues following a stroke.
Personal Life and Other Endeavors
Filipović is married and has two sons, Ivan and Filip. Beyond fighting, he briefly played football for HNK Cibalia and starred in the Croatian action film 'Ultimate Force.' He also served in the Croatian Parliament from 2003 to 2008.
