Dream 6: The Return Of Mirko "Crocop" Filipovic

    On September 23rd "Mirko Crocop is back!" will be heard throughout the world. The sceptics will of course make excuses for their mistake in demoting Mr. Filipovic from his status as "a very dangerous heavyweight." But matter it not. They're the kind of people who cheer for the winner and lambast the great fighter joyously once he loses, rip him of all his skills, designate all his victories as luck. It is the culture of the United States to build up a hero and then chop him down into a sub-human form. But not in Japan. The quiet of the arena reminds you these are people who value martial arts. Whether you win or lose, if you fought valiantly you are a hero. It is not surprising Mirko "Crocop" returned to Japan.

    "Crocop" and Overeem have both confirmed the heavyweight fight at Dream 6, but who cares about Overeem, he is only the vehicle or test for Mirko's comeback, he is an improved fighter with wins over Paul Buentello and most recently Mark Hunt. The perfect and true test. Don't get me wrong I do not discredit Overeem's abilities. He is skilled in both  striking and submission. He has improved astronomically. His submission of Mark Hunt was that of a master. And he finally looks like a heavyweight, albeit a well conditioned heavyweight. But Overeem is no "Crocop".

    Against Alistair Overeem Mirko "Crocop" will attempt to revive his career from a "mental" slump. The great fighter has lost to Gabriel Gonzaga with the "kick seen round the world", a loss reminiscent of the first time Mirko Crocop and Kevin Randleman fought in Pride FC. His following fight against Cheick Kongo can best be described as "unmotivated" with Mirko telling the referee, "I'm too old for this s***."

    After two straight losses in the UFC, "Crocop" fled to Japan, but all the while vowing to return to the UFC for revenge. In Japan, "Crocop" was once again in the comfortable ring he had fought most of his career in, and with a quick win over the under-skilled and over-matched Tatsuya Mizuno, the Japanese fans welcomed one of their hero's back home.

    Mirko is said to be in great condition after taking time off for surgeries and is now motivated more than ever to prove his critics wrong. On September 23rd the words "watch out for that left high kick" will be yelled from ringside. The crowd will erupt like they had once again seen a great rival of Fedor.