UFC 119 Results and Reaction: What's Next for Mir and Cro Cop?

In what was supposed to be one of the most exciting cards of the year, it turned out to be a snooze-fest for those in attendance.

That was, until Frank Mir gave the Indianapolis crowd something to cheer about as he knocked out Mirko "Cro Cop" before the end of the final round.

In the first round, both men came out and tested each other on the feet, but neither Mir or Cro Cop did much to push the pace and were content with exchanging. Mir moved forward at times and displayed crisp boxing and and fast movement, while Cro Cop did his best to land some strikes and push the pace.

Mir went in for a takedown, but it was stuffed by Cro Cop as both men clinched. An accidental low blow sent Mir to the ground and stopped the bout momentarily. Once Mir recovered, he came out a bit more aggressive, but neither of them caused real damage to one another.

In the second round, both fighters stood toe-to-toe, but again, did not generate much offense. They clinched again but forced the referee to break it up. After clinching a couple more times, the crowd started to become impatient, as neither man caused damage. For the most part, Mir was trying to force his weight onto Cro Cop to wear him out.

The third round saw both men begin to push the pace a little more and they briefly exchanged until they clinched once again. The clinch was broken up once again and both men continued to find an opening while they exchanged. Mir and Cro Cop collided once again and clinched as Mir threw a strike, Cro Cop ducked, but Mir landed a knee out of nowhere, stunning his opponent, and knocking him out cold.

What's next for Mir?

Although his bout with Cro Cop wasn't the greatest fight, the knockout was enough to put him into a bout that could have title implications. While Shane Carwin is out of the spotlight momentarily, dealing with the alleged steroid accusations, Mir could find himself in a bout with Roy Nelson. Another bout, perhaps more intriguing, is putting Mir against the loser of Brock Lesnar and Cain Velasquez.

What's next for Cro Cop?

Unfortunately, MMA fans have seen the last of Cro Cop, as the former Pride veteran will likely retire. As bad as it was watching him compete in a dull, lackluster bout, it was even worse seeing him lay motionless on the canvas. It is safe to say that Cro Cop is a former shell of what he once was and clearly can no longer compete with the elite level of talent in UFC's heavyweight division.