UFC 128 Fight Card: Will Mirko 'Cro Cop' Retire If He Loses To Brendan Schuab?
While UFC 128 features an anticipated main event between Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua and Jon Jones, perhaps there is no other bout with higher implications than Mirko Cro Cop versus Bendan Schaub.
Cro Cop will enter the Octagon after delivering a poor performance at UFC 119, where he laid unconscious courtesy of his opponent Frank Mir. The less-than stellar performance from the Croatian heavyweight had fans and media stating that his legendary career had run its course. It was clearly evident that Cro Cop never could adjust to the transition from a ring to a eight-sided cage, but more so, he no longer possessed the skills to compete with the top heavyweight fighters.
While it is true his best days are long and far behind him, one thing that hasn't left Cro Cop is his motivation.
" I'm ready for the stand-up, I'm ready for the ground, and I’m ready for any aspect of the fight. I will finish him as soon as possible," he stated confidently during a pre-UFC 129 interview on UFC.com.
Cro Cop will want to bring more than just motivation come next weekend; Schaub is one of the top heavyweight prospects. Schaub's ascension among the heavyweight rankings came following a victory over Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 121, and a win over the former Pride FC star could propel the young heavyweight within the top tier of the division.
It has become abundantly clear with fighters like Cro Cop, that while they might still have the desire and competitive nature to fight, doesn't necessarily mean their bodies will allow them to do so. When a professional athlete competes at an age well beyond their prime, their credibility gets questioned. Some will say it is for pride, and others will say it is for a last shot at glory.
But if Cro Cop is to lose at UFC 129, it won't reveal something that fans and media don't already know.
It might leave fans feeling disappointed but it is even worse to see a fading star desperately try and hold on to what's left of their career.
Regardless of a win or a loss, the right thing for Mirko Cro Cop to consider is retirement.
