Cro Cop Wants to Fight Once More, If Dana White Allows Him

It's been just over a week since we last saw Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic in the ring against up-and-coming heavyweight Brendan Schaub.

Now after that third round TKO loss to Schaub, Cro Cop's retirement has been heavily discussed by everyone, including Ultimate Fighting Championship president, Dana White.

"I have all respect for Mirko 'Cro Cop,' but yeah, I'd have to say tonight is probably the last time we'll see Cro Cop fight again," White said in an interview after UFC 128.

Even Cro Cop was beginning to think it was the end when he got back to his native country of Croatia where he served on the Croatian Parliament from 2003 to 2007 and was part of their Elite Special Forces in the Anti-Terrorist Unit.

"I feel like somebody stole something from me," Cro Cop said to Jutarnji.hr about his defeat to Schaub. "I am disappointed by the result, but congratulations to Schaub and thanks to my fans for their support."It's clear that in this sport without hunger, wish and ambition to win there is no success, and it's also clear that there is no more left of those in me.

But now, unlike the media and White, Cro Cop seems to think otherwise about his plans with the UFC.

"There's one fight left on my UFC contract. I will have this fight, regardless of what the reporters think," said Cro Cop. "However, there's a possibility that the UFC will insist on not allowing me to fight. I will accept their decision."

Cro Cop's competitive nature and determination has never gotten in his way before and has made a name for himself as a MMA legend. But like all legends, Cro Cop doesn't want to leave on a loss.

"It's time to retire, despite the fact that I want to continue. Next year, it will be 20 years since my first fight... I had a great career, and I don't regret anything. But I don't want to finish it defeated," Cro Cop said.

Cro Cop, who is 36-years-old, seems to be suffering from the decline all athletes go through when they hit his age. During Cro Cop's last two fights, he has proven he can still hang, but the old Cro Cop everyone has seen, is now slower.

"I was more than ready for my last two fights, but still, I was unable to see the punches coming. I would like to apologize to all my fans. Believe me, I'm also very disappointed," Cro Cop concluded.

It's yet to be seen if White will pull Cro Cop aside and tell him enough is enough and end his career much like he did to Chuck Liddell. Cro Cop is 27-9-2 in his MMA career and is 4-5 inside the UFC, losing three of his last five fights.