Mirko Cro Cop: Top 5 Post-Fight Images of Bloodied Foes

There was a time when stepping into a ring against Mirko "Cro Cop" was the most dangerous thing a man could do.

A kickboxing specialist, Filipovic ushered in a new era of striking prowess to mixed martial arts.

At the height of his career, Filipovic was the most feared man in combat sports.

Now Mirko's time dominating the sport has come to an end, but he still leaves a legacy of devastation in his wake.

An undersized heavyweight, Filipovic is in a position similar to fellow legend Fedor Emelianenko where a move down in weight might be the best way to remain a top competitor going forward.

Honorable Mention

Pat Barry is an outstanding kickboxer himself, and posed some major problems for Cro Cop.

Regardless, Cro Cop proved to be the more durable as Pat Barry broke his hand and foot striking with the legend.

Barry fought on like a warrior, but eventually was beat down with strikes and finished with a rear-naked choke.

5. Fedor Emelianenko

In one of the biggest fights in the history of the sport, Mirko Cro Cop fought Fedor Emelianenko for the PRIDE heavyweight championship.

Emelianenko would go on to win the unanimous decision victory, but not without sustaining some damage.

4. Kazushi Sakuraba

When you are fighting against the best kicker in the sport, you need to keep an eye on his legs and feet.

Unfortunately for the legendary Kazushi Sakuraba, he took that a little too literally.

Sakuraba lost his fight with Cro Cop after an upkick from the Croatian kickboxer broke Sakuraba's orbital bone.

3. Josh Barnett

Heavyweight star Josh Barnett fought Mirko Cro Cop three times, and came up short three times.

Barnett is certainly one of the sport's top fighters, but Cro Cop just seemed to have his number.

Barnett's battered face in the post-fight picture is a testament to that.

2. Wanderlei Silva

In their first meeting, Mirko went to town on Wanderlei Silva's body with kicks.  

Mirko has stopped other opponents with kicks to the body, but Silva soldiered on and fought to the final bell.

This picture was taken between rounds and Silva's ribs were even worse after the final bell, but this shot is up close and personal so you can really see how badly Silva's body was being battered.

1. Wanderlei Silva (Second Fight)

In their second encounter, Filipovic decided to attack Silva's head rather than the body.

Cro Cop pummeled Silva's face leaving it bleeding and swollen. Then, with his opponent wounded, Cro Cop delivered his famous left high kick to end the fight.

The kick hit Silva perfectly, becoming one of the most famous and brutal knockouts in the history of MMA.