Mirko Cro Cop and 5 UFC Fighters We Wish Were Still Young

A fighter's most important fight can sometimes be his last, and for an aging fighter, it's sometimes a fight they just can't win. It's a risk that only some are willing to take, and it might be more dangerous for them than anything they have ever had to deal with when they were younger.

Whether or not they remain successful and retire on top or are eagerly risking their legendary status to achieve some form of glory that they once had, there is nothing that stops time from finally catching up to them.

These are five fighters we wish were young, and although they are still fighting among the best, they might not have many fights left. Some may only have one.

No. 5: Dan Henderson

Former Pride and Strikeforce champion Dan Henderson may have recently turned 40, but he still remains among the very best in the sport.

The former Olympic wrestler won the UFC 17 middleweight tournament in 1998 after beating Allan Goes and Carlos Newton on the same night.

Jump to 13 years and 32 fights later, and Henderson has standout victories highlighted by him knocking out Fedor Emelianenko, Rafael Cavalcante, Renato Sobral and Michael Bisping.

His next fight will come at UFC 139 when he takes on Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, who is only 29 and a former UFC light heavyweight champion.

He wants one last shot at a UFC championship, and this upcoming bout may be the start of the final title run in his career.

No. 4: Tito Ortiz

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz has always been one of the biggest draws in the sport, and he still is at 36.

Despite losing five of his last seven bouts, Ortiz has been competitive with the best of the best in the division over the past five years.

With only one victory to show for the last five years of fighting, Ortiz is looking to fight for the belt he once had when he defended his UFC championship five consecutive times from 2000 to 2002.

His career will be on the line when he faces Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC 140.

No. 3: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

Brazilian fighter Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is the youngest one on this list, but he is arguably the most worn down out of all of them.

After a career of more than 40 bouts, the former Pride heavyweight champion is one of the most beloved mixed martial artists for the fights he puts on and the heart he shows every time he fights.

What has made him a fan favorite is ultimately what hurt him in the long run, and the damage is beginning to show.

Although the 35-year-old recently defeated Brendan Schaub, knockout losses versus Cain Velasquez and Frank Mir both preceded in UFC bouts.

He will face Mir in a rematch at UFC 140, which should determine where he stands in the division and in his legendary career.

No. 2: Mirko "Cro Cop" Flipovic

When Mirko "Cro Cop" Flipovic takes on Roy Nelson at UFC 137, he will be looking to leave on a much-needed victory at the age of 37.

"Some people, many people, buried me alive because I lost twice in a row," Cro Cop told mmafighting.com. "I just want to prove to everybody that I'm still Cro Cop. I want to raise from the grave. That's what I want to prove to everybody. That's my motivation."

The Croatian fighter is far from his prime, but when he was in it, he was one of the most dangerous fighters in the world. Along with his devoted fans, both want to relive some of those moments of his Pride years.

"I want to retire as the old Cro Cop," he continued. "I don't know if I will be able to do it, but I will die trying. Nothing is hard for me. I will die trying."

No. 1: Anderson Silva

If there wasn't more to add to the amazing career of UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, how about the fact that he is winning and dominating opponents as the leading pound-for-pound fighter in the sport at the age of 36? Now that's impressive.

The only thing that can hurt Silva is not knowing when his age will finally catch up with him. Some fighters can turn old overnight, and it might very well happen to the most dominant UFC fighter of all time.

For now, he can continue to expand his UFC records, which include having the most consecutive title defenses and UFC victories.

He doesn't have many fights left, and at the least, maybe four, but at least that gives his fans a chance to know he won't stay longer than is necessary.