MMA News: Mirko “Cro Cop” vs. Kongo at UFC 75

"Cro Cop" is ready to fight Kongo at UFC 75. (AP Images)

Croatian mixed martial arts star Mirko “Cro Cop” Filopovic (22-4-2) will return in September to take on Cheick Kongo (19-3-1) at UFC 75.

This was the announcement made today on ESPN by Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White.

“Mirko ‘Cro Cop’ is fighting Cheick Kongo from France,” said White. “He’s six foot four and two hundred and forty pounds. He’s huge. They are both strikers. Cheick Kongo is a very good striker and he’s good with his feet, knees and hands. It’s going to be a very interesting matchup.”

The 2006 PRIDE Open Weight Grand Prix Champion, “Cro Cop” was the favorite to beat Gabriel “Napao” Gonzaga (8-1-0) and face Randy Couture (15-8-0) for a heavyweight title fight at UFC 74. Instead, Gonzaga caught Cro Cop with a kick to the head, sending him to the canvas in a stunning upset nine seconds before the end of the first round.

In a press conference held in London, Cro Cop spoke about his condition, his last fight and his desire to get back into the octagon.

“I am one of the most dangerous strikers in the world but unfortunately, I did not prove that reputation in my last fight,” he said. “It was a great shock for me and I believe for all my fans and I was very disappointed. But I am a true professional and fighting is my life so I’m training harder than ever. And in the next fight I will be better than ever so I hope you will all be there to see it. I am going to beat my opponent.”

Official Fights for UFC 75:

• Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs. Dan “Hollywood” Henderson
• Micheal “The Count” Bisping vs. Matt “The Hammer” Hamill
• Mirko “Cro Cop” Filopovic vs. Cheick Kongo

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