Mirko Cro Cop Beats Frank Mir By Punches

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

MANILA, Philippines – Two-time heavyweight champion Frank Mir is confident that he has enough punching power to handle mixed martial arts (MMA) legend Mirko Cro Cop in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 119 on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

“My whole skill in boxing has improved by leaps and bounds. I have a good right hook. I hit way harder now,” Mir said in a UFC promotional video.

Mir, a former UFC heavyweight and former UFC interim heavyweight champion, said his punching power has sharpened his stand-up arsenal, which he needs against an outstanding striker like Cro Cop.

“If he wants to come forward and test that out, good luck to him,” said the 31-year-old MMA fighter from Las Vegas.

Aside from relying on his improved striking abilities, Mir is expected to utilize his usual ground game against Cro Cop, who is perceived to be more comfortable fighting on his feet.

Mir is already 13-5-0 as an MMA professional, and 62% of his victories were scored via submissions.

This is why he just shrugs off Cro Cop’s ability on the ground.

“If anyone wants to bring up the fact that he submitted Pat Barry, I don't even have to reply to that,” he said of Cro Cop’s recent victory.

The 36-year-old Croatian forced Barry to submission last June, and Mir is convinced that Barry is no expert in ground tactics.

“Did you see [Cro Cop’s] choke? Did you see [Barry] to defend that choke? You go home with the victory, be happy you won but I wouldn't brag about it,” said Mir.

UFC 119 will take place at the Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.