Jul 11, 2009 - LAS VEGAS -- It seemed after last month that Mirko Cro Cop walked out of the UFC for good, napalming his relationship with the organization on the way out the door.
Not so fast.
The Croatian heavyweight star has apparently signed a three-fight deal with the company, Zuffa co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta told UFC fans during a question-and-answer session during Saturday's pre-UFC 100 Fan Expo.
The 34-year-old returned to the UFC at June's UFC 99, defeating Mostapha Al-Turk after orally agreeing to a deal with UFC President Dana White over the phone. At the time, White said that Cro Cop had given his word that he planned to remain with the UFC.
But later on that night, in the post-fight press conference, White told the media that Cro Cop had bolted for a contract with the Japanese-based DREAM promotion. A DREAM representative even confirmed the signing shortly afterward. But apparently, the deal was never sealed, as Fertitta has brought the master of the left-high kick back into the fold.
Other UFC 100 News & Notes
-- There has been little movement on UFC 100 betting lines during the week at the Mandalay Bay sports book. At midweek, Lesnar was a -220 favorite before the line closed a bit to -210. A few hours before fight time, he was a -230 favorite.
Late money has come in on Thiago Alves to upset Georges St. Pierre in the welterweight title fight. At midweek, GSP, was a big -320 favorite, but nearing fight time, that number dropped to -240.
In the middleweight matchup between Dan Henderson and Michael Bisping, Henderson is a -200 pick, while Stephan Bonnar (-380), Jon Fitch (-400) and Jon Jones (-450) are all big favorites.
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