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Mirko Cro Cop Goes Out With Grace and Fan Adulation, but No Victory

By Mike Chiappetta
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Mirko "Cro Cop" FilipovicUFC 137

.

Roy Nelson

in a third-round TKO. The Croatian had his moments in the fight, flooring Nelson briefly in the second round and keeping it competitive, with all three cageside judges having the bout tied 19-19 heading into the final frame. Nelson took over in the third and finished him with strikes 90 seconds in. Still, the 10,313 fans in attendance at the Mandalay Bay Events Center saw enough heart in Cro Cop's performance to send him off with a standing ovation.

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was. And it was not."

Cro Cop tried to leave the cage shortly after losing, but was asked to stay for a post-fight interview with Joe Rogan. In a classy move, he thanked the promotion for treating him "like a king" and apologized for his inability to bring the same magic to the octagon that he had in the PRIDE ring earlier in his career.

Upset at the outcome of the fight, did not attend the post-fight press conference, however.

  • UFC 137 Photos Francis Carmont def. Chris Camozzi via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos Francis Carmont def. Chris Camozzi via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos Francis Carmont def. Chris Camozzi via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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    Francis Carmont def. Chris Camozzi via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

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  • UFC 137 Photos Clifford Starks def. Dustin Jacoby via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos Clifford Starks def. Dustin Jacoby via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos Clifford Starks def. Dustin Jacoby via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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    Brandon Vera and Eliot Marshall applaud one another after their fight at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

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    Eliot Marshall drops Brandon Vera at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

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    Eliot Marshall knees Brandon Vera at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

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    Brandon Vera kicks Eliot Marshall en route to a via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

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  • UFC 137 Photos Ramsey Nijem def. Danny Downes via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos Ramsey Nijem def. Danny Downes via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos Ramsey Nijem def. Danny Downes via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos Ramsey Nijem def. Danny Downes via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos Ramsey Nijem def. Danny Downes via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos Ramsey Nijem def. Danny Downes via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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    Ramsey Nijem def. Danny Downes via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

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  • UFC 137 Photos Bart Palaszewski looks at a downed Tyson Griffin at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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    Bart Palaszewski def. Tyson Griffin via first-round KO at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

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  • UFC 137 Photos Bart Palaszewski def. Tyson Griffin via first-round KO at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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  • UFC 137 Photos Hatsu Hioki and George Roop exchange punches at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos George Roop throws a right hand at Hatsu Hioki at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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    Hatsu Hioki enters for his UFC debut at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

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    Donald Cerrone def. Dennis Siver at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

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  • UFC 137 Photos Donald Cerrone def. Dennis Siver at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos Donald Cerrone def. Dennis Siver at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos Donald Cerrone def. Dennis Siver at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos Donald Cerrone def. Dennis Siver at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos Donald Cerrone def. Dennis Siver at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos Donald Cerrone def. Dennis Siver at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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    Scott Jorgensen beats Jeff Curran via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

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  • UFC 137 Photos Jeff Curran clashes with Scott Jorgensen at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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    Scott Jorgensen punches Jeff Curran at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

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  • UFC 137 Photos Jeff Curran swings at Scott Jorgensen at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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    Jeff Curran comes forward against Scott Jorgensen at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

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  • UFC 137 Photos

    Jeff Curran stares down Scott Jorgensen at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

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  • UFC 137 Photos

    Jeff Curran punches Scott Jorgensen at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

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    Nick Diaz hits B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

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    Nick Diaz throws a left punch at B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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    B.J. Penn crushes a left hand on Nick Diaz at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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    Nick Diaz throws punches at B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

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  • UFC 137 Photos

    Nick Diaz attacks B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

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  • UFC 137 Photos Nick Diaz throws a kick at B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos Nick Diaz smashes a left hand on B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos Nick Diaz charges forward against B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos Nick Diaz wants B.J. Penn to engage at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos B.J. Penn hits Nick Diaz at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos Nick Diaz connects on a left hand against B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos Nick Diaz and B.J. Penn are ready to return to battle at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos B.J. Penn's face shows the damage done by Nick Diaz at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos "Stitch" Duran attends to B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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    Nick Diaz punches B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

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  • UFC 137 Photos B.J. Penn lands a left hand on Nick Diaz at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos Nick Diaz taunts B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos B.J. Penn lands a left hand on Nick Diaz at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos

    Roy Nelson def. Mirko Cro Cop via third-round TKO at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos

    Roy Nelson def. Mirko Cro Cop via third-round TKO at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos

    Roy Nelson def. Mirko Cro Cop via third-round TKO at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos

    Roy Nelson finishes Mirko Cro Cop with punches at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos

    Roy Nelson punches Mirko Cro Cop at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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    Roy Nelson takes a look at Mirko Cro Cop at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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    Roy Nelson traps Mirko Cro Cop at the end of the second round at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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    Roy Nelson charges Mirko Cro Cop at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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    Roy Nelson throws a right hand against Mirko Cro Cop at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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    Roy Nelson throws a right hand against Mirko Cro Cop at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos

    Nick Diaz exits after making a successful UFC return against B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

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    B.J. Penn exits the cage after his final MMA fight at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

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    Nick Diaz celebrates with his team after his unanimous decision win over B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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    Nick Diaz shouts to the camera that he won the fight at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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    Nick Diaz relaxes after his fight against B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

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    Nick Diaz raises his arms after the sound of the bell at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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    Cheick Kongo defeats Matt Mitrione via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

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    Matt Mitrione grabs a headlock against Cheick Kongo at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

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    Cheick Kongo attacks the body of Matt Mitrione at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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    Matt Mitrione charges Cheick Kongo at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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    Matt Mitrione (right) throws a left hand against Cheick Kongo at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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    Mirko Cro Cop leaves the cage after his "farewell" fight at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos Arianny Celeste holds up the round three card at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos The stage of UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos Donald Cerrone celebrates with his team after beating Dennis Siver at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 137 Photos Bart Palaszewski celebrates with his team after knocking out Tyson Griffin at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting



Nelson, who snapped a two-fight losing streak with the victory, credited the veteran's performance and skill.

"He came to bang and he came to throw," said Nelson (16-6). "He's one of those guys who can still fight. He hits hard, he's very competitive. It's one of those fights that for me, I wanted to make sure I was the guy to go out there and win. It feels good to be back in the 'W.'"

Cro Cop, once considered the most fearsome striker in the heavyweight division, closed out his career losing each of his last three fights by stoppage.

He went just 4-6 in his 10-fight run in the octagon, but retires with a record of 27-10-2 with 1 no contest. In the end, fans won't necessarily remember the numbers. What they will remember for sure are his devastating high kicks which led to many of his 20 knockout finishes, and led him to coin the phrase, "right leg, hospital, left leg, cemetery."

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