WATCH! Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic’s interview after announcing retirement

MMA pioneer Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic’s recent retirement announcement made MMA news headlines all over the world. The 41-year-old Croatian said that injuries have sidelined him from training and ultimately made him decide to retire from the sport.

Filipovic spoke with Croatian media on his decision and posted his interview on his Facebook page.

“I spent all summer traveling to Munich to repair injury,” Filipovic said. “Also I have my old injuries. I operated my knee for four times. It fills up after every stronger training. Problem is that I’m doing my special (left high kick) with reliance on my right leg and every time I rotate that right leg I started to put ice every evening after training.”

Cro Cop said he could not train wrestling due to his injuries, which is a huge aspect to being successful in MMA today.

“I can’t sit longer than 15-20 minutes when I’m driving. I have to stop get out and make a pause. It doesn’t make any sense.”

Although in good spirits saying that his health is good, aside from some of the mechanical problems his body has at the moment, Cro Cop says he will continue to train but will take some time to let his body heal.

Filipovic retires after having fought a historic list of opponents ending his career with 31 wins, 11 losses, 2 draws and 1 no contest.