Roundtables
ROUNDTABLE (pt. 1 of 2): What are Mirko Cro Cop's chances against Frank Mir at UFC 119? Matthew, Hyden, Hobaugh, Leet and Hansen
Sep 8, 2010 - 6:44:58 PM ROUNDTABLE (pt. 1 of 2): What are Mirko Cro Cop's chances against Frank Mir at UFC 119? Matthew, Hyden, Hobaugh, Leet and Hansen

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What are Mirko Cro Cop's chances against Frank Mir at UFC 119?

SAM MATTHEW, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

I don’t give Cro Cop much of a chance at all against Frank Mir. While self-admittedly not 100% ready for this short-notice fight, Cro Cop would have a tough time besting Mir even with a full training camp under his belt. Having never been a large heavyweight, Cro Cop’s size and grappling are at a significant disadvantage against a re-focused Mir who has put on a lot of bulk after his loss to Brock Lesnar, and likely even more so since he was manhandled in essentially the same manner by Shane Carwin. While Mir has good kickboxing, the striking advantage goes to Cro Cop so look for a takedown early from the former UFC champ that allows him to do what he wishes with the Croatian legend on his back.

FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

Cro-Cop has a puncher's, or in this case kicker's, chance against Mir, but I don't think he can win this one. I just don't think that Mir is going to let it become a slugfest. I think Mir takes Cro-Cop down and ground-and-pounds him. I'm rooting for Cro-Cop because I've always been a big fan of his, but I give him maybe a 20% chance to win. I hope I'm wrong, though.

ERIC HOBAUGH, MMATORCH SPECIALIST

None. No one is a larger fan of Cro Cop than me. I loved watching him in his prime when he was the greatest striker in the world. He was amazing in Pride and there was nothing like him. But, he is not the same fighter he was and Frank Mir has a lot to prove. Mir wins this by first round submission.

LARAMEY LEET, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

It really depends on which Frank Mir shows up for the fight! Do we see the killer that fought Cheick Kongo or do we see the calm collective Mir that fought Shane Carwin. Frank Mir on his A game can take out Mirko in the first round. But he has to fight smart. (Take him to the ground) There is no need to get into a slug fest with Mirko, he is still dangerous. And for God's sake do not show the man any respect in the cage (That was for Pat Barry), attack him and do not stop! If Mir fights a smart fight he should make quick work of Mirko.

RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

When this fight was announced, I figured 80/20 for Mir. Now though, I think Cro Cop can win this fight. Cro Cop does have a fantastic sprawl, and Mir's takedowns are nothing special. It goes like this: If Mir knocks him down, he'll get on top and submit him. If Mir can't knock him down, Cro Cop by decision.