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PARK: Frank Mir's UFC 119 win over Mirko Cro Cop keeps him in the mix in the heavyweight division
Sep 26, 2010 - 11:30:47 PM PARK: Frank Mir's UFC 119 win over Mirko Cro Cop keeps him in the mix in the heavyweight division

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By: Chris Park, MMATorch UK Specialist

History has proven that a fight with less relevance often gives competitors the freedom to perform to their maximum potential. Such bouts give fighters the opportunity to compete at the highest level, while being under significantly less pressure than what a world title fight would bring. The result is often an out-and-out war for the observing fans.

Last night The Ultimate Fighting Championship hit Indianapolis with a stacked card for UFC 119. Topping the bill was the heavyweight clash between ex-UFC champion Frank Mir and former PRIDE star Mirko Cro Cop.

For both men this fight was a must win should either be serious in making a genuine run at the UFC Heavyweight title - but it held no real significance to the standing of the division at this present time. While these stakes didn’t appear high enough to warrant the main event status, there was a feeling that these two legends of MMA would subsequently deliver an entertaining battle for the Indianapolis crowd.

Such feelings were very quickly realised as being just that: feelings. The two men put on the most lack lustre performance that either of them have in years.

Frank Mir understandably didn’t want to leave himself open to the Croatian's trade mark head-kick, but at the same time he made little attempt of making a ground fight out of things. This led to a very bland opening two rounds that drew boos from portions of the spectators. At one point during the fight the two men were clearly engaged in conversation - while pressed against the cage - which saw Mirko Crop Cop raise a wry smile before the non-action continued.

Going into round three, Mir was edging things on the cards; and as the fourteen minute mark - of what felt like a gentle Sunday morning sparring session - approached, Frank Mir landed a knee flush on the Croatian’s chin.

A minute to spare on the clock and suddenly Frank Mir was sparked into life as his killer instinct returned to pounce on Crop Cop, and he landed a couple more blows to finish this affair in devastating fashion.

At one point during the third round Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg - clearly unimpressed with the action they were calling - summed the situation up perfectly: “Who’s winning?” asked Goldberg, to which Rogan responded, “Not the fans!” Thankfully, for those fans, the sole knockout of this three hour broadcast arrived and the final frame of the evening was full of action, with Crop Cop leaving himself exposed and Frank Mir only too happy to opt for the vicious knockout over an uninspired judge’s decision.

While this win doesn’t instantly throw Mir back into the title picture, it takes him a step closer to being back into the mix. Mirko Cro Cop should now look at permanent retirement after threatening it after almost every one of his UFC fights. Cro Cop took this fight on short notice, stepping in to replace the injured Minotauro Nogueira, with Nogueira looking to settle the score for his first career stoppage loss that he suffered at the hands of Mir back at UFC 92.

That particular re-match is still something that holds some significance, due to the circumstances that surrounded their last fight; and at the same time it would decide which of these two ground warriors is still relevant on this ever-evolving heavyweight scene.

While Mir vs. Nogueira II is not worthy of topping a bill, particularly after last night’s main event, it still would serve as an ideal co-main event for any of the shows in early 2011. On last night’s showing Frank Mir is not ready to be thrown back in with any of the top four in the division, and may have to overcome another veteran or two before he finds himself in an eliminator with any of the division’s top contenders.

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Chris Park is the MMATorch UK Specialist and guest columnist at ESPN.co.uk. Please email any comments or questions to Chris at; mmatorchuk@gmail.com or look us up at http://www.facebook.com/mmatorchuk2 our new MMATorch Facebook home for UK Fans!