The opportunity to train with a legend like Mirko ‘Cro Cop’ Filipovic might seem like a dream come true for many fighters – but once you’ve had the chance to hold pads for him you might begin to think differently.

The unfortunate individual in this video was handed the thankless task of holding up a pad for ‘Cro Cop’ as he practiced his devastating side kick and turning side kick techniques.

The fact that there was a crash mat behind him gave fair warning that ‘Cro Cop’ meant business, and it was quickly put to good use as the Croatian star launched his partner into orbit with each and every one of his thunderous kicks.

The 41 year-old ‘Cro Cop’ is of course a celebrated Mixed Martial Arts and Kickboxing star, having fought for the likes of PRIDE, UFC and K-1 over the course of his 19-year professional career.

In his heyday he was one of the most feared fighters on legendary Japanese MMA promotion ‘PRIDE’s’ roster, with his penchant for knocking people out with devastating head kicks leading him coining the classic phrase, Right leg, hospital; left leg, cemetery.

In 2006 he became PRIDE’s Open-Weight Grand Champion, which had included defeating two other revered stars, Wanderlei Silva and Josh Barnett, in a single night, and then moved on to fight for the UFC, though he wasn’t able to replicate the same level of success there.

Filipovic’s first taste of combat sports had actually come in kickboxing several years prior to the start of his MMA career, and he would return to his roots after leaving the UFC and proved he still had some of the old magic left by winning K-1’s World Grand-Prix in 2012.

’Cro Cop’ retired earlier last year, with his last fight being a cathartic comeback victory in the UFC, avenging an infamous loss to Gabriel Gonzaga.

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While he may now have hung up his gloves, this video suggests that he’s yet to tire of kicking the crap out of people!