Cro Cop exacts revenge on Gonzaga in Poland

The main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night Krakow featured a rematch between heavyweights Mirko Cro Cop and Gabriel ‘Napao’ Gonzaga. The pair fought the first time at UFC 70 in 2007, with the Brazilian landing what many call the best headkick KO in UFC history.

The 2007 kick was set up by Gonzaga’s elbows. Cro Cop did his homework apparently, and elbows played the decisive role in his revenge.

Gonzaga began the fight with his weight set forward, pressing the action and landing a couple of rights on the retreating Cro Cop. At the midpoint of the round Gonzaga secured the takedown, and then full mount, and began striking.

Cro Cop escaped, and attempted a heel hook, which Gonzaga countered with a straight ankle lock. After a scramble, Gonzaga ended up in in top Guard, and the round closed.

In the second Cro Cop threw a head kick named Cemetery, but Gonzaga ducked and after repeated attempts, again took the fight to the mats. Again Gonzaga secured full mount and continued to punish Cro Cop, opening a large cut next to the left eye.

Five rounds is a long time to fight in any weight division, and longer still at heavyweight. Both fighters slowed the pace. Cro Cop was pressed against the fence when he landed a short right elbow, which created enough space to land another one.

An unsteady Gonzaga was driven to the ground where he was again hit with elbows until the referee threw his body between the fighters, ending the contest.

Official Result:

Mirko Filipovic defeated Gabriel Gonzaga By TKO (Strikes, Round 3, 3:30)