From Cro Cop’s official blog:

So we have some big news!

I decided to fight in the UFC again, because of the stronger competition in the heavyweight division. My next opponent will be Mustapha Al-Turk (at UFC 99).

I didn’t do well in my first three appearances – I wasn’t myself. By returning to the cage I want to prove that I can still fight at highest level, no matter when or where.

It’s hard to talk about concrete plans, but I would really like to fight at least three times this year. I wish to fight against quality opponents and to fight my way up to a title shot but for now, I’ll focus only on my next fight and after that we’ll see what’s going to be on the menu next.

I want to say thank you Mr. Dana White for your interest and for an invitation back to the UFC. I owe you a lot from our first deal and I’ll make it up to you.

Dana White has confirmed that Cro Cop has been inked to a new deal, so this isn’t just speculation or Mirko trying to stir up rumors: it’s the real deal.

If Cro Cop wins this fight, he will likely be matched up against the winner of the Couture/Minotauro fight that takes place in August. The winner of that eventual fight would probably get a title shot. That line of thinking leads me to believe that Shane Carwin is probably going to get the next title shot at the winner of Lesnar vs. Mir 2 at UFC 100.

Here’s to hoping that we see a rejuvenated Cro Cop instead of the version we saw during his last UFC run.

Last 5 posts by Jeremy Botter

• Lashley Signs With Strikeforce - December 11th, 2009
• Site News: New Inside Fights Editor - November 6th, 2009
• Lesnar out of UFC 106 with severe flu - October 26th, 2009
• Machida steals one from Shogun - October 25th, 2009
• Henderson, UFC negotiations grind to a halt - October 16th, 2009