According to GracieMag.com, Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic says he plans on fulfilling the remaining three fights on his UFC contract sometime in the future.

“The last two years I had a sort of mental block. I felt empty before the fights, I was depressive and hated myself. I’m not avoiding the UFC, and I will return at the end of the year,” said Mirko.

“I already mentioned that I will fight the three fights and return to the UFC. And as for the internet warriors, I say they should put on the gloves and get in the ring themselves before insulting the fighters”

Ten days ago Mirko Cro Cop announced he was leaving the UFC and had signed on with the new Japanese fight promotion DREAM. I find it highly unlikely that the UFC allowed Cro Cop out of his contract to fight in Japan with the assumption that he would return. It makes no sense that Dana White and Co. would allow a fighter they had paid dearly for to leave and fight for what is in essence PrideFC part 2.

As much as Mirko says he wants to return to the US and show the UFC his true skills, I don’t think it will ever happen. The UFC took their shot with Mirko, and lost. Cro Cop was their first big acquisition away from the ranks of PrideFC and turned out to be their biggest bust to date.