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Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic has signed a new three fight deal with the UFC.

Filipovic last fought for the UFC at UFC 99 in Germany. The Croatian kick-boxer was a late addition to the card and many saw his presence as an attempt by the UFC to generate more European interest. The UFC was so desperate to get "Cro Cop" on the card they offered him an unprecedented one-fight verbal contract. 

After Filipovic defeated Mustapha Al-Turk he informed Dana White of his intentions to sign with Dream. White was livid, immediately voicing his outrage to Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports. After White's verbal tirade many thought that Mirko would be blackballed by Zuffa. 

However UFC owner, Lorenzo Fertitta, flew to Croatia in an attempt to re-sign the former Pride star. For those counting this is the third time that Mirko Filipovic has been signed by Zuffa. 

Now "Cro Cop" will face off against top heavyweight prospect Junior dos Santos at UFC 103 in Dallas. 

One question that has not been answered is how Filipovic got out of his Dream contract, if he had indeed signed with the Japanese promotion. Mirko did claim to have not made a decision after White's comments went public (though Dream officials confirmed that Filipovic was going to Dream). Did the UFC gin up their attack on "Cro Cop" who had not signed with Dream or did Zuffa spend a great deal of money to get Filipovic out of his contract. Another possibility is that Filipovic had an "escape clause.

Speaking of UFC 103, another bout was announced for the September fightcard. Former UFC lightweight champion, Sean Sherk (33-4-1), will fight Gleison Tibau (17-7) at UFC 103. 

Both fighters are coming off disappointing losses as Tibau lost a controversial spolit decision to Melvin Guillard at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale while Sean Sherk dropped an unanimous decision to Frankie Edgar at UFC 98. 

Sherk and Tibau join a card that features Martin Kampmann vs. Mike Swick, Frank Trigg vs. Josh Koscheck and Mirko Filipovic vs. Junior dos Santos. It will be interesting to see which bout becomes the main event as four bouts are of equal footing. Perhaps there is a main event fight in the works (Rich Franklin vs. Luiz Cane?).

[Update: Note by Zak Woods, 07/13/09 5:30 PM EDT ]

Kevin Iole is reporting that Filipovic never signed with Dream. 

But Filipovic never signed the DREAM contract and opted instead to honor the agreement he made over the telephone with White. Filipovic's first bout on the extension will be against Junior dos Santos at UFC