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Zak's piece "The Sun has Set on Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic" is somewhat ironic as the The Sun is now reporting the Cro Cop has officially called it quits due to a lack of desire:

The mixed martial arts legend — once regarded as the most feared striker on the planet — called time on his career after admitting he no longer has the desire to continue fighting.

The story was then confirmed by Nokaut:

Said Cro Cop; "I have no motivation left and it's time to leave. Thank you all for supporting me."

One of the most severly struck by the news, is Zvonimir Lucic, Mirko's manager and most reliable cornerstone throughout Cro Cop's numerous battles. Following his last conversation with Mirko, Mr. Lucic was instructed to release all Team Cro Cop members from their respective duties, officially ending an era spanning 15 years of blood, sweat and tears at Cro Cop's headquarters.

It turns our Spencer's piece was a bit of foreshadowing as the readers voted Mirko the most in need of retirement.  While this news is probably upsetting to most fans, it is not surprising or a bad decision.  I am a believer that we the fans have no say in when a fighter should retire (except Favre).  If a fighter wants to keep fighting at the risk of dirtying up a legacy that is their call and if they no longer have the urge then who are we to stop them.  All that being said, this is probably a good decision.  Mirko is clearly on the downswing of his career, can no longer compete with top fighters, and if he lost the desire then it is dangerous for him to be in the cage.  Then again, this is MMA so he will probably be fighting in 6 months when his retirement ends,

UPDATE: Who the hell knows anymore?  Not surprisingly people make stuff up.  New reports surface that Cro Cop is NOT retiring.  Hope your Croatian is solid.