Mirko "CroCop" set to retire?

What would Mirko "CroCop" give to be back in 2006? That was the last time he earned a meaningful victory. On a September night he defeated both Wanderlei Silva and Josh Barnett on the same night on his road to winning the Pride Open Weight Grand Prix. That was Mirko's crowning achievement and no one can take that away from him. That was five years ago and CroCop's body and skills have diminished. He used to say right kick hospital, left kick cemetery. Last night he fired off his trademark left high kick on Brendan Schaub and . . . nothing. In the end, after a close fight and looking better than he had in years, all it took was a powerful right from rising star Schaub to end CroCop's night.

To his fans, like me, the sight was disheartening and sad. CroCop of Pride would have ended the fight differently. The truth is his body and psyche can't handle top flight MMA anymore. He never really adjusted to fighting in the cage and probably has never really recovered from a multitude of injuries. He wants to fight, wants badly to succeed in the UFC. but unless you pit Mirko against unknowns, I'm not sure he can win, much less be his old self. He doesn't let go his hands or legs. Seems hesitant with every step. Just complacent in the cage. The man that made Bob Sapp cry in the ring, now just walks around the Octagon like taking a Sunday stroll.
To avoid further damage to his body and career, it's best to walk off into the sunset now. Start a training center, raise the next Croatian star. But don't place yourself in unnecessary danger Mirko, unless there is something you need to prove to yourself.