News broke this morning that MMA and kickboxing legend Mirko Cro Cop had withdrawn from his UFC Fight Night Seoul co-main event bout later this month, and subsequently retired from MMA.

Cro Cop released a message via his website, revealing that a shoulder injury which he has been training with throughout this entire fight camp is the reason for his withdrawal.

He finished the message by saying:

“This is not a temporary decision because I was unhappy due to all of that, but it’s my final decision and it’s best for me. Sooner or later the time comes when a man has to think on the health. I had a really long and great career and I believe I left a deep mark in the martial arts, in a free fight and in K-1 and I have no regrets. Thanks to everyone who followed me and supported me, but for me there remains beautiful memories. Greetings!”

The full message can be read by clicking THIS LINK.

We would like to wish Mirko ‘Cro Cop’ Filipovic the best in his endeavors outside of MMA, and would like to thank him for the many years inside the cage and the ring!