EVERYONE knows what Mirko’s most dangerous weapon is, the left high kick has been the subject of many highlight reels. OntheMat.com is pleased to announce our choice of MMA Fighter of the Year 2006 goes to Mirko “CroCop” Filpovich. CroCop Rebounded from a tough decision loss on New Years Eve in 2005 to win four matches and Pride Absolute Title KO’ing all of his opponents: Minowa, Yoshida, Wanderlei Silva and Josh Barnett. CroCop has transformed himself from one of the elite K-1 Strikers, to a complete Mixed Martial Artist. However well rounded he has become, EVERYONE knows what Mirko’s most dangerous weapon is, the left high kick has been the subject of many highlight reels. It is also worth noting that CroCop competes at only 213 pounds, making him among the lightest heavyweights in the world as well as among the most dangerous. While he has been announced for the heavyweight division, it’s not too much of a stretch to think he could make light heavyweight easily if he so desired to. Previous Winners: 2004: BJ Penn 2005: Takanori Gomi Other strong contenders for MMA fighter of the year included: Chuck Lidell- Probably the largest draw in 2006, the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion defended his title three times in the past year, dispatching Randy Couture, Renato “Babalu” Sorbal and Tito Ortiz. Tim Sylvia- Went 4-0 this year, captured the UFC Heavyweight crown, defeated the once invincible Andre Arvloski twice, not only survived one of the best grapplers on Earth in Jeff Monson when it hit the ground, but actually managed to dominate him. Hermes Franca- Won 7 matches in 2007 all by submission or TKO, took the WEC lightweight crown, currently being groomed for a shot at the UFC Lightweight Title. Congratulations to Mirko “CroCop” Filpovich, the OTM MMA Fighter of the Year for 2006! This week we will also announce our choices for Submission Grappler and our year end recaps and awards! We also have a Reader’s Choice, which you can participate in by visiting the OTM Forum here! http://www.onthemat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2200