MMA Legend Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic announced that he is retiring from the sports of mixed martial arts due to a shoulder injury suffered during training, per MMA Junkie. He released an official statement regarding his retirement on his official website, mirkofilipovic.com.

"I tried to save a shoulder injury and tried daily therapy, injections of blood plasma and various cocktails of drugs but didn't work out. Part of the muscle snapped, the shoulder is filled with a lot of fluids, and the great danger is that tendon ruptures and then go to operation again," Filipovic wrote.

"I don't need that, especially at my age. My body is battered by countless training and collected nine operations. This is not a temporary decision and it's best for me. 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," he added.

"Cro Cop" also thanked his fans and followers for all the support that they have given him. He is happy that he leaves the world of combat sports with all the best memories.

He was scheduled to co-headline UFC Fight Night 79 in Seoul, South Korea against Anthony Hamilton. The UFC have not formally announced his retirement and there is no word if a replacement will be found, with the fight taking place on Nov. 28, streaming live on UFC Fight Pass.

The 41-year-old fighter first retired from MMA in 2011 after a third round technical knockout loss to Roy Nelson at UFC 137. He returned to kickboxing in 2012 and MMA the same year before making his return to the UFC this year, per The Bloody Elbow.

The Croatian defeated Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC Fight Night 64 via a third round TKO with punches to avenge his loss back at UFC 70 in 2007. He lost to Gonzaga via a head kick knockout, the move he made famous in PRIDE.

According to FOX Sports, "Cro Cop" made his name in PRIDE, UFC, and K-1. He was one of the best and most feared fighters in the world and his left high kick to the head is one of the deadliest strikes in the history of the MMA and kickboxing.

He has a career MMA record of 31 wins, 11 losses, two draws and one no contests, per Sherdog. Filipovic won 23 of his fights via knockout, five by submission and only three fights needing a decision.