I rarely post stories from UFC.com on this site because you can usually grab them off of our live news feed in the right sidebar.

And, I figure that most UFC fans check out UFC.com on a daily basis, anyway.

But, over the weekend, Thomas Gerbasi wrote an absolute masterpiece on Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic that is a must-read.

Cro Cop, of course, will make his highly anticipated Octagon debut this Saturday, February 3, at UFC 67: “All or Nothing” against Eddie Sanchez.

It’s a match up that most people feel is unfair. And, after you read this story, you’ll know the reason behind that thinking.

Here’s a snip:

His facial expression rarely changes as he stalks his foes, right leg forward in a southpaw stance, left hand cocked for a fast and straight punch that can either knock you out or stun you long enough for his true weapon to be unleashed – the one that you know is eventually coming.

And when that left kick comes, like a Roger Clemens fastball – high, hard, and designed to rattle you – you can do one of a number of things. You can try to run away, but it’s usually too late for that. You can duck, though the size of his leg is never more evident than when the bottom of his calf is destroying your equilibrium by clipping the top of your head. You can try to block it, but that can result in knocking yourself out from the force of the blow.

Your last resort? Take it and pray for the best. But eight times out of ten, taking this left kick to the head provides a first class ticket to the canvas and unconsciousness. If you don’t get knocked out, well, you’re one of the few.

Welcome to the world of Mirko Cro Cop.

Great stuff, however, that was only the first four opening graphs. Cro Cop goes on to talk about Sanchez, the UFC heavyweight division, heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia and more.

Here’s Cro Cop on Sylvia:

“He is the reigning heavyweight champion of the UFC, and I should respect him for that. It’s not easy to become the champion in any ring or cage. I know that for a fact. He must have worked harder, and spilled more sweat and blood than his rivals, that’s why he is there at the top. Nobody should discredit him for his effort and determination and I’m looking forward to meeting him in the Octagon.”

So am I.

Again, check out the full article here if you haven’t already.