According to a report by Croatian media outlet Vecernji, heavyweight legend Mirko Cro Cop passed his out of competition drug tests by the USADA. The United States Anti-Doping Agency, however, insist that Filipovic will still serve his two-year suspension.
The former Pride Grand Prix champion admitted to use of human growth hormone (HGH) to heal an injured shoulder in November and was provisionally suspended by the USADA and pulled from his fight with Anthony Hamilton at UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Masvidal. It was later announced that Cro Cop would serve a two-year suspension for his anti-doping violations. Prior to the suspension, the Croatian had already retired from MMA.
USADA spokesperson Annie Skinner recently spoke to MMA Fighting and revealed that the 41-year-old is still suspended despite the clean test.
"Regardless of whether Mr. Filipovic was actively using a prohibited substance during the time of his test, he admitted to the use, attempted use, and possession of human growth hormone (hGH), which are all violations of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy," she said.
Mirko Cro Cop last fought at UFC Fight Night 64 where he avenged his brutal loss to Gabriel Gonzaga by TKO'ing the Brazilian in the third round. The veteran retired with multiple combat world titles to his name and an MMA resume of 31-11.