[moreorless87]

Obviously he's an exciting fighter but might his signing also have something to do with public image?

The while the likes of Liddell are top athletes that they are do IMHO give off a "bar room brawler" image to a large percentage of the public. Even moreso than AA who the UFC were trying to make the face of the HW division Mirko fits the publics image of a legitmate sportsman much better.

[U-Turn Jones]

Nope.

[Xamien]

You're over-thinking things. He was signed because he was one of Pride's top heavyweights and the 2006 Grand Prix winner, and UFC's HW division is somewhat weak. I really don't think there was anything more to it than just wanting to sign one of the world's top fighters.

[Fedor Skywalker]

Originally Posted by U-Turn Jones

Nope.

LOL!!!!

[Darwinist]

There´s no question that Mirko, a clean-cut former police officer and MP, without tattoos and other "tough guy" imagery is a good posterboy for the UFC.

Ironically, I took a look at some White Power websites, and Crocop is by far the most popular fighter in those circles. I don´t think Mirko would be all that pleased if he knew that.

[moreorless87]

Originally Posted by Xamien

You're over-thinking things. He was signed because he was one of Pride's top heavyweights and the 2006 Grand Prix winner, and UFC's HW division is somewhat weak. I really don't think there was anything more to it than just wanting to sign one of the world's top fighters.

Given Pride's lack of exposure in the US I still personally think his potential in the UFC was the main reason they picked him up. Granted I don't live in the US so I'm limated to what I hear in the UK and on the net but I still often do hear the criticism that many fighters are merely brawlers from those with little knowledge of MMA. Obviously there are some guys with similar images to Mirko in the lower weight classes but the upper weight classes are always going to be the most visible.

[Jonathan Friedman]

Its way more about the way the fighters look while they are fighting then when they are posing for pictures. I think any fighter that can show that he is tenchincally a great fighter in the octagon will be a good sporting image.

[Submystic]

The UFC doesn't seem to be looking for that image. The last UFC commercial I saw was Diego knocking out Karo's tooth in extra slow motion. And they can't give Chris Leben enough camera time. If they wanted a legit, atheletic image it has always been there for the taking.

[_SiniS_]

GSP is much better for that. He's extremly athletic and a great guy outside the ring, extremly polite, humble and totally non-violent looking.

Fedor would be better than CC too.

[fullmetalgunner]

thats true. but i doubt thats the reason they signed him.