In brief: UFC allowed Mirko to go, but under one condition - that he returns when he’s ready. And Mirko plans on coming back to UFC.

Cro Cop: “I left cause I couldn’t wait any more. I asked to fight as soon as possible, even on March 1st, but UFC offered me a fight in May or later. I wanted a rematch with Gonzaga in Zagreb, but after his loss to Werdum that option was off. I’m in shape, I have 105 kg and I want to fight. last two fights I was in some sort of mental blockade, before fights I was empty, depressed, full of self-hate.”

Losing is not an option. After 3 wins, all options will be open for Mirko. He wants to come back to UFC, and he wants it to be on some show in England. “I’m sorry I let down english fans who welcomed me like a king. That’s why I wanna come back there. I can’t turn back time, but my time will come again.”

Under one condition, Mirko must return to the UFC. I'm sure that the UFC also had him sign a contract stating that he would be back in the future, and hopefully in full fighting capacity to destroy the division. This is good news for the fans. Sure, Mirko is moving on to Japan, but hopefully for a short stint in the ring to get his legs back and get some good confidence boosters under his belt.

It also seemed evident from CroCop's quote that the UFC didn't have much in line for him in the coming months. Maybe this was the classic example of the UFC blackballing Mirko for not signing a lower contract, but then again, he has been allowed to head overseas to fight in DREAMS. What is the UFC's thinking here?

Of course, just like every other news item that hits the 'Net, there are underlying factors that we haven't been privy to yet. I'm sure the UFC has other reasons why they allowed Mirko to head over to Japan. Nonetheless, it should be interesting to see how Mirko does, and who the UFC plans for Mirko when he heads back to the cage.