Preview: UFC Perth

Light Heavyweights

Jimmy Crute (13-4-2) vs. Ivan Erslan (14-5, 1 NC)

Odds: Crute (-190); Erslan (+150)

“The Brute” will try and keep his resurgence going at the expense of Erslan, who is still looking for his first UFC win after two unsuccessful tries.

Crute’s first-round armbarring of Marcin Prachnio in July gave him his first win in nearly five years, stemming the bleeding of a miserable 0-3-2 run that saw the burly Aussie struggle with flat performances and a fair bit of plain old bad luck. Whether that easy submission win over one of the worst ground fighters in the division showed that he is truly back to form is still an open question, though.

Crute’s nickname is apt, as he is one of the more powerfully built 205-pounders on roster. His striking is basic but generally effective, with power in his hands as well as his kicks. Where he has always thrived, however, is on the ground. His wrestling is very good, fueled by decent shots from the outside that he finishes with strength. On the ground, he is most effective from top position, where he delivers crushing ground-and-pound while looking to advance position. He can threaten with chokes as well as arm attacks, but as often as not, the punches alone are enough to carry him to victory.

Erslan is still under a certain amount of pressure to show he even belongs in the UFC. He has been competitive in decision losses to two solid fighters in Ion Cutelaba and Navajo Stirling, but the kickboxing that made him a contender in KSW simply hasn’t been good enough.

A sneaky-effective part of Erslan’s game is actually his own wrestling, but that does not figure to help him here. Crute is younger, much quicker and stronger, and whatever other flaws his game may have, he remains an absolute mauler on the ground. Erslan could take advantage of Crute’s defensive lapses on the feet and catch him with something big—plenty of others have done so—but it seems unlikely. Crute should put Erslan on his heels immediately, take him down and start doing damage. The pick is Crute by Round 2 submission after a lopsided first round.



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Ulberg vs. Reyes
Jenkins vs. Taveras
Crute vs. Erslan
Matthews vs. Magny
Nolan vs. Campbell
Tafa vs. Sutherland
The Prelims