Jimmy Crute is back in the win column.
Serving as the UFC on ESPN+ 26 co-main event, Crute (11-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) defeated Michal Oleksiejczuk (14-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC) by first-round Kimura submission. The win served as a rebound for Crute, who was coming off a loss to Misha Cirkunov in September.
“I was super happy,” Crute said on the ESPN+ post-fight show. “I was just happy to be able to stick to the gameplan. My last fight, I obviously didn’t. So it was nice to just go out there and show that I can keep a level head under pressure. …
“I just try to do to him what Misha (Cirkunov) was able to do to me. I had a little more success in my loss, but the pressure that was put on me was what made me want to go in. That’s why I took that and tried to utilize that. Also, bringing Daniel Kelly on full time – being able to use that judo and do it well.”
Crute has been a member of the UFC roster only since July 2018, but in a short time he’s made a name for himself. In just his fourth promotional fight, Crute was entrusted with co-main event responsibilities at home. He made the most of the opportunity.
“It was a whirlwind,” Crute said. “I can’t pinpoint moments. It was a flash. It’s what I’m trying to do now. Especially after my last fight, I just tried to slow everything down and take everything as it comes.
“It’s very easy to get caught up and try to be everyone’s best man – try and be everything. When it comes to fighting, it’s what you do in training and what you do in there.”
Seemingly pleased with his progress, Crute expressed his opinion. He thinks he’s the best 205-pound prospect in the UFC. He wants to keep it that way and said he thinks mental strength will allow that to happen.
“I see myself as the No. 1 prospect. There’s a few other really good guys that are laying claim to that, so we’ll sort that out,” Crute said. “… The biggest thing for me is to keep doing what I’m doing. Keep a level head.
“It’s always mental for me. Just being able to switch on mentally. Sometimes, I switch on too much. I just need to find a happy medium. I can kickbox with the best. I can wrestle with the best. I can grapple with the best. The thing that lets me down is sometimes I think too much. … I think when I perfect the mindset is the day.”
UFC on ESPN+ 26 took place Saturday (Sunday locally) at Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand. The event streamed on ESPN+.
Jimmy Crute sees himself as 'the No. 1 prospect' after UFC on ESPN+ 26 win
