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UFC Fight Night 260: Jimmy Crute vs Ivan Erslan Preview & Prediction

by Dan Ahmad · September 26 2025, 10:39
Updated September 26 2025, 10:51
UFC Fight Night 260: Jimmy Crute vs Ivan Erslan Preview & Prediction

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Light Heavyweights face off in the co-main event of the evening as Jimmy Crute takes on Ivan Erslan.

Jimmy Crute vs Ivan Erslan facts

What time are Jimmy Crute and Ivan Erslan expected to walk out?

Where is UFC Fight Night 260: Ulberg vs Reyes? RAC Arena, Perth, Australia

Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 260: Ulberg vs Reyes? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC Fight Night 260 

What TV channel is UFC Fight Night 260: Ulberg vs Reyes on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+

Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 260: Ulberg vs Reyes? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass

UFC Fight Night 260: Ulberg vs Reyes main card

Carlos Ulberg vs Dominick Reyes (Light Heavyweight)

Jimmy Crute vs Ivan Erslan (Light Heavyweight)

Jack Jenkins vs Ramon Taveras (Featherweight)

Jake Matthews vs Neil Magny (Welterweight)

Justin Tafa vs Louie Sutherland (Heavyweight)

Tom Nolan vs Charlie Campbell (Lightweight)

UFC Fight Night 260: Ulberg vs Reyes prelims

Navajo Stirling vs Rodolfo Bellato (Light Heavyweight)

Cameron Rowston vs Andre Petroski (Middleweight)

Jonathan Micallef vs Oban Elliott (Welterweight)

Jamie Mullarkey vs Rolando Bedoya (Lightweight)

Colby Thicknesse vs Josias Musasa (Bantamweight)

Michelle Montague vs Luana Carolina (Women’s Bantamweight)

Brando Pericic vs Elisha Ellison (Heavyweight)

Loma Lookboonmee vs Alexia Thainara (Women’s Strawweight)

Jimmy Crute: Pressure fighter looking for stability

Jimmy Crute (13-4-2) enters at 29 years old, representing Australia with the nickname “The Brute.” His UFC record sits at 5-4-2, a run marked by both highlight wins and costly setbacks. Most recently, he submitted Marcin Prachnio via armbar in round one, rebounding from a draw with Rodolfo Bellato and a submission loss to Alonzo Menifield. The highs and lows have defined Crute’s career, but his grit keeps him relevant at light heavyweight.

Known for his pressure-heavy kickboxing, Crute often overwhelms opponents with pace and power but leaves openings defensively. Lately, he has leaned on his grappling more, and that added dimension could prove vital against a knockout threat like Erslan.

Ivan Erslan: Regional standout still seeking a UFC breakthrough

Ivan Erslan (14-5) is a 33-year-old Croatian who made his name as a finisher on the European scene, with 71% of his wins coming by KO/TKO. However, his transition to the UFC has been rocky. He dropped a split decision to Ion Cutelaba in his debut before losing a unanimous decision to rising prospect Navajo Stirling, leaving him winless in the promotion.

Erslan has shown flashes of his power but has looked hesitant under UFC lights, far from the aggressive style that earned him his contract. To succeed here, he’ll need to rediscover that confidence and let his hands go against a fighter who can be hit.

Jimmy Crute vs Ivan Erslan Prediction

This fight matches Crute’s experience and grappling versatility against Erslan’s knockout ability. While the Australian is vulnerable when forced into wild exchanges, he has proven he can compete with UFC-level opposition, even sharing the cage with former champion Jamahal Hill. If he mixes in takedowns with his forward pressure, Crute should be able to nullify Erslan’s power and control the fight.

Erslan has the tools to land something big, but unless he finds that early finish, Crute’s well-rounded approach and home advantage should see him through.

Prediction: Jimmy Crute to win

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