The co-main event for the Light Heavyweight fight between Carlos Ulberg and Dominick Reyes is proving to be just an exciting match-off, which will see Jimmu Crute take on Ivan Erslan. In terms of potential for a great bout, Crute and Erslan take all it takes.
Yet, both have been struggling. Erslan has been showing a lot of grit and determination, going the distance against Ion Cutelaba and Navajao Stirling, but he has yet to produce a win in his professional career in the UFC. Does this mean to back Crute right now? That depends.
Jimmy Crute versus Ivan Erslan – Odds
| Moneyline | Odds |
|---|---|
| Jimmy Crute | -173 |
| Ivan Erslan | +148 |
When, Where, and How to Watch?
- Place: RAC Arena, Perth, Australia
- Date: Sunday, September 28
- Time: 7 pm
- How to Watch: ESPN+
Can Ivan Erslan Upset Jimmy Crute’s Professional Career?
UFC Fight Night 260 promises to be every bit as exciting as you can expect it to be. Bringing together excellent fighters, Erslan is a heavy underdog at (+148), but he is hardly out of the race just yet. The issue with him is that he is too new to the UFC, and he has fought only twice, but he went the distance both times.
He took on Navajo Stirling in May and lost by Unanimous Decision, but went the distance all the same. For his part, Stirling has had three back-to-back wins – his entire track record, to be fair. Yet, Erslan showed himself to be a capable fighter who can stay in the fight even if he feels outclassed.
His narrower loss to Cutelaba smarts a little more, as he lost to a well-seasoned fighter by Split Decision, and felt like he should have won. In both bouts, Erslan showed real talent and stamina that could take him to greatness.
However, he also needs to combine his natural aptitude and durability with more of an offensive stance. This is what he needs to deliver in his upcoming bout, and the question remains – can he do it? We think so.
Jimmy Crute Is in a Tough Spot Professionally
Crute is 13-4 -2, and his four defeats came one after the next, until he broke the streak with a win against Marcin Prachnio by submission in July. While Crute’s career is hardly spotless, he is a tremendous fighter. He has the stamina to last in a fight and go the distance, but he is also dangerous enough to submit or KO an opponent.
Crute’s record establishes him more as a grappler. If he gets close in, you may not have a chance to pull away and could need to tap out. This is precisely the major threat that Erslan faces. He hasn’t had experience versus grapplers, however.
Yet, we believe that this fight is going to go the distance, offering some good value for sports bettors. Erslan winning would bring the best value, but the odds favor Crute, so keep this in mind.
Pick: Ivan Erslan (+148) or Over 1.5 (-120)