Is Crute Headed for a Collapse vs. Erslan?
Jimmy Crute, otherwise known as “The Brute,” faces Ivan Erslan on September 27th at 10:00 p.m. EST in the same fight card as the Jenkins vs. Taveros fight. This showdown is a light heavyweight bout that will test their resolve as they’re both coming from mixed fighting outcomes in their previous fights. “The Brute” though did secure a win in his last fight against Marcin Prachnio in the last minute of the first round with a solid armbar. Ivan meanwhile has lost his fight by unanimous decision against Navajo Stirling. It would benefit Ivan to avoid the fight going to a decision, especially because he is already going to have to deal with engaging at closer proximity to Crute due to having less leg and arm reach. However, if this distance is closed and Ivan gets taken down by “The Crute,” he will benefit from having stronger takedown defense on average than his opponent, which should reduce the instance for Jimmy to secure an armbar.
Overall, this is where the fight could go as Jimmy has secured more takedowns in his past than Ivan. If the fight doesn’t go to the ground, standing Ivan could hold his own as he has defeated past opponents with just punches, securing those KO/TKOs. He will need to close the distance to do that again and could mix up his striking strategy by correctly seeing where Jimmy would feign a takedown attempt. For example, if Crute goes for a single leg but backs off to offset Ivan then Ivan could return with a solid knee or hammerfist as Jimmy corrects his stance.
That circumstance would be quick though and that opportunity if presented would be after Jimmy would show signs of exhaustion. Both fighters though, are capable of going the full five rounds and have done so, leading to past decision losses leaving a motivation to avoid that option. Both opponents too prefer to end their fights early before even round 2 when they have secured a win. It will ultimately be the fight that will be one to watch in the card that features the main event of Ulberg vs. Reyes!
