UFC Fight Night 260: Ulberg vs. Reyes takes place on September 28, 2025, at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. The co-main event features an intriguing light heavyweight matchup between Australian contender Jimmy Crute and Croatian knockout artist Ivan Erslan. Both men are looking to break into the top 15 and reassert themselves as threats in the division.
Jimmy Crute
Jimmy Crute (13–4–2) has long been considered one of Australia’s top MMA prospects, earning a UFC contract at just 22 years old. Known for his gritty fighting style and versatile skill set, Crute blends powerful boxing with slick submissions. Despite setbacks in recent years, he has rebounded with a strong submission win over Marcin Prachnio in July 2025.
A former Hex Fight Series Light Heavyweight Champion, Crute has faced high-level opposition throughout his UFC run, including Jamahal Hill, Anthony Smith, and Alonzo Menifield. His ability to mix takedowns, ground control, and opportunistic submissions makes him a constant danger. Fighting at home in Perth, Crute will have the crowd on his side as he tries to build momentum in the deepest run of his career.
Jimmy Crute – Last 5 Fights:
1. Win vs. Marcin Prachnio – Submission (Armbar) – UFC 318, July 19, 2025
2. Draw vs. Rodolfo Bellato – Draw (Majority) – UFC 312, February 9, 2025
3. Loss vs. Alonzo Menifield – Submission (Guillotine Choke) – UFC 290, July 8, 2023
4. Draw vs. Alonzo Menifield – Draw (Majority) – UFC 284, February 12, 2023
5. Loss vs. Jamahal Hill – KO (Punches) – UFC on ESPN, December 4, 2021
Crute’s keys to victory include using his wrestling to control where the fight takes place, avoiding prolonged striking exchanges with Erslan’s heavy hands, and working for submissions once the fight hits the mat.
Ivan Erslan
Ivan Erslan (14–5, 1 NC) is a Croatian light heavyweight known for his one-punch knockout power. Ten of his wins have come by KO or TKO, and he built his name in KSW and Fight Nation Championship before signing with the UFC. Training out of American Top Team, Erslan brings crisp boxing combinations, aggressive pressure, and a willingness to trade punches.
However, Erslan enters this bout on a two-fight losing streak, dropping decisions to Navajo Stirling and Ion Cutelaba. Despite these setbacks, he remains a dangerous striker capable of ending fights early, as evidenced by his 54-second knockout of Bogdan Gnidko in KSW Epic. Against Crute, Erslan will look to keep the fight standing and use his boxing to dictate the pace.
Ivan Erslan – Last 5 Fights:
1. Loss vs. Navajo Stirling – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 315, May 10, 2025
2. Loss vs. Ion Cutelaba – Decision (Split) – UFC FN, September 28, 2024
3. Win vs. Bogdan Gnidko – KO (Punch) – KSW Epic, February 24, 2024
4. Loss vs. Rafal Haratyk – KO (Punches) – KSW 87, October 14, 2023
5. Win vs. Dirlei Broenstrup – TKO (Punches) – FNC 11, May 28, 2023
Erslan’s path to victory revolves around using his jab to keep Crute at range, cutting off the cage to limit Crute’s takedowns, and landing clean power shots before the Australian can drag the fight to the mat.
Fight Breakdown
This fight is a classic striker-versus-grappler clash. Crute is the more complete mixed martial artist with dangerous submissions and serviceable striking, while Erslan brings fight-changing power and crisp boxing fundamentals. If Crute can weather the early storm and secure takedowns, he should have a clear advantage on the ground. Conversely, if Erslan keeps it standing and maintains distance, he has the tools to score a knockout.
Both men have something to prove. Crute is trying to show he’s still a rising contender, while Erslan seeks to break his losing streak and earn his first signature UFC win. The opening minutes will be critical: Crute’s durability against Erslan’s power could decide how the fight unfolds.
Prediction
Crute’s improved grappling and recent submission win suggest he’s regained confidence. Fighting at home in Australia with the advantage in wrestling and jiu-jitsu, Crute should be able to withstand Erslan’s striking bursts and take over on the mat.
Prediction: Jimmy Crute def. Ivan Erslan via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) – Round 2
A win here could propel Crute back into the UFC’s light heavyweight rankings, while Erslan would make a major statement by upsetting the Australian on his home turf.