Jimmy Crute got back in the win column in impressive fashion at UFC Fight Night 260, submitting Ivan Erslan in the first round. After some early striking exchanges, Crute secured a takedown and worked through a series of scrambles before taking Erslan’s back. Once locked in, Crute cranked hard on the rear-naked choke variation, forcing a quick tap at 3:19 of Round 1. The victory moves Crute to 14-4-2 overall and 6-4-2 in the UFC, while Erslan falls to 0-3 inside the promotion.
The next logical step for Crute is a matchup with Zhang Mingyang. Ranked #15 in the division, Zhang has emerged as one of the most dangerous rising contenders at light heavyweight, earning four UFC finishes before his recent setback to Johnny Walker. Matching Crute with Zhang would pit two explosive fighters in a crossroads bout that could determine which man breaks into the top 15 with real momentum.
Stylistically, this fight promises action. Crute brings powerful wrestling, aggressive grappling, and a knack for early submissions, while Zhang thrives on wild striking exchanges and punishing ground-and-pound once he hurts his opponents. Both are fast starters who can finish fights in the opening round, making this a high-risk, high-reward showdown for each. The winner would emerge as a legitimate threat in the division’s crowded middle tier.
Last Five Fights – Jimmy Crute:
1. Win over Ivan Erslan – Submission (reverse can opener), UFC Fight Night 260 (September 28, 2025)
2. Win over Marcin Prachnio – Submission (armbar), UFC 318 (July 19, 2025)
3. Draw with Rodolfo Bellato – Draw (majority), UFC 312 (February 9, 2025)
4. Loss to Alonzo Menifield – Submission (guillotine choke), UFC 290 (July 8, 2023)
5. Draw with Alonzo Menifield – Draw (majority), UFC 284 (February 12, 2023)
Last Five Fights – Zhang Mingyang:
1. Loss to Johnny Walker – TKO (leg kicks and punches), UFC Fight Night (August 23, 2025)
2. Win over Anthony Smith – TKO (elbows), UFC on ESPN (April 26, 2025)
3. Win over Ozzy Diaz – TKO (elbow and punches), UFC Fight Night (November 23, 2024)
4. Win over Brendson Ribeiro – KO (punches), UFC 298 (February 17, 2024)
5. Win over Tuko Tokkos – KO (punches), Road to UFC (June 19, 2022)