UFC light heavyweight Jimmy Crute is taking an indefinite leave of absence from the Octagon after falling short at UFC 290.
Crute lost by second-round submission against Alonzo Menifield at UFC 290 last Saturday. After getting off to a good start in the first round, Menifield had his way on the ground and eventually secured the finish with ease.
Crute is now winless over his last four fights and is at a crossroads in his UFC tenure. His last win came against Modestas Bukauskas in 2020 after initially being thought to be one of the top prospects in the sport.
Crute left his gloves in the Octagon following the loss to Menifield but has quickly reversed his retirement tease.
Jimmy Crute Discusses ‘Unhealthy Relationship’ With MMA
In a recent Instagram post, Crute addressed his MMA future.
View this post on Instagram
“I’ve had a bit to process. That reaction after the fight just shows how unhealthy my relationship has gotten with this sport,” Crute began. “I have been obsessed with being in the ufc since I was 12 years old and it has been my entire identity since I made the decision to chase this dream. I have a lot to address before I think about stepping back in there. Truth is, I don’t even know who I am with out all of this. I am going to take the time to find myself, do the therapy and get myself right.
“I’ve needed to walk away from this unhealthy obsession for a while now. That being said deep down I know that I am far from done. I’m going to step away for as long as it takes and do the work then comeback with a healthy and sustainable mindset toward this sport. How long that takes isn’t up to me but I look forward to the challenges coming up. Thank you to everyone that has reached out to check on me. I appreciate it more than I am able to express.”
Crute earned a shot in the UFC by defeating Chris Birchler on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2018. He went on to pick up wins over the likes of Paul Craig, Michal Oleksiejczuk, and Sam Alvey after earning a contract.
Crute’s struggles began at UFC 261 when he lost to Anthony Smith after suffering a leg injury during the fight. He went on to suffer a first-round knockout loss to Jamahal Hill before a majority draw against Menifield at UFC 284.
Crute is dealing with the stresses and pressure that come with being a professional fighter, and he’ll look to turn things around whenever he intends to return to the Octagon.
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