Jimmy Crute: “I’m too good at this not to give it another crack”
Jimmy ‘The Brute’ Crute is ready to step back into the octagon at UFC 312 on February 8, 2025, in Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena.
Facing Brazil’s Rodolfo ‘Trator’ Bellato (12-2) in a critical light heavyweight clash, Crute (12-4-1) is determined to remind fans why he was once considered one of the division’s most promising prospects.
After a turbulent stretch that saw him go winless in his last four fights, including a submission loss to Alonzo Menifield in July 2023, Crute took time away from the sport to heal — physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Now, the 28-year-old is confident he has rediscovered his purpose.
“I didn’t want to come back unless I could commit 100%,” Crute told Australian MMA.
“Turns out, I can give what I used to—and some. I just thought, ‘I’m too good at this not to give it another crack.’”
Crute’s journey back to the cage has been transformative.
During his break, he embraced Christianity, an experience he described as profoundly impactful.
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“I just felt Jesus knocking at my door for a long while,” he shared.
“When I finally let Him in, everything changed. I’ve healed from the inside out, and now I know my life is awesome no matter what happens.”
His opponent, Bellato, is a surging contender riding a four-fight win streak. Known for his finishing ability, with 11 stoppages in 12 wins, the Brazilian poses a tough challenge.
However, Crute remains laser-focused on his own performance.
“Everybody’s dangerous in that Octagon,” he said.
“I don’t care if he’s on a win streak or a losing streak—I just have to bring my A-game.”
Returning to fight on home soil has reinvigorated Crute, who is grateful for the support from Australian fans.
“The support from the fans and community means more than I can express,” he said.
“I’m not in this for the spotlight… It’s about doing what I love.”
UFC 312, headlined by the highly anticipated middleweight title rematch between the $1.50 bookmaker favourite Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland ($2.65), promises to be a spectacle, and Crute’s bout is set to be a key highlight.
As fight night approaches, the Bendigo-born fighter’s mindset is clear: this is his moment to reclaim his place among the light heavyweight elite.
“This fight is about showing the world—and myself—that I’m still here. I’m too good at this not to give it another crack.”
