The co-main event at UFC Perth delivered unexpected drama as Jimmy Crute showcased a submission technique that had wrestling fans doing double-takes. Competing against Ivan Erslan in what became an elevated bout due to Junior Tafa‘s injury withdrawal, Crute demonstrated why his recent return to form has captured attention.
The Australian light heavyweight wasted little time establishing his ground game, securing an early takedown in the opening round. While Erslan managed to regain his footing he found himself in a precarious position – essentially carrying Crute on his back like human cargo. This awkward scenario quickly turned problematic for the visiting MMA star.
Crute capitalized on the positioning with a sweep that sent both men back to the canvas, this time with the Perth native in the dominant mount position. From there he transitioned smoothly to Erslan’s back, beginning to work toward flattening out his opponent. However, rather than pursuing a traditional rear-naked choke setup, Crute opted for something far more unconventional.
The submission that followed resembled something straight out of a professional wrestling playbook. Crute applied a neck crank with his arms positioned under Erslan’s chin, creating a leverage-based attack that caused immediate distress. The technique bore striking similarities to the camel clutch, a signature hold popularized in sports entertainment circles.
Erslan’s discomfort was evident as the pressure mounted and he had little choice but to signal his surrender at 3:19 of the first round. While the official result listed the finish as a rear-naked choke, the visual told a different story entirely.
When post-match interviewer Paul Felder pressed Crute about the specific name for his submission technique, the victor’s response was refreshingly honest:
“I don’t know, but I f***ing love it!”
His enthusiasm for the unorthodox finish was unmistakable, even if the technical classification remained somewhat ambiguous.
This victory represents significant momentum for Crute, who has rebuilt his career impressively since returning from an extended break earlier this year. The win over Erslan marks his second consecutive victory and gives him an unblemished 2-0-1 record across his last three appearances. More notably, these back-to-back wins represent his first winning streak since 2020, suggesting his time away may have provided the reset he needed.
The performance against Erslan, a KSW veteran entering the octagon with an 0-2 UFC record, demonstrated Crute’s evolved approach to mixed martial arts. Rather than forcing traditional techniques he showed the adaptability to capitalize on unique opportunities as they presented themselves.
Looking ahead, Crute wasted no time campaigning for his next opportunity. He specifically requested placement on a rumored February card in Sydney, bringing his case directly to the Australian audience that witnessed his latest triumph. Crute’s willingness to embrace an unconventional approach yielded spectacular results, proving that sometimes the most effective technique is simply the one that works.
