Jimmy
Crute is taking what might be considered an indefinite leave of
absence from mixed martial arts, but retirement is not in his
plans.
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After a second-round submisson loss to Alonzo
Menifield at UFC 290
this past Saturday, a dejected Crute laid his gloves down in the
Octagon, which normally signifies the decision to call it a career.
After taking some more time to think, the Aussie light heavyweight
has instead decided to step away from what he calls his “unhealthy
obsession.”
“I’ve had a bit to process. That reaction after the fight just
shows how unhealthy my relationship has gotten with this sport,”
Crute wrote on Instagram. “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 without 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.”
A competitor on Season 2 of Dana White’s Contender Series, Crute
began his UFC tenure with victories in four of his first five
outings. “The Brute” has fallen on hard times since 2021, as he is
winless in his last four Octagon appearances.