Jimmy Crute’s long-awaited return to the Octagon was supposed to be a triumphant homecoming. Instead, it ended in another frustrating stalemate. UFC 312 in Sydney saw the Australian light heavyweight go to war with Rodolfo Bellato, only to hear the all-too-familiar words at the end, “majority draw”.
Crute came out swinging, even flashing a spinning backkick to make an early statement. He reversed a Bellato takedown, secured mount, and nearly locked in an arm-triangle choke. Then, in the final seconds of the first round, he floored Bellato with a crisp shot, raining down elbows as the buzzer saved the Brazilian.
Momentum was on Crute’s side. But in round two, he abandoned his ground game, opting for a striking battle. Bellato, battered but determined, found his rhythm. His counters started landing clean, his low kicks chipping away at Crute’s foundation. By round three, both men were exhausted, their bodies bearing the marks of a brutal war. A late takedown by Bellato sealed the razor-close contest.
Jimmy Crute vs Rodolfo Bellato has been ruled a majority draw.#UFC312 pic.twitter.com/qUk1ixAUqN
— UFC (@ufc) February 9, 2025
Then came the verdict: 29-27, 28-28, 28-28—another draw for Crute. The reactions by the fans? They spoke volumes.
“that’s actually unfortunate for Jimmy Crute but hell of a fight tho”
“Clearest draw i’ve maybe ever seen #UFC312”
“Jimmy fought to another draw?!C’mon man!”
“Crute last 5 fights are losses and draws, bro has hit that skill ceiling and will never improve at all, could have been a good LHW contender, shame”
“Jimmy Crute hasn’t won a fight since 2020… why was he on the main card? Weak overall lineup tbh”
More to follow…
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