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.