Up-and-comer Jim Crute entered UFC 234 with an undefeated record in nine pro bouts. On Saturday, he left the Octagon a perfect 10-0.
In his second fight in the UFC, the 22-year-old prospect made quick work of his opponent, Sam Alvey, scoring a TKO in the first round of the UFC 234 PPV opener.
The two fighters traded some punches early on, but it was Crute who landed a devastating short right cross that dropped Alvey to a knee. Assuming referee Marc Goddard would wave things off (which he didn't), Crute failed to follow-up which allowed a wobbly Alvey to get back to his feet. Alvey attempted a desperation takedown and in the scramble on the canvas, Crute managed to get on top and began the ground-and-pound.
Alvey turtled up in a defensive position and even though he appeared to give a thumbs-up to referee Goddard to show he was okay, he seemingly didn't do enough and Goddard waved off the fight. Alvey, who appeared mostly okay (most of the punches Crute threw seemed to either hit his arm or miss entirely), immediately popped up and protested the stoppage.
With the victory, Crute, a "Contender Series" alum, now has two consecutive wins in the UFC and a bright future ahead of him inside the Octagon.