UFC light heavyweight Anthony Smith has agreed to take on Jimmy Crute on April 24, after Crute’s originally scheduled opponent withdrew due to injury.
Crute (12-1) was scheduled to face Johnny Walker on March 27, but Walker was forced to withdraw from the bout this week due to injury. Smith (34-16) immediately agreed to take Walker’s spot, and the 205-pound contest was moved to an unannounced event on April 24.
Crute, who fights out of Melbourne, Australia, discussed the new matchup on social media without naming Smith specifically.
“I can’t express how excited and grateful I am that a true fighter has decided to step in and fight me,” Crute wrote on Instagram. “This is a better fight, better name and bigger challenge but I’m ready for it.
Smith told ESPN he shares Crute’s enthusiasm for the bout, and is looking forward to facing the 24-year-old talent.
“He’s a good kid and he deserves it, it’s a tough fight for sure,” Smith said.
Crute has is 4-1 in the UFC and riding back-to-back first-round finishes. Smith, a former title challenger, is coming off a first-round submission of Devin Clark.