“Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series”

SYDNEY, 16 July 2018 – AirAsia and UFC, the world's premier mixed martial arts organization today announced that undefeated Australian prospect Jim “the Brute” Crute (7-0), will compete on an upcoming episode of the exciting UFC FIGHT PASS® original series “Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series.”

The original series, now in its second season and available exclusively on Fight Pass, is focused on finding the next generation of athletes ready to compete on the global brand’s active roster. Crute’s journey to the United States has been made possible by UFC’s partnership with AirAsia, as he will also receive the opportunity to train at the UFC Performance Institute®, the world’s first mixed martial arts multi-disciplinary research, innovation and performance center.

Debuting on Episode 6 of Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series, Crute’s bout on Tuesday, July 24, will see the Bendigo born, now Melbourne local fight for his chance to potentially earn a contract with UFC.

“I have been training my whole life with the intent to be a part of the UFC promotion,” says Crute. “The Contender Series gets me another step closer to that lifelong dream. The support from Air Asia with flights and accommodation is amazing, they have made this trip possible. My career journey is only at the very beginning, but this opportunity catapults my career. To fight on the world stage, in front of a global audience… it is what I’ve been asking for. I will do whatever is necessary to get the job done and to guarantee my future with the UFC.”

AirAsia’s integrated partnership showcases how innovative brands can come together to create authentic life-changing opportunities for athletes around the world and at the same time giving audiences engaging content they can enjoy and Crute is the prime example. With a #DaretoDream philosophy, the airline’s commitment to development and the future of MMA is sky high, showcased not only through this opportunity but the introduction of the UFC® Scholarship program with the inaugural award going to Indonesian women’s strawweight, Linda Darrow last month.

Fans can tune in to watch the program on UFC Fight Pass®, the global brand’s digital subscription service.

For more information on AirAsia, please visit airasia.com or follow AirAsia on Facebook and YouTube(AirAsia), Twitter and Instagram (@airasia).

For more information on UFC, please visit UFC.com. Follow us on, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@ufc).