Source: Radio New Zealand
Kiwi light heavyweight Navajo Stirling will fight on the prelims of UFC Fight Night in Seattle. www.photosport.nz
Kiwi light-heavyweight Navajo Stirling understands that in the fight game, knockouts create superstars.
Nothing quite hypes the fan base more than seeing a fighter get sparked in the octagon, and Stirling is coming to Seattle on Sunday to put his opponent to sleep.
“I’m the best prospect in the division,” the City Kick Boxing fighter declared.
“I don’t even look at what that guy’s got on. I’m going to to run through this guy.”
That guy is Bruno ‘The Brazillian Cowboy’ Lopes, a 14-2 light-heavyweight whom Stirling crossed paths with on Dana White’s Contender Series, though Stirling was not impressed with what he saw.
“He came in undefeated and he lost by a big knockout. He’s had a pretty slow start to the UFC as well. I just don’t think he’s as good as me, especially in the grappling area, which is where he sort of dominates. It showed me that I’m better than this guy. I’m looking to dominate and really cook him in every part of the fight.”
The pair will square off on the prelims of UFC Fight Night Adesanya vs Pyfer on Sunday morning (NZT).
Brimming with his usual confidence, Stirling said it will be an easy night at the office.
“Knockout, submission, wherever it goes. I feel strong and ready to go.”
Unbeaten in eight pro bouts, Stirling is riding a three fight winning streak in the UFC, all by unanimous decision.
However, the City Kick Boxing product does not want to leave this one to the judges.
Stirling is unbeaten in three fights in the UFC. www.photosport.nz
“I’m looking to really show everyone the new and improved Navajo.”
Stirling admits he is already looking past Lopes, and eying up plenty of activity 2026.
“I’ll look to either be in the top 15 or fighting to be in it by the end of this year.”
As for who he wants to fight?
“Honestly, I just want to fight. I don’t give a s*** who it is. I’ll fight anyone. I don’t care. I’ll probably just call out someone. I’m looking to get back in there straight away. There’s quite a few guys in the top 15 that are interesting fights. I’m just looking to take the spotlight and show everyone why I’m the best prospect of the division.”
Primarily a striker, Stirling said he has put more emphasis on his ground game after earning his UFC contract in 2024.
As well as improving his grappling, Stirling said he has been sure to expel less energy in camp.
“I’ve always been a complete fighter. It’s more management around the way I’m feeling. I’ve come into some fights burnt out because I always give it my all, man. I was just being pushed out a little too much in some of my previous bouts. Coming into this fight week, I feel really refreshed and ready to go.”
Somewhat of an elephant in the CKB Gym, Stirling’s teammate Carlos Ulberg is set to fight for a world title next month in the same weight division.
Ulberg will meet Jiri Procházka at UFC 327 for the Light Heavyweight strap, begging the question, would Stirling ever fight Ulberg?
“We have a great relationship. I’m actually going to support him in his build-up for the fight. I’ve looked up to Carlos my whole life. Honestly, I wouldn’t want to fight him because I know how dangerous he is. In sparring he always gets the better of me.
“But if he’s still around when I get there, I can put feelings aside. It’s no biggie. The boys at CKB have come across each other in King of the Ring tournaments plenty of times. So it’s not like our boys have never fought each other. It’s all love at the end of the day. I’ve still got plenty of contenders to get through, but all I know is I’m going to be in this game for a long time.”
Navajo Stirling is looking for a statement knockout on Sunday. www.photosport.nz
Another teammate with not so many years left in the cage is middleweight Israel Adesanya, who headlines the Seattle card against American Joe Pyfer.
Stirling said it’s a special moment to share the card with the UFC legend.
“I’ve looked up to him my whole career, it’s just a full circle moment. I’ve known him through the lens longer than he knew who I was. I’m just happy that he hasn’t retired yet and that he’s still around for me to tick that bucket list moment off.”
It’s been a tough time for ‘the Last Stylebender’ since losing his middleweight crown to Sean Strickland in Sydney in 2023.
Beaten in his last three walks to the octagon, Stirling is predicting an emphatic bounce back for the former champion.
“He’s [Pyfer] a good fighter, but he’s pretty stock standard. I’ve seen Israel break down that really orthodox style of striking many times. I have utmost confidence in him. Not only because of that, but because I really pushed him this camp. We were training right by each other the whole way through and I was up his arse. So I’m excited to see him put that on display.”
As for Stirling, he’s ready to make a statement of his own on Sunday.
“That’s going to show this fight. I’ve got great skills. The potential for me is through the roof. I almost feel like I have the responsibility to my nation to reach my fullest potential because everyone’s been behind me for such a long time. The real fans know where I’m going. I’m not going to shy away from big moments. I want to capture these moments and become a champion.”
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
