Navajo Stirling: 10-0 and ready to break Blachowicz?

Ion Cutelaba thought he could impose his will the old-school way with his killer stare and brutal takedowns. Two rounds later, the Moldovan was gasping for air and looking for his bearings on the canvas, dismantled by the surgical precision of a world-class kickboxer. Navajo Stirling is 10 fights, 10 wins, and a very clear message sent to the entire 93 kg division: New Zealand has found its new sniper.

🥊 Quick Stats

Name: Navajo Stirling
Record: 10-0-0
Signature: He lands 6.2 strikes per minute while absorbing half as many shots as a bouncer at closing time.

The High-Five Block

Last 5 results:

• ✅ Ion Cutelaba — KO/TKO (R2) UFC Fight Night
• ✅ Bruno Lopes — KO/TKO (R2) UFC Fight Night
• ✅ Rodolfo Bellato — Unanimous decision UFC Fight Night
• ✅ Ivan Erslan — Unanimous decision UFC 315
• ✅ Tuco Tokkos — Unanimous decision UFC Fight Night

The Origin Story

Rongotehengia Navajo Hunter Stirling carries war right in his legal name. Coming from the New Zealand kickboxing circuit, the guy hit the MMA scene with the classic toolkit of Pacific fighters: vicious feints, destructive leg kicks, and clinical distance management. No need for a wrestling pedigree when you know how to put a guy to sleep before he can even grab an ankle.

His transition to the cage was flawless. While many pure strikers panic at the slightest clinch, Stirling has developed rock-solid takedown defense and the mobility of a middleweight in a 93 kg frame. He doesn't play to the cameras: he cuts off the cage, breaks his opponent down, and finishes the job the moment the guard starts to drop.

The Pacific sniper wants to take down a king

In the UFC light heavyweight division, the climb is often brutal. Stirling, however, has played it like an elite strategist. Against Tokkos, Erslan, and Bellato, he showcased his striking without taking any unnecessary risks. The result: three unanimous decisions, zero damage, and total control over the fight's tempo.

But when the competition stepped up, the Kiwi turned up the heat. Bruno Lopes and Ion Cutelaba were both sent packing, finished in the second round. A scary level of consistency that propelled him to the 12th spot in the world rankings. Standing in his way now is Jan Blachowicz, the former champion and gatekeeper with his legendary "Polish Power." For Stirling, this is the pivotal fight: the perfect moment to prove he isn't just a good prospect, but the future king of the division.

Useless Trivia

• His full first name is Rongotehengia, a direct tribute to his Maori roots that he wears proudly inside and outside the octagon.
• He boasts an insane strike differential in the UFC: 6.2 strikes landed per minute for only 2.6 absorbed. Simply put, he lands three times more than he takes.
• Out of his 10 professional wins, exactly 50% are finishes, with a bad habit of settling scores in the second round.

The MMX Take

In the MMX League, this co-main event is a true test of judgment. Blachowicz has the experience of big-time fights and a punch that can go through a concrete wall. But the key stat that should guide your pick is Stirling's 71.4% takedown defense. If the Kiwi can stuff the Pole's takedown attempts, this turns into a pure striking duel. And in that game, Stirling's volume (6.2/min) combined with his 58.3% striking defense could suffocate an aging Blachowicz. A pick on Stirling by decision or TKO in the later rounds is a strong play to secure your points.

Navajo Stirling has the speed, precision, and confidence of a man who has never tasted defeat as a pro. Do you think he'll win his next fight? Come place your bets and challenge your mates on MMX.

📋 On the same card: Check out all the profiles for UFC Fight Night: Medić vs. Rodriguez