Stirling promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Khalil Rountree 's injury last week triggered a series of situations that ended up creating a great opportunity for Navajo Stirling . Away from the octagon since his victory against Ion Cutelaba last month, the New Zealander took the place left by Bogdan Guskov and will face Jan Blachowicz in the co-main event of UFC Belgrade this Saturday (1). Curiously, the opportunity to accept the commitment arose during a moment of leisure for the young man, who is only 28 years old.
The fighter spoke about it in an interview with 'Home of Fight' this Monday (27). According to him, the call was answered when he was leaving some celebration with alcoholic drinks. Very confident due to his recent performances, he accepted without hesitation.
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“I just got out of a monster drinking binge… and they offered me a fight. I just said, ‘Yeah, man, I’m in, I’m training every day,’ so now it’s just a matter of using my youth to my advantage. I just came out of the best camp of my life, so why wouldn’t I accept?” he stated.
😂🍻 Navajo Stirling says he just came off a holiday drinking bender in Japan when he got the call to face Jan Błachowicz
"I'd just come off a massive bender… and got offered a fight. I just said 'yeah bro I'm keen, I'm training everyday' so just gotta utilize my youth.
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) July 27, 2026
Indeed, the age difference is one of the most striking factors in the confrontation. Despite having been the light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg) and having already defeated big names in the division, Blachowicz turned 43 years old in 2026. Furthermore, he hasn't won since May 2022, when he defeated Aleksandr Rakic by technical knockout in the second round after the Serbian suffered a knee injury.
Navajo Stirling is a promising UFC fighter.
Another member of City Kickboxing, Stirling is undefeated as a professional with a record of ten wins and no losses. In the biggest MMA event on the planet since participating in the Contender Series in 2024, he has already overcome five opponents. His last victory was against veteran Ion Cutelaba , whom he knocked out in the first round with powerful elbows.
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