Paulo Borrachinha is in the sights of the 'new Adesanya' in the UFC: 'He's next'

Paulo Borrachinha tries to get back to winning ways in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

PUBLICITY:

Navajo Stirling already has some names in mind for the future should he emerge victorious from UFC Belgrade , scheduled for next Saturday (1). Set to face former champion Jan Błachowicz in the co-main event, the City Kickboxing prospect sees the duel as an opportunity to get closer to big fights in the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg). Among the possible targets, the New Zealander mentioned Paulo Borrachinha as one of the opponents he would like to face.

In an interview with 'Home of Fighting', Stirling revealed that a victory over Błachowicz could put him on the path to facing prominent names in the division. The fighter also mentioned Khalil Rountree Jr. and Paulo Borrachinha as possible next challenges, but reinforced that his main focus is entirely on overcoming the former UFC champion.

See too

Jon Jones recalls doping controversies and responds to criticism: 'I never used steroids'

Paulo Borrachinha ignores confrontation with Ankalaev and suggests a swap for a UFC legend.

Jon Jones lists his top 4 fighters he would trust with his life, excluding a legend for an unusual reason.

“If I get the win, Khalil and Paulo are next, that’s guaranteed. A win over the former UFC champion could open the door to some massive fights, but I’m focused on Jan first,” said Navajo Stirling.

Discovered through the Contender Series, Navajo Stirling boasts an impressive record and a high lethality rate. The New Zealander has six knockout victories and four by judges' decision, in addition to possessing an impressive reach of 2,01 meters. With an aggressive style, the light heavyweight averages 6,24 significant strikes landed per minute and has already defeated five opponents in the UFC octagon, including consecutive knockouts over Bruno Lopes and Ion Cuțelaba, results that accelerated his rise in the division's rankings.

Despite still being at the beginning of his journey in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Stirling knows the path he needs to take to reach the title. The fighter is part of the renowned City Kickboxing academy, the team responsible for producing champions such as Israel Adesanya , Alexander Volkanovski , and Carlos Ulberg , and seeks to follow in the footsteps of the great names who have passed through the New Zealand training center.

Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.