Ion Cutelaba appears to have evolved in recent years. While he still possesses his trademark aggression, he has increasingly relied on his wrestling and submission skills, securing first-round submissions over both Ibo Aslan and Oumar Sy. Navajo Stirling, meanwhile, continues to build momentum as one of City Kickboxing’s brightest prospects. The New Zealander scored his first UFC finish against Bruno Lopes and remains undefeated as a professional. At 6-foot-4 with a 79-inch reach, he possesses a significant size advantage that could create problems for the shorter Cutelaba.
Ion Cutelaba
Last 3 bouts:
Win. Oumar Sy – Submission
Lose. Modestas Bukauskas – Split Decision
Win. Ibo Aslan – Submission
Fighting style:
Aggressive wrestler-grappler with a background in Greco-Roman wrestling and combat sambo. Cutelaba is known for his relentless pace, physical strength, and willingness to force chaotic exchanges from the opening bell.
Strengths:
Explosive wrestling and takedowns
Strong submission game
Exceptional physicality and aggression
Dangerous early-round finisher
Vast UFC experience against ranked competition
Weaknesses:
Can be overly aggressive and reckless
Cardio sometimes declines in later rounds
Defensive striking remains inconsistent
Susceptible to technical counterstrikers
Keys to victory:
Pressure Stirling from the opening minute
Mix wrestling with striking to disrupt rhythm
Force clinch exchanges and cage control
Avoid fighting at long range where Stirling excels
Navajo Stirling
Last 3 bouts:
Win. Bruno Lopes – TKO
Win. Rodolfo Bellato – Unanimous Decision
Win. Tuco Tokkos – Unanimous Decision
Fighting style:
Technical kickboxer from City Kickboxing who uses range, movement, and disciplined striking to pick opponents apart. Stirling combines a long frame with improving defensive wrestling.
Strengths:
Undefeated professional record (9-0)
Significant height and reach advantages
Excellent kickboxing fundamentals
Strong distance management
Improving takedown defense and overall MMA game
Weaknesses:
Limited experience against ranked UFC opponents
Has not faced many elite wrestlers
Can be patient to a fault offensively
Still developing against high-pressure fighter
Keys to victory:
Maintain distance with kicks and straight punches
Punish Cutelaba’s aggressive entries with counters
Stay disciplined and avoid brawling
Force Cutelaba to work at a pace that drains his gas tank
Odds
Ion Cutelaba +245
Navajo Stirling -305
