Israel Adesanya believes Navajo Stirling has done enough to earn a spot among the UFC light heavyweight division’s elite.
Stirling delivered the biggest win of his career at UFC Belgrade this past Saturday, stopping former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz in the first round of their co-main event clash. Taking the fight on short notice, the undefeated New Zealander improved to 11-0 and extended his finishing streak with another statement performance.
Blachowicz entered the bout looking to snap his winless run and re-establish himself as a contender at 205 pounds. Instead, Stirling overwhelmed the former champion and handed him one of the most decisive losses of his career.
Following the victory, Israel Adesanya reacted on his YouTube channel and made it clear where he believes Stirling belongs in the rankings.
“He just got back from Japan last fight, takes this fight on short notice against a former champion, and smokes the dude — absolutely smokes him,” Adesanya said. “I’m still in awe. I’m still in awe. Just the whole thing, the walkout, when he steps into the Octagon, he just looked so relaxed. There was a sequence in there where he just looked relaxed. He wasn’t panicking, even when he got popped with that jab and his nose started bleeding. He stayed composed.
“You’re watching it, and I know the guy. I’m just like, ‘He’s relaxed. He’s chill.’ He fought so recently. Another day in the office. Another good day in the office for Navajo Stirling. No one has ever done that before to Jan until today. Top five. Put my man in the top five. Hurry up. And $100 Gs.”
The praise from Israel Adesanya carries weight given his long history with Stirling at City Kickboxing. Although Adesanya recently parted ways with the New Zealand-based gym, he continues to support many of the fighters who came through the same system.
Stirling has quickly emerged as one of the UFC’s most promising light heavyweight prospects. After opening his UFC run with three consecutive unanimous decision victories, he has shifted into another gear. His last three appearances have all ended in TKO wins, showcasing the growing confidence and finishing ability that have made him one of the division’s most intriguing contenders.
His latest performance against Blachowicz may have been his most impressive yet. Not only did Stirling defeat a former UFC champion, but he also became the first fighter to stop Blachowicz in that fashion.
The victory earned Stirling a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus and further strengthened his case for a major jump in the rankings.
As the light heavyweight division searches for its next generation of contenders, Navajo Stirling continues to make a compelling argument that he belongs near the top of the ladder.
The unbeaten Kiwi now owns an 11-0 professional record and has shown noticeable improvements every time he steps inside the Octagon.
