Navajo Stirling dismantles Jan Błachowicz, Navajo Stirling delivered the biggest performance of his career, stopping former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Błachowicz in the opening round of the UFC Belgrade co-main event before calling for even bigger names in his post-fight interview.
The co-main event of UFC Belgrade featured a fascinating light heavyweight clash between former UFC champion Jan Błachowicz and undefeated rising star Navajo Stirling. For Błachowicz, it was another opportunity to prove he still belonged among the division’s elite after years of competing against the very best at 205 pounds. The Polish veteran entered the bout with victories over some of the biggest names in the sport, including Bogdan Guskov at UFC 323. Israel Adesanya, Aleksandar Rakić, Jared Cannonier, and Luke Rockhold. Although his recent run had been inconsistent, his experience and trademark “Polish Power” made him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.
Standing across from him was one of the UFC’s fastest-rising prospects. Navajo Stirling arrived in Belgrade with an unblemished professional record and a perfect start to his UFC career. Training out of the renowned City Kickboxing gym, Stirling had built a reputation for his athleticism, sharp kickboxing, and composure under pressure. Each victory had strengthened the belief that he could become the UFC’s next light heavyweight contender.
The undefeated New Zealander wasted little time making a statement. After weathering Błachowicz’s early pressure, Stirling found his range and unleashed a series of sharp combinations that backed the former champion toward the fence. He then landed a clean right hand that visibly hurt Błachowicz before swarming him with unanswered punches, forcing the referee to stop the contest in the first round.
The emphatic finish marked the biggest victory of Stirling’s UFC career and preserved his unbeaten professional record. Defeating a former champion in such dominant fashion immediately strengthened his position as one of the light heavyweight division’s fastest-rising contenders. Following the victory, Stirling made it clear he is ready for the UFC’s elite. Speaking inside the Octagon, he called out top-ranked contender Khalil Rountree Jr. and also expressed interest in a showdown with Paulo Costa, despite Costa competing at middleweight.
“I think about fighting, it all starts up here [in the head], you can make it happen,” Stirling said after his win. “It’s an absolutely honor to be able to share the ring with a former champion like Jan Blachowicz. “Honestly, we’re all fighting each other so there can all be one winner but I’m a big fan of Jan. Just sticking to the game plan, I’ve got the best coaches in the world.” “If [Khalil] Roundtree or [Paulo] Costa want to fight … I’ll whoop that ass.”
Check out UFC Belgrade results below.
Main Card
Uros Medic def. Daniel Rodriguez via TKO (strikes) (R1, 0:30)
Navajo Stirling def. Jan Blachowicz via TKO strikes (R1, 2:56)
Aleksandar Rakić def. Marcin Tybura via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Robert Valentin def. Dusko Todorovic via submission (guillotine choke) (R1, 4:14)
Gilbert Urbina def. Vlasto Cepo via TKO (strikes) (R1, 1:01)
Noah Gugnon def. Milos Janicic via submission (rear-naked choke) (R1, 1:21)
Preliminary Card
Tofiq Musayev def. Ludovit Klein via TKO (strikes) (R2, 4:07)
Michael Oliveira def. Oban Elliott via TKO (strikes) (R1, 1:49)
Borislav Nikolic def. Mark Vologdin via unanimous decision (29-27 x3)
Bogdan Grad def. Dennis Buzukja via submission (head-and-arm choke) (R2, 4:33)
Mateusz Rebecki def. Kyle Prepolec via TKO (strikes) (R1, 4:41)
Nina Milosevic def. Hailey Cowan via TKO (strikes) (R1, 3:41)
Jovan Leka def. Alexander Poppeck via TKO (strikes) (R1, 2:22)
Stephanie Luciano def. Marina Spasic via submission (rear-naked choke) (R1, 3:20)
