Kiwi UFC rising star Navajo Stirling is promising fireworks in his pay-per-view debut this Sunday, taking on Croatian light heavyweight Ivan Erslan at UFC 315 in Montreal.
The 27-year-old fighter, who trains out of Auckland’s renowned City Kickboxing gym, is known for his aggression and charisma – qualities he says will shine through come fight night.
“I’m gonna chin him early and go for the finish,” Stirling says. “I can be disciplined, I can create chaos—I go out to fight.”
Stirling burst onto the global scene with a knockout on Dana White’s Contender Series, followed by a decisive win over Tukco Tokkos. While the UFC has long been his destination, Stirling said he’s been living his dream since fighting on local cards as a teenager.
With the card scheduled for around midday Sunday NZT, Stirling has settled well into North American conditions. “I’m in wicked shape. I’m getting stronger as I get older – almost in my physical prime,” he says.
He credits much of his success to role models like Israel Adesanya and teammates such as Carlos Ulberg, but Stirling is carving out his own identity. “I want to rise the ranks not through talking, but through showing. I crafted myself into this—no handouts.”
Though still climbing the UFC ladder, Stirling is clear about his goals.
“I just want to be known as a hardworking savage. There would be no Navajo without Izzy and CKB, but now it’s my time.”
Sunday 11 May, 2:00 pm – Main Card
Welterweight·Main event
| Belal Muhammad vs Jack Della Maddalena |
Women Flyweight
| Valentina Shevchenko vs Manon Fiorot |
Featherweight
| José Aldo vs Aiemann Zahabi |
Women Flyweight
 | Alexa Grasso vs Natalia Silva |  |
|---|
Lightweight
 | Benoit Saint-Denis vs Kyle Prepolec |  |
|---|
NAVAJO STIRLING OPENS THE PRELIMENARY CARD, Sunday 12pm:
Light Heavyweight
