The UFC’s final event of 2024 will feature the Octagon debut of New Zealand’s latest emerging talented fighter, and it arrives with a glowing reference from two of the UFC’s best.

Navajo Stirling, a graduate of Dana White’s Contender Series, earned his spot in the UFC with a spectacular knockout of Phillip Latu in the second round of their fight at UFC APEX in September. And the undefeated prospect is ready to make waves in the UFC’s 205-pound division.

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ONE PUNCH KO FOR NAVAJO STIRLING #DWCS pic.twitter.com/fIXOomvu42

– UFC (@ufc) September 11, 2024

Stirling picked up a decision victory in his professional debut in September 2023, but since then he has fought four times and won all four bouts by knockout. Now he gets his chance on the big stage at UFC Fight Night: Covington vs. Buckley in Tampa, where he will face Florida-based Briton Tuco Tokkos in a light heavyweight fight.

Israel Adesanya backs Navajo Stirling for UFC success

Stirling can’t wait to show off his skills to UFC fans this weekend when he takes on Tokkos. And, ahead of Stirling’s Octagon debut, former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya gave his City Kickboxing teammate a huge vote of confidence.

“Yeah, Navajo Stirling. He knocked that guy out in the second round, so now he’s in the UFC. He got a contract,” he said. Joe Rogan.

“He’s just a savant, next level – a kickboxer, but knows how to fight. “He looks at the s-, downloads it, drills it and uses it on you immediately or the next day.

“He’s just one of those guys. And he loves to fight. He’s a guy that just stays in the gym, he stays ready.”

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Dan Hooker expects big things from Navajo Stirling in the UFC

Adesanya’s views were echoed by fellow City Kickboxing star and UFC lightweight contender Dan Hooker, who said Stirling’s eye-catching Contender Series performance wasn’t a shock at all for him.

“That’s what I expected from this fight,” he said. Get involved.

“Hand on heart, to be honest, that’s what I expected from Navajo Stirling. I have pretty high expectations of Navajo.

“It’s an incredible win. He gets a big knockout, he gets a UFC contract, but can I say I’m surprised by this performance? I know the kid’s abilities. I know the potential of Navajo Stirling.

“So, for me, there was no real surprise in this fight. It’s what I expected.”