3 days ago
Navajo Stirling took a big step up in competition earlier today (Sat., Aug. 1, 2026) at UFC Belgrade LIVE on Paramount+ from inside Belgrade Arena in Belgrade, Serbia, stunning former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz with a blistering first-round TKO (elbows and punches). It was the ninth first-round finish on UFC Belgrade's card, which set a new promotional record.
Stirling accepted this fight on short notice, but still came into Saturday's co-main event as a sizeable betting favorite against a former UFC champion. The young light heavyweight contender has looked good over his first five trips to the canvas so most thought he'd be able to level up and take care of business. Others had faith in Blachowicz to gut check Stirling and prove he's the better fighter at 43 years of age.
While Blachowicz found some success early on this fight was all about Stirling. The talented 205-pound fighter was crisp from the outside and it eventually led to a massive right hand that clipped Blachowicz directly on the chin. The former UFC champion fell to the canvas where Stirling finished the fight with nasty elbows and punches to extend his undefeated record to 11-0.
Check out the video highlights below:
For complete UFC Belgrade results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.
#former #light
Stirling accepted this fight on short notice, but still came into Saturday's co-main event as a sizeable betting favorite against a former UFC champion. The young light heavyweight contender has looked good over his first five trips to the canvas so most thought he'd be able to level up and take care of business. Others had faith in Blachowicz to gut check Stirling and prove he's the better fighter at 43 years of age.
While Blachowicz found some success early on this fight was all about Stirling. The talented 205-pound fighter was crisp from the outside and it eventually led to a massive right hand that clipped Blachowicz directly on the chin. The former UFC champion fell to the canvas where Stirling finished the fight with nasty elbows and punches to extend his undefeated record to 11-0.
Check out the video highlights below:
For complete UFC Belgrade results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.
#former #light
3 days ago
Navajo Stirling got his chance to break into the upper tier of the light heavyweight division at UFC Fight Night 283 and took full advantage with a finish of former champion Jan Blachowicz.
Stirling (11-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) accepted the fight as a replacement for Bogdan Guskov on less than two weeks' notice, and he came and landed and early massive left hand that send Blachowicz (29-12-2 MMA, 12-9-2 UFC) flying across the cage. The Kiwi pounced and landed some slicing elbows and didn't stop throwing until the referee intervened for the TKO at the 2:56 mark of Round 1 in the light heavyweight bout at Belgrade Arena in Serbia.
Check out the replay of Stirling's shining performance below (via X):
After the fight, Stirling thanked the 43-year-old Blachowicz for his contributions to the weight class over the years and the opportunity to fight. Then, he took aim at the next names that will carry him forward toward a 205-pound ****** le shot.
"If (Khalil) Rountree or (Paulo) Costa wants to fight before the year ends, you know who to call," Stirling said in his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping. "1-800-I'm-Going-to-Whip-That-Ass."
#stirling
Stirling (11-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) accepted the fight as a replacement for Bogdan Guskov on less than two weeks' notice, and he came and landed and early massive left hand that send Blachowicz (29-12-2 MMA, 12-9-2 UFC) flying across the cage. The Kiwi pounced and landed some slicing elbows and didn't stop throwing until the referee intervened for the TKO at the 2:56 mark of Round 1 in the light heavyweight bout at Belgrade Arena in Serbia.
Check out the replay of Stirling's shining performance below (via X):
After the fight, Stirling thanked the 43-year-old Blachowicz for his contributions to the weight class over the years and the opportunity to fight. Then, he took aim at the next names that will carry him forward toward a 205-pound ****** le shot.
"If (Khalil) Rountree or (Paulo) Costa wants to fight before the year ends, you know who to call," Stirling said in his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping. "1-800-I'm-Going-to-Whip-That-Ass."
#stirling
3 days ago
A light heavyweight clash between a former champion and an undefeated rising star served as Saturday's UFC Belgrade co-main event.
Former ******* leholder Jan Blachowicz faced the unbeaten Navajo Stirling at Belgrade Arena. Stirling picked up the biggest win of his career and kept his undefeated record intact.
Blachowciz pressed forward and was met with leg kicks. Stirling slipped but quickly got back to his feet. They clinched and worked for position along the cage. Blachowicz connected with a short right hand in the pocket. Stirling quickly tied him up. They separated and Stirling landed a clean right hand that knocked Blachowicz down. Stirling followed him to the canvas and hammered away with punches. Blachowicz was cut. Stirling continued to land punches. The referee stepped in to stop it.
The official time of the stoppage was 2:56 of the first round.
#stirling #blachowicz #quickly #hand
Former ******* leholder Jan Blachowicz faced the unbeaten Navajo Stirling at Belgrade Arena. Stirling picked up the biggest win of his career and kept his undefeated record intact.
Blachowciz pressed forward and was met with leg kicks. Stirling slipped but quickly got back to his feet. They clinched and worked for position along the cage. Blachowicz connected with a short right hand in the pocket. Stirling quickly tied him up. They separated and Stirling landed a clean right hand that knocked Blachowicz down. Stirling followed him to the canvas and hammered away with punches. Blachowicz was cut. Stirling continued to land punches. The referee stepped in to stop it.
The official time of the stoppage was 2:56 of the first round.
#stirling #blachowicz #quickly #hand
3 days ago
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is live THIS MORNING (Sat., Aug. 1, 2026) with UFC Belgrade, streaming live online via Paramount+. The event happens inside Beogradska Arena in Belgrade, Serbia. This is the promotion's first-ever trip to the Balkans. Uros Medic vs. Daniel Rodriguez serves as our main event today.
Medic — from nearby Novi Sad, Serbia — gets his first UFC main event slot here. He's earned it with blistering finishes over Geoff Neal (see that here), Muslim Salikhov (that one here) and Gilbert Urbina (re-live that here). The combined time of those fights is less than four minutes. Rodriguez, meanwhile, is coming off a grueling win over Kevin Holland; however, he's been held out for sometime because of legal issues (which saw him stuck in a Mexican jail for eight months).
The co-main event is Jan Blachowicz vs. Navajo Stirling. Blachowicz was scheduled to face Bogdan Guskov, before Guskov was needed in Abi Dhabi last weekend. Stirling comes in on short notice, just a month removed from his win over Ion Cutelaba.
The rest of the main card is a "Balkans vs. The World" theme with Aleksandar Rakic vs. Marcin Tybura, Dusko Todorovic vs. Robert Valentin, Vlasto Cepo vs. Gilbert Urbina and Milos Janicic vs. Noah Gugnon.
The "Prelims" are headlined by Ludovit Klein vs. Tofiq Musayev. Mateusz Rebecki (a walking "Fight of the Night") also makes an appearance. He's facing Kyle Prepolec. Other notable fights on the undercard include Oban Elliott vs. Michael Oliveira and Bogdan Grad vs. Dennis Buzukja.
#gilbert
Medic — from nearby Novi Sad, Serbia — gets his first UFC main event slot here. He's earned it with blistering finishes over Geoff Neal (see that here), Muslim Salikhov (that one here) and Gilbert Urbina (re-live that here). The combined time of those fights is less than four minutes. Rodriguez, meanwhile, is coming off a grueling win over Kevin Holland; however, he's been held out for sometime because of legal issues (which saw him stuck in a Mexican jail for eight months).
The co-main event is Jan Blachowicz vs. Navajo Stirling. Blachowicz was scheduled to face Bogdan Guskov, before Guskov was needed in Abi Dhabi last weekend. Stirling comes in on short notice, just a month removed from his win over Ion Cutelaba.
The rest of the main card is a "Balkans vs. The World" theme with Aleksandar Rakic vs. Marcin Tybura, Dusko Todorovic vs. Robert Valentin, Vlasto Cepo vs. Gilbert Urbina and Milos Janicic vs. Noah Gugnon.
The "Prelims" are headlined by Ludovit Klein vs. Tofiq Musayev. Mateusz Rebecki (a walking "Fight of the Night") also makes an appearance. He's facing Kyle Prepolec. Other notable fights on the undercard include Oban Elliott vs. Michael Oliveira and Bogdan Grad vs. Dennis Buzukja.
#gilbert
3 days ago
MMA Fighting has UFC Belgrade results for the Uros Medic vs. Daniel Rodriguez fight, a live blog for the main event, and more from Belgrade Arena in Belgrade, Serbia on Saturday afternoon.
In the main event, No. 15-ranked welterweight Uros Medic looks to continue his climb up the charts as he takes on veteran Daniel Rodriguez. Medic has rattled off three straight knockout wins, all in the first round, and takes on the returning Rodrigue, who is eager to get back on track following an eight-month stint in a Mexican prison.
Former UFC champion Jan Blachowicz and Navajo Stirling square off in a light heavyweight contest in the co-main event.
Check out UFC Belgrade results below.
Main Card (LIVE NOW)
#main #uros
In the main event, No. 15-ranked welterweight Uros Medic looks to continue his climb up the charts as he takes on veteran Daniel Rodriguez. Medic has rattled off three straight knockout wins, all in the first round, and takes on the returning Rodrigue, who is eager to get back on track following an eight-month stint in a Mexican prison.
Former UFC champion Jan Blachowicz and Navajo Stirling square off in a light heavyweight contest in the co-main event.
Check out UFC Belgrade results below.
Main Card (LIVE NOW)
#main #uros
3 days ago
MMA Fighting has UFC Belgrade results for the Uros Medic vs. Daniel Rodriguez fight, a live blog for the main event, and more from Belgrade Arena in Belgrade, Serbia on Saturday afternoon.
In the main event, No. 15-ranked welterweight Uros Medic looks to continue his climb up the charts as he takes on veteran Daniel Rodriguez. Medic has rattled off three straight knockout wins, all in the first round, and takes on the returning Rodrigue, who is eager to get back on track following an eight-month stint in a Mexican prison.
Former UFC champion Jan Blachowicz and Navajo Stirling square off in a light heavyweight contest in the co-main event.
Check out UFC Belgrade results below.
Main Card (Paramount+, 1 p.m. ET)
#belgrade
In the main event, No. 15-ranked welterweight Uros Medic looks to continue his climb up the charts as he takes on veteran Daniel Rodriguez. Medic has rattled off three straight knockout wins, all in the first round, and takes on the returning Rodrigue, who is eager to get back on track following an eight-month stint in a Mexican prison.
Former UFC champion Jan Blachowicz and Navajo Stirling square off in a light heavyweight contest in the co-main event.
Check out UFC Belgrade results below.
Main Card (Paramount+, 1 p.m. ET)
#belgrade
3 days ago
Aleksandar Rakic and Marcin Tybura meet on the UFC Fight Night 283 main card Saturday at Belgrade Arena in Serbia. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie ***** yst Dan Tom.
Last event's results: 4-1
UFC main cards, 2026: 79-42-1
Rakic (14-6 MMA, 6-5 UFC) aims to end the roughest stretch of his pro career, as he comes in on a four-fight skid. Three former champions have handed him losses on this unfortunate streak, including Jan Blachowicz, Jiri Prochazka, and Magomed Ankalaev. Rakic's last win was a unanimous decision over Thiago Santos at UFC 259 in March 2021.
Tybura (27-11 MMA, 14-10 UFC) is also in need of a win after dropping back-to-back fights against Ante Delija and Tyrell Fortune. His last win was a unanimous nod against Mick Parkin last March.
#last #tybura #march #unanimous
Last event's results: 4-1
UFC main cards, 2026: 79-42-1
Rakic (14-6 MMA, 6-5 UFC) aims to end the roughest stretch of his pro career, as he comes in on a four-fight skid. Three former champions have handed him losses on this unfortunate streak, including Jan Blachowicz, Jiri Prochazka, and Magomed Ankalaev. Rakic's last win was a unanimous decision over Thiago Santos at UFC 259 in March 2021.
Tybura (27-11 MMA, 14-10 UFC) is also in need of a win after dropping back-to-back fights against Ante Delija and Tyrell Fortune. His last win was a unanimous nod against Mick Parkin last March.
#last #tybura #march #unanimous
3 days ago
Jan Blachowicz and Navajo Stirling meet in the UFC Fight Night 283 co-feature Saturday at Belgrade Arena in Serbia. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie ******* yst Dan Tom.
Last event's results: 4-1
UFC main cards, 2026: 79-42-1
Blachowicz (29-11-2 MMA, 12-8-2 UFC) is hunting for his first win since May 2022, which came against Aleksandar Rakic. Since then, the former champion has recorded two losses and two draws. His last fight was a majority draw against Bogdan Guskov at UFC 323 in December.
Stirling (10-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) puts his undefeated record on the line against a former ******* leholder in his third fight of the year. He has finished his last two opponents, stopping Bruno Lopes and Ion Cutelaba both in the second round in March and June, respectively.
#last #former #night #saturday
Last event's results: 4-1
UFC main cards, 2026: 79-42-1
Blachowicz (29-11-2 MMA, 12-8-2 UFC) is hunting for his first win since May 2022, which came against Aleksandar Rakic. Since then, the former champion has recorded two losses and two draws. His last fight was a majority draw against Bogdan Guskov at UFC 323 in December.
Stirling (10-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) puts his undefeated record on the line against a former ******* leholder in his third fight of the year. He has finished his last two opponents, stopping Bruno Lopes and Ion Cutelaba both in the second round in March and June, respectively.
#last #former #night #saturday
4 days ago
We at Sherdog provide regular, in-depth preview coverage for allmajor events, including our oft-praised preview column along withour "Sheehan Show" handling all sorts of related matters includingbetting. With those official sources for picks handled, we wouldlike to take the edge off here and get a bit lighter with one finalbreakdown.
The industry of sports betting is exploding before our very eyes,with billions of dollars pumping in since legalization stateside.Oftentimes, those driving the lines are right on the money withtheir openings, valuations and ***** yses. Occasionally, they are wayoff, or otherwise merit some additional conversation. That is wherewe come in with this reinvigorated series of Prime Picks, where,swiping a line from game show host Sam Reich, we hold hands andjump into the abyss together for the Ultimate Fighting Championship's maiden voyageto Serbia on Saturday. Try it out.
JanBlachowicz (+260)
OR
MarcinTybura (+280)
Why Not Both Total: (+1268)
First off, we are not suggesting that one should go out on a limbfor both Blachowicz and Tybura, but rather that one should choosetheir poison. The most daring, optimistic bettors might be temptedto throw a few bucks on the flier, but we see that as just a way topad the betting company's bank account. One or the other, however,could pull off the upset as elder statesmen in their respectivedivisions of light heavyweight and heavyweight. The "fightinguncle" movement is still very much in play.
Having turned 43 in February, former champ Blachowicz isunquestionably on the tail end of his UFC career. The last time hewon a fight, GloverTeixeira held the belt in their weight class and future starPaddyPimblett just picked up his second win under the UFC banner.There is an age cliff that every athlete encounters, and thatincludes Yoel Romeroeven as he draws Darren Tillsoon without gloves on. With that gloom-and-doom surrounding thePolish vet's tenure out in the open, there are still ample ways hecan pick up the win. After all, if a top-10 BogdanGuskov—whom he drew with in December—is the worst loss he hassuffered in that stretch, who is to say how "washed" he is againstburgeoning talent?
Blachowicz is an equal opportunity finisher despite his reputationof "Polish Power," with that expectation looming so large that mostforget he posts an equal number of subs to knockouts. It has notbeen since 2018 that he landed one, and it is not the implicationthat he will put NavajoStirling in danger with offensive submission grappling, butrather that he has demonstrated a wherewithal in the field to addanother wrinkle to his game. Additionally, Blachowicz serves ***** neakily effective takedown artist, practically shutting downIsraelAdesanya in a performance that at the time seemed shockingwhile in hindsight might have been predictable. Blachowicz canspoil the record of the unbeaten upstart in a variety of ways, aslong as he does not keep his chin on the proverbial gunnery rangehoping to s
The industry of sports betting is exploding before our very eyes,with billions of dollars pumping in since legalization stateside.Oftentimes, those driving the lines are right on the money withtheir openings, valuations and ***** yses. Occasionally, they are wayoff, or otherwise merit some additional conversation. That is wherewe come in with this reinvigorated series of Prime Picks, where,swiping a line from game show host Sam Reich, we hold hands andjump into the abyss together for the Ultimate Fighting Championship's maiden voyageto Serbia on Saturday. Try it out.
JanBlachowicz (+260)
OR
MarcinTybura (+280)
Why Not Both Total: (+1268)
First off, we are not suggesting that one should go out on a limbfor both Blachowicz and Tybura, but rather that one should choosetheir poison. The most daring, optimistic bettors might be temptedto throw a few bucks on the flier, but we see that as just a way topad the betting company's bank account. One or the other, however,could pull off the upset as elder statesmen in their respectivedivisions of light heavyweight and heavyweight. The "fightinguncle" movement is still very much in play.
Having turned 43 in February, former champ Blachowicz isunquestionably on the tail end of his UFC career. The last time hewon a fight, GloverTeixeira held the belt in their weight class and future starPaddyPimblett just picked up his second win under the UFC banner.There is an age cliff that every athlete encounters, and thatincludes Yoel Romeroeven as he draws Darren Tillsoon without gloves on. With that gloom-and-doom surrounding thePolish vet's tenure out in the open, there are still ample ways hecan pick up the win. After all, if a top-10 BogdanGuskov—whom he drew with in December—is the worst loss he hassuffered in that stretch, who is to say how "washed" he is againstburgeoning talent?
Blachowicz is an equal opportunity finisher despite his reputationof "Polish Power," with that expectation looming so large that mostforget he posts an equal number of subs to knockouts. It has notbeen since 2018 that he landed one, and it is not the implicationthat he will put NavajoStirling in danger with offensive submission grappling, butrather that he has demonstrated a wherewithal in the field to addanother wrinkle to his game. Additionally, Blachowicz serves ***** neakily effective takedown artist, practically shutting downIsraelAdesanya in a performance that at the time seemed shockingwhile in hindsight might have been predictable. Blachowicz canspoil the record of the unbeaten upstart in a variety of ways, aslong as he does not keep his chin on the proverbial gunnery rangehoping to s
6 days ago
JanBlachowicz's journey back to ******* le contention has taken anotherunexpected turn.
The former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight ******* leholderwas originally slated to rematch BogdanGuskov at UFC Belgrade on Aug. 1 in Serbia. However, those plans changedwhen Guskov was offered the UFC Abu Dhabi main event spot against MagomedAnkalaev following KhalilRountree's withdrawal.
As such, Blachowicz (29-11-2) will now square off against NavajoStirling in the new co-main event in Belgrade and the Polishveteran is unfazed by the change.
After Guskov accepted the short-notice bout against Ankalaev,Blachowicz was paired with Stirling. The former champion insistslittle has changed in his preparation.
"I am doing this all my life," Blachowicz said in a recentinterview. "It's a new opponent. I have a lot of respect for him,but it's just another fighter who I have to stop. I don't thinkabout this mess around because I don't want to waste energy forthat. Okay, it's a new opponent; that's it. We do small changes andwe are here to win the fight against him, or a different opponentdoesn't matter."
The upcoming matchup gives Blachowicz an opportunity to halt thelongest winless stretch of his UFC tenure. He has gone fourstraight outings without a victory and is coming off a majoritydraw against Guskov this past December. His last win came all theway back in May 2022 when he defeated AleksandarRakic.
He'll have his work cut out for him against the surging Stirling,who boasts a perfect 10-0 record.
#main #opponent
The former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight ******* leholderwas originally slated to rematch BogdanGuskov at UFC Belgrade on Aug. 1 in Serbia. However, those plans changedwhen Guskov was offered the UFC Abu Dhabi main event spot against MagomedAnkalaev following KhalilRountree's withdrawal.
As such, Blachowicz (29-11-2) will now square off against NavajoStirling in the new co-main event in Belgrade and the Polishveteran is unfazed by the change.
After Guskov accepted the short-notice bout against Ankalaev,Blachowicz was paired with Stirling. The former champion insistslittle has changed in his preparation.
"I am doing this all my life," Blachowicz said in a recentinterview. "It's a new opponent. I have a lot of respect for him,but it's just another fighter who I have to stop. I don't thinkabout this mess around because I don't want to waste energy forthat. Okay, it's a new opponent; that's it. We do small changes andwe are here to win the fight against him, or a different opponentdoesn't matter."
The upcoming matchup gives Blachowicz an opportunity to halt thelongest winless stretch of his UFC tenure. He has gone fourstraight outings without a victory and is coming off a majoritydraw against Guskov this past December. His last win came all theway back in May 2022 when he defeated AleksandarRakic.
He'll have his work cut out for him against the surging Stirling,who boasts a perfect 10-0 record.
#main #opponent
7 days ago
NavajoStirling believes KhamzatChimaev is a one-dimensional fighter.
After Chimaev suffered the first loss of his professional career,the hype surrounding the former Ultimate Fighting Championship champion has dampened. Stirlingrecently called him a "one-trick pony" and wants Chimaev to move upto light heavyweight so they can fight.
While Stirling acknowledges that Chimaev would bring much attentionto the 205-pound division, the unbeaten Kiwi wants to expose how"Borz" isn't a well-rounded fighter.
"I think he's a bit of a one-trick pony," Stirling told Full SendMMA. "I would love to fight him. I want to test my theory againstsomeone like that. I would love for some bigger names to come tothe division that could bring some hype."
Chimaev was undefeated and a massive betting favorite going intohis first middleweight ***** le defense against SeanStrickland at UFC 328 this past May. However, he visibly gassed out after afailed takedown attempt in the second round and completelyabandoned his wrestling thereafter.
Strickland then out-landed Chimaev on the feet en route to amassive upset win via split decision. UFC CEO DanaWhite later claimed that Chimaev had discussed a move up tolight heavyweight in the immediate aftermath of his firstprofessional loss. However, he has since been repeatedly callingfor a rematch against Strickland.
Meanwhile, Stirling has racked up five UFC wins, with two finishes,since making his Octagon debut in 2024. He is now scheduled tofight JanBlachowicz on less than three weeks' notice at UFC Belgrade on Aug. 1 in Serbia.
#trick
After Chimaev suffered the first loss of his professional career,the hype surrounding the former Ultimate Fighting Championship champion has dampened. Stirlingrecently called him a "one-trick pony" and wants Chimaev to move upto light heavyweight so they can fight.
While Stirling acknowledges that Chimaev would bring much attentionto the 205-pound division, the unbeaten Kiwi wants to expose how"Borz" isn't a well-rounded fighter.
"I think he's a bit of a one-trick pony," Stirling told Full SendMMA. "I would love to fight him. I want to test my theory againstsomeone like that. I would love for some bigger names to come tothe division that could bring some hype."
Chimaev was undefeated and a massive betting favorite going intohis first middleweight ***** le defense against SeanStrickland at UFC 328 this past May. However, he visibly gassed out after afailed takedown attempt in the second round and completelyabandoned his wrestling thereafter.
Strickland then out-landed Chimaev on the feet en route to amassive upset win via split decision. UFC CEO DanaWhite later claimed that Chimaev had discussed a move up tolight heavyweight in the immediate aftermath of his firstprofessional loss. However, he has since been repeatedly callingfor a rematch against Strickland.
Meanwhile, Stirling has racked up five UFC wins, with two finishes,since making his Octagon debut in 2024. He is now scheduled tofight JanBlachowicz on less than three weeks' notice at UFC Belgrade on Aug. 1 in Serbia.
#trick
7 days ago
NavajoStirling saw a fighter in shambles right before his Dana White's Contender Series bout.
Stirling earned his Ultimate Fighting Championship contract with a knockout win onContender Series in 2024. He was sharing the locker room withQuemuelOttoni, who was set to face KodySteele. Ottoni eventually didn't make the walk to the Octagonand Stirling has now detailed what happened behind the scenes.
Stirling (10-0) recently revealed that Ottoni (12-4) was aggressivetowards Steele, and even other fighters, throughout fight weekuntil the weigh-ins. However, the Brazilian's nerves got the betterof him right before stepping out for his bout and he allegedlystarted crying backstage, even ripping off his hand wraps multipletimes.
Cutman Brad Tate, who was in charge of wrapping Ottoni, refused torepeat it after a point. The bout was eventually called off andSteele won his contract in a later Contender Series outing.
"The guy that was on Contenders [Series] was probably the worstone," Stirling told Full Send MMA. "He was fighting Kody Steele. Hechoked out AlexPereira back in the day. I was in the locker room with him… Atthe weigh-ins, he is puffing his chest, he is even looking at me,like, 'You wanna go?' I'm like, 'Bro, save it for tomorrow.' He'sstaunching Kody Steele out at the weigh-ins. And I was thinking,'This is going to be a banger.' We get to the fight night and hejust started crying. He took his gloves off three or four times.They had to re-wrap his hands. I think he had cutman Tate. Thecutman said, 'F*ck this guy, I'm not wrapping his handsanymore.'"
Both Tate and Steele have confirmed Stirling's story about Ottoni,who had choked out UFC superstar Pereira in the latter'sprofessional MMA debut in 2015. Ottoni and Pereira's careers havetaken contrasting trajectories since. While Pereira went on tobecome a two-division champion, Ottoni is yet to make it out of theregional scene. He has fought only once since the Contender Seriesfiasco, suffering a first-round technical knockout loss.
Meanwhile, the undefeated Stirling already has five UFC wins to hisname. The Kiwi is now scheduled to face JanBlachowicz (29-11) on less than three weeks' notice at UFC Belgrade in Serbia on Aug. 1.
#steele #bout
Stirling earned his Ultimate Fighting Championship contract with a knockout win onContender Series in 2024. He was sharing the locker room withQuemuelOttoni, who was set to face KodySteele. Ottoni eventually didn't make the walk to the Octagonand Stirling has now detailed what happened behind the scenes.
Stirling (10-0) recently revealed that Ottoni (12-4) was aggressivetowards Steele, and even other fighters, throughout fight weekuntil the weigh-ins. However, the Brazilian's nerves got the betterof him right before stepping out for his bout and he allegedlystarted crying backstage, even ripping off his hand wraps multipletimes.
Cutman Brad Tate, who was in charge of wrapping Ottoni, refused torepeat it after a point. The bout was eventually called off andSteele won his contract in a later Contender Series outing.
"The guy that was on Contenders [Series] was probably the worstone," Stirling told Full Send MMA. "He was fighting Kody Steele. Hechoked out AlexPereira back in the day. I was in the locker room with him… Atthe weigh-ins, he is puffing his chest, he is even looking at me,like, 'You wanna go?' I'm like, 'Bro, save it for tomorrow.' He'sstaunching Kody Steele out at the weigh-ins. And I was thinking,'This is going to be a banger.' We get to the fight night and hejust started crying. He took his gloves off three or four times.They had to re-wrap his hands. I think he had cutman Tate. Thecutman said, 'F*ck this guy, I'm not wrapping his handsanymore.'"
Both Tate and Steele have confirmed Stirling's story about Ottoni,who had choked out UFC superstar Pereira in the latter'sprofessional MMA debut in 2015. Ottoni and Pereira's careers havetaken contrasting trajectories since. While Pereira went on tobecome a two-division champion, Ottoni is yet to make it out of theregional scene. He has fought only once since the Contender Seriesfiasco, suffering a first-round technical knockout loss.
Meanwhile, the undefeated Stirling already has five UFC wins to hisname. The Kiwi is now scheduled to face JanBlachowicz (29-11) on less than three weeks' notice at UFC Belgrade in Serbia on Aug. 1.
#steele #bout
7 days ago
BogdanGuskov has addressed his loss to MagomedAnkalaev.
Guskov (18-4-1) stepped up on 14 days' notice to replace KhalilRountree against Ankalaev (21-2-1) in the main event of theUltimate Fighting Championship's recent Fight Night in AbuDhabi. Guskov never quite found momentum as Ankalaev slowly andsteadily picked him apart. The former UFC champion eventually tookthe Uzbek contender down and finished him with ground-and-pound inthe final round.
Guskov apologized to his fans and thanked them for their unwaveringsupport. He vowed to bounce back stronger from his defeat atUFC Abu Dhabi.
"I'm sorry to everyone who believed in me," Guskov wrote on X."That night wasn't my night, but I'm grateful for everyone whostood behind me and supported me through this journey. Thank youfor all the kind words and messages. I'll learn from this, comeback stronger. I'm not done yet."
This was Guskov's first loss since a submission defeat in his UFCdebut in 2023. "Hitman" had bounced back from that result with afour-fight finishing streak before fighting JanBlachowicz to a draw last year.
#night #fight #stronger
Guskov (18-4-1) stepped up on 14 days' notice to replace KhalilRountree against Ankalaev (21-2-1) in the main event of theUltimate Fighting Championship's recent Fight Night in AbuDhabi. Guskov never quite found momentum as Ankalaev slowly andsteadily picked him apart. The former UFC champion eventually tookthe Uzbek contender down and finished him with ground-and-pound inthe final round.
Guskov apologized to his fans and thanked them for their unwaveringsupport. He vowed to bounce back stronger from his defeat atUFC Abu Dhabi.
"I'm sorry to everyone who believed in me," Guskov wrote on X."That night wasn't my night, but I'm grateful for everyone whostood behind me and supported me through this journey. Thank youfor all the kind words and messages. I'll learn from this, comeback stronger. I'm not done yet."
This was Guskov's first loss since a submission defeat in his UFCdebut in 2023. "Hitman" had bounced back from that result with afour-fight finishing streak before fighting JanBlachowicz to a draw last year.
#night #fight #stronger
10 days ago
It took years for Magomed Ankalaev to climb to the top of the light heavyweight mountain, and less than 90 seconds for his reign to end. There's no telling how long it will take him to make it back, but he takes his first steps to another championship opportunity at UFC Abu Dhabi.
Saturday's main event features Ankalaev in his first fight since a brutal knockout loss to rival Alex Pereira at UFC 320 this past October. Ankalaev was originally set to face Khalil Rountree Jr., but with Rountree forced to withdraw, in steps up-and-coming contender Bogdan Guskov. This is a change of plans for Guskov as well as he was lined up to rematch Jan Blachowicz at UFC Belgrade next week, only for the matchmakers to call upon him to save the UFC Abu Dhabi headliner.
For one reason or another, Ankalaev has seemingly never been a favorite of the UFC's shot-callers as it took a seven-year unbeaten streak for him to earn his first ******* le shot; now, he needs to stifle Guskov just to keep his spot in line. On the other side, Guskov is undefeated in his past five fights and suddenly finds himself with an opportunity to jump into the top 5 of the rankings.
Will it be status quo or a new face in the ******* le picture by the end of the weekend?
What: UFC Abu Dhabi
#guskov #steps #Opportunity #past
Saturday's main event features Ankalaev in his first fight since a brutal knockout loss to rival Alex Pereira at UFC 320 this past October. Ankalaev was originally set to face Khalil Rountree Jr., but with Rountree forced to withdraw, in steps up-and-coming contender Bogdan Guskov. This is a change of plans for Guskov as well as he was lined up to rematch Jan Blachowicz at UFC Belgrade next week, only for the matchmakers to call upon him to save the UFC Abu Dhabi headliner.
For one reason or another, Ankalaev has seemingly never been a favorite of the UFC's shot-callers as it took a seven-year unbeaten streak for him to earn his first ******* le shot; now, he needs to stifle Guskov just to keep his spot in line. On the other side, Guskov is undefeated in his past five fights and suddenly finds himself with an opportunity to jump into the top 5 of the rankings.
Will it be status quo or a new face in the ******* le picture by the end of the weekend?
What: UFC Abu Dhabi
#guskov #steps #Opportunity #past
22 days ago
Magomed Ankalaev has a new opponent for his UFC Abu Dhabi headlining bout.
The UFC announced Monday that Ankalaev (20-2-1, 1 NC) is now set to fight Bogdan Guskov (18-3-1), who steps in for Khalil Rountree in the July 25 main event, which takes place at Etihad Arena. The reason for Rountree's withdrawal was not disclosed, though according to Ankalaev, Rountree pulled out with an injury.
Guskov was previously scheduled to rematch Jan Blachowicz at UFC Belgrade on Aug. 1, but that fight is off the schedule once again after previously being postponed from UFC 328 due to a Blachowicz injury.
Following Monday's announcement, Blachowicz released a statement claiming he was the first choice to step in for Rountree, but didn't think he could make the light heavyweight limit in time, so Guskov was selected instead. He still aims to stay on the UFC Belgrade card.
A quick updated about my upcoming bout.
The UFC announced Monday that Ankalaev (20-2-1, 1 NC) is now set to fight Bogdan Guskov (18-3-1), who steps in for Khalil Rountree in the July 25 main event, which takes place at Etihad Arena. The reason for Rountree's withdrawal was not disclosed, though according to Ankalaev, Rountree pulled out with an injury.
Guskov was previously scheduled to rematch Jan Blachowicz at UFC Belgrade on Aug. 1, but that fight is off the schedule once again after previously being postponed from UFC 328 due to a Blachowicz injury.
Following Monday's announcement, Blachowicz released a statement claiming he was the first choice to step in for Rountree, but didn't think he could make the light heavyweight limit in time, so Guskov was selected instead. He still aims to stay on the UFC Belgrade card.
A quick updated about my upcoming bout.
