Stirling prepares for tough test against Blachowicz at UFC Belgrade
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 28, 2026, 7:00 AM
Last updated Jul 28, 2026
Navajo Stirling is set to face Jan Blachowicz in the co-main event of UFC Belgrade on August 1, 2026. Stirling, unbeaten in his professional career, steps in on short notice following Blachowicz's original opponent withdrawal. Having recently returned from vacation in Japan, where he described his time as a 'massive bender', Stirling is looking to leverage his youth and recent training to challenge the former Light Heavyweight champion. This matchup represents a significant step up in competition for the 28-year-old Kiwi, who has secured five consecutive UFC victories.
- •Stirling and Blachowicz fight in the co-main event of UFC Belgrade.
- •Stirling is unbeaten with five straight UFC wins.
- •Blachowicz was originally booked against Bogdan Guskov.
- •Stirling accepted the fight shortly after returning from vacation.
- •The fight takes place on August 1, 2026.
- 7:00 AMYahoo Sports — Upset Alert? Stirling Facing Blachowicz ‘Off A Massive Bender’
"Navajo Stirling will face the toughest test of his promising young career versus Jan Blachowicz. Stirling will take on the former Light Heavyweight champion this weekend (Sat., Aug. 1, 2026) in the co-main event of UFC Belgrade. The 28-year-old Kiwi is unbeaten as a professional and has won five straight UFC bouts, including stoppage wins […]
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