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.
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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.
