MMA
‘Just cemented himself as a contender’: Pros react to Navajo Stirling’s stunning knockout over Jan Blachowicz at UFC Belgrade
Published
3 months agoon
Navajo Stirling has arrived.
The undefeated light heavyweight contender made a major statement in Saturday's UFC Belgrade co-main event, scoring a first-round knockout over former UFC champion and current top 10 contender Jan Blachowicz. Stirling entered Belgrade Arena as a significant favorite, but still had a tall hill to climb given that Blachowicz represented a considerable step up in competition for the New Zealand prospect.
However, Stirling made it look easy, needing less than three minutes to hurt Blachowicz on the feet and finish him with heavy ground-and-pound. Stirling looks like the real deal at 205 pounds, though his title hopes are complicated by the UFC light heavyweight title currently being around the waist of City Kickboxing teammate Carlos Ulberg.
Pros were wowed by Stirling's win and no matter who he faces next, he does so as a legitimate threat to win the gold.
“Dang, Stirling just cemented himself as a contender,†former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad wrote on Twitter.
See more social media reactions from the pros below.
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MMA
Movsar Evloev warns Alexander Volkanovski: He hasnt beaten anyone like me
Published
2 hours agoon
October 23, 2026
Evloev says he has pushed himself harder than ever ahead of his
first UFC title shot.
Evloev (20-0) is scheduled to challenge Alexander
Volkanovski (28-4) for the
Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight title at
UFC 333 on Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Ahead of the
bout, the unbeaten Russian discussed how his preparations have
differed from previous training camps.
Movsar Evloev details toughest training camp ahead of Alexander
Volkanovski title fight at UFC 333
Evloev said he increased his workload across all aspects of
training to address any potential weaknesses. He believes that
preparation will help him showcase his abilities in Saturday's main
event.
“This preparation is different just because I pushed more than
ever,†Evloev said in a pre-fight interview. “And we did more of
everything to make sure we didn't miss anything. He hasn't beaten
anyone like me. There's many things that make me special, like
unique. And I'm about to show it Saturday.â€
Evloev has long been considered a leading featherweight contender,
with Volkanovski acknowledging him as the most deserving
challenger. However, Diego Lopes
received a title rematch against Volkanovski earlier this year
before Evloev earned his opportunity. The Russian's lack of UFC
finishes has fueled debate about his wait for a championship bout,
though the promotion has not established it as the reason for the
delay.
“This is the moment I’ve been waiting for.”
Movsar
Evloev (@MovsarUFC) discusses his journey to the title shot and
his title fight matchup against champ Alexander
Volkanovski @VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi |
@ParamountPlus https://t.co/fWuJJ7I2sz— UFC News (@UFCNews)
October 21, 2026
MMA
UFC 333 prop odds: Krylov-Yakhyaev favored for fastest finish
Published
20 hours agoon
October 22, 2026
MMA
Arman Tsarukyan attacks Dillon Danis igniting near riot at RAF 14 press conference
Published
21 hours agoon
October 22, 2026
Arman Tsarukyan was clarly not amused by Dillon Danis' choice of apparel at the RAF 14 press conference on Thursday.
After exchanging plenty of trash talk in a calm manner, Danis stood to show off his t-shirt when asked what he was wearing. Danis, who is never short on controversy, revealed he was wearing a customized shirt featuring Tsarukyan's teammate and friend Khamzat Chimaev.
“It says Khamzat's my bitch,†Danis responded. “And it has a picture with him without a beard.â€
A second later, Tsarukyan stood from his seat and charged at Danis looking to either silence the always outspoken grappling veteran or perhaps to take the shirt off him.
Whatever the reason, Tsarukyan's mad dash at Danis ignited a huge brawl as dozens of people charged the stage either in support of the fighters or security trying to keep them separated.
The melee nearly tore down the stage as RAF officials attempted to gain control of the situation with Danis and Tsarukyan looking for punches rather than takedowns.
When RAF officials finally gained control of the situation, the stage was cleared for the customary faceoffs but needles to say Tsarukyan and Danis did not appear again.
Tsarukyan and Danis meet in the RAF 14 main event on Friday, which kicks off at 9 p.m. ET with full coverage on MMA Fighting.
Movsar Evloev warns Alexander Volkanovski: He hasnt beaten anyone like me
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