The 27-year-old light heavyweight claimed his place on the roster with a second-round stoppage win over Philip Latu on Season 8, joining teammates Israel Adesanya, Dan Hooker, and Carlos Ulberg, who headlines this weekend’s event in Perth opposite Dominick Reyes. Stirling made a quick turnaround to claim a victory in his promotional debut three months later against Tuco Tokkos. Earlier this year, the undefeated prospect picked up his second straight victory inside the Octagon and seventh consecutive win overall by registering a unanimous decision victory over Ivan Erslan at UFC 315 in Montreal.
Much of what was said above in regard to Nolan applies to Stirling as well, as he has good size, solid power, and a quality base as he ventures into the always tricky light heavyweight division. He’s also surrounded by an outstanding team that knows how to cultivate a contender, having help steer Ulberg from the Contender Series to headlining this weekend. As is the case with so many graduates from the annual 10-week fall series, Stirling just needs more reps, as he’s only seven fights into his MMA career and is still learning how to put everything together and play to his strengths inside the Octagon.
READ: Standouts From Dana White’s Contender Series, Season 8
Saturday night, he steps in with fellow DWCS grad Rodolfo Bellato in what should be a quality measuring stick moment for the New Zealander.
Bellato claimed his place on the roster the season prior to Stirling with a second-round stoppage win over then-unbeaten prospect Murtaza Talha and has since gone unbeaten over one of the strangest three-fight runs to open a UFC career in recent memory. He rallied to defeat Ihor Potieria in his debut in December 2023 and battled Jimmy Crute to a draw in his sophomore appearance before his fight with Paul Craig in mid-June was ruled a no contest after Bellato was hit with an illegal kick while grounded, which prompted a very odd reaction by the Brazilian.
All that aside, he’s still unbeaten when facing anyone other than Vitor Petrino, who has beaten him twice, and is riding a six-fight unbeaten streak into this weekend’s pairing with Stirling. His edge in experience make him a good dance partner for the CKB man on Saturday. How things play out will go a long way in determining what comes next for Stirling as he continues trying to work ahead in the 205-pound ranks.
Alexia Thainara
Thainara is the third DWCS grad in this triumvirate and second member of the illustrious Class of ’24 highlighted this week. She heads into her second start of her rookie campaign looking to build on a bonus-winning effort in her debut.